[kbumpus]

here's what i do with kayden...
she stays in the bathroom and hallway when we're gone...blocked off by a gate.
i put her gate up and fix 'her room' while she watches. i put her toys, bed, crate, food, and water in while she watches. i always hide a treat in her bed and crate.
she actually cries to get in now...it only took a couple days of this.
i leave a radio on in the bathroom...and the hall light on so it's not too dark.
then i get my things gathered up for work an put my coat on. as soon as she sees this...she gets soooo excited.
i don't make a big deal of leaving...just pick her up...give her a quick smooch...an set her in 'her room'...as i say 'ready to go to your room?'
it's a routine...and she has it down. she never cries...in fact she's happy when this all goes down.

i also don't make a big deal when i come home. i set all my things down while she's still in 'her room' and then i undo her gate and let her out.

hope this help you.
good luck
kelli