I have two Yorkies and they are with me as much as possible....my time with them is much too precious to pass up unless I have to do things where they really can not be with me. I do have a busy season which I imagine is a little emotionally hard for them but I do need to feed , cloth and keep them safe and happy so gotta work. But even during that time I still spend just about all my free time with them..even more so. When I am at work they have the whole kitchen to themselves...they have their toys and water and each other till I get home. I really feel sorry for your sisters Yorkies being that she crates them all day...I could so never do that to my two best friends and babies. So much so that I am buying a house so that they can also have a yard to run around in. I don't mean to be judgemental I am no expert but I can't see confining a dog...jmho.
If you are crazy I am right up there with you
Tina