I had to face the same issue last month...my boys were never home alone and now I have to leave them by themselves when I go to work. Fortunately, most of my days are only short periods at a time...2-4 hours and I can come home and check on them...but it still kills me to leave them.
It's taken mine a bit to adjust. Thank goodness I adopted my 2nd yorkie to keep my older guy company because I think it really does help. My older guy had an upset stomach and separation anxiety the first few days, but I really tried to instill a routine and I made sure I still gave them lots of attention and affection when I was home and I also made sure they got their walks that they were used to...even if I had to get up earlier to do it.
They have totally regressed with potty training....they are used to going out when they ask, not when they have to...so I've cleaned up lots of accidents....but amazingly, they've done really good with eating, which has been my main worry as they are picky eaters.
I purchased a nanny camera that I am going to hook up to my phone so I can check in on them when I am gone...and I've also looked into having pet sitters.
For me, it wasn't a tough decision to go to work...it's just hard to leave them. If I don't go to work, I won't be able to put a roof over my head or food on my table for me or the boys. Everybody keeps telling me that they are dogs and they will be fine....and maybe they are right, but it still doesn't feel good to walk out the door and leave them. I am really hoping the nanny cam will help me feel better. Hopefully, I will look in and they will just be snoozing on the couch all day waiting for my return!! |