[alaskayorkie]

I agree with some of the advice given here. Try to find someone who you can leave him with on those long days. If you're anything like I was in college, you don't have a lot of money to toss around on doggie daycare, which is the ideal situation. But there's got to be someone you trust who would love to have a little guy around for a few hours a few days a week. Just being around people is better than sitting home alone.

I don't want to bum you out or try to make this sound like a lecture. I've been there, done that with dogs. But they do thrive on stimulation. They're pack animals, and when their pack is gone for 13 hours a day and they're sleeping another 8 hours a day, it makes for a boring life. Their personality, if not their health, is going to suffer.

If nothing else, make the time you do spend with him quality time. Walks, teaching tricks, playing with toys, etc. A little intellectual stimulation goes a long way.

That said, you have to take care of yourself, too. Do what's best for you and try your best to do what's best for your dog.

Good luck. I can tell you care very much about Tobey.