I have a 4th month old female Ritzie Britches. I leave around 8:00 and don't get home until 5:30 or so. I live to far, to go home at lunch. My husband once in awhile stops at the house b/c he is a rancher, but not very often. Although he is also not a dog lover, but sympathizes with her being crated. Unfortunately, my first yorkie Gidget had a horrible accident because my husband chained her outside. I lost her, but he let me have another. I was able to pad train Ritzie( i got Gidget when she was almost a year and she was trained to potty outside, sometimes). Since Ritzie is pad trained for the most part, now has run of 2 rooms. We started her in the crate and my husband didn't like it, so he allows her to run in the kitchen, living room, & utility room. That has worked out alot better. I don't feel near as bad as I did her being in the crate for hours upon hours. I wish things could have been this way with Gidget and she would still be here, but I have to look at the bright side I wouldn't have Ritzie Britches. She sleeps most of the day and has toys to play with. Although when I get home she gets my undivided attention, if we go somewhere she goes with us, as long as dogs are allowed. She also sleeps with us. So I think she gets lots of attention. On saturdays she loves me being home but she sleeps alot during the day, that is how I know she sleeps while I am at work. Hope this gives you some ideas, I wouldn't trade my Ritzie for the anything. She and Gidget have both brought so much joy and excitement to my life, I can't wait to get home everyday and play her. Good luck on your decision.
