[gemy]

Both of you are accountants - why not think about some exchange of services? In your new area, are their folks who would like to dog-sit for you? And you could do their tax returns; this way you would not outlay a lot of money.

I also am of the opinion that closet might be okay for part of the day; but at night time why not your bedroom in a nice play pen or crate? Razzle spends the winter months in his crate on hubby's side of the bed, and warm months on my side (which is by the window).

Our big dogs (well when I had 2) would and did change positions during the night, one always by my side of bed, the other by our bedroom door. They are simply too big to allow in the bed and get too hot on the bed.lol.

I do understand some folks don't want to sleep or have dogs on the bed at all; to each his own in this respect. But dogs are indeed pack members and do best sleeping with their pack.

Now this dog is spending way too much time alone - poor thing. Deprived of both human and perhaps other doggy company. You really need to consider a good pet walker and sitter. I don't with the hours you b oth are working, think that a day care could offer sitting until 8 or 9pm at night. Not sure but it is something you could investigate.

I think the whining and crying at night would be solved - if she had a spot by your bed - her own bedding and crate or xpen or play pen. This way everyone gets a good night's sleep.

Consider your options. Also consider the health and well-being of your dog. Perhaps what is best for your pooch is to consider re-homing her to folks, who can spend much more time with her.

My Yorkie is not quite the velcro dog, that others seem to be; how-ever he has other dogs to play with; and mostly the pups like to be in the room that I am in. Partially because he came into our home with 2 large dogs, so he learnt that the premium place to be is on Mom's feet - cause that is where the big dogs lie. He is also (and the only one) the spoilt brat that is allowed on the furniture. I have blankets on the furniture because he likes the warmth of the blankets. They also are easy to wash, and when company comes to take off the furniture. So this could be an option for you and your fiance.

Still for me I drive home at lunch, spend a few hours with the pups, walk/play train, some days grooming et al. I return to work, and am home about 8ish. But other family members are home starting from 4pm on. So the doggies are only alone for maybe 4 and 2hrs per day. Even still with folks home, always the dogs are at the window waiting for me to return home. Then every-one settles in for the evening.

I guess my whole point is, your dog is used to being a family member, part of the day to day life of her home. This change you have created for her, is a huge change! Alone for what 14 hrs a day? No exercise, no company. Not much of a life for her. I do hope you consider providing some stimulation for her during those very long alone hours.