I think a lot of people have to work and since most workplaces aren't very accomodating towards dogs, many dogs end up staying at the house for long periods of time. It sounds as though you already have one day where she is with your mom, so that's great!
Have you thought about daycare for one or two days a week? Many reputable companies offer daycare and some (like mine) have two-way windows where you can pop in anytime and watch your baby play(like during lunch break)!
My baby goes twice a week to day care and loves every minute of it. When we get out of the car to drop her off, she pulls me to the door and can't wait to see all her friends. It makes it a lot easier to leave her when she is so happy to go to daycare! She stays inside all day, so no worries about escaping, and it is at my vet's office so I trust that they can take care of her if she gets sick or something. I can't tell you what a relief it is when she is there because I know she is having a great time and she is SAFE.
