Dog Mommy Guilt

So, ever since I have had Wrigley, I have been unemployed and basically, a stay at home dog mom. I love spending the day with my boy, but I recently found a job I am starting on Monday. I feel so incredibly guilty leaving him. I left for just a few hours today and came home to him just sitting on the couch looking bored. Luckily, I will be able to come home for lunch to take him out and refresh the water bowl, but I will miss him so much!

Any advice on how to cope with our first real separation? Any ideas on new toys to get for him so he isn't as bored?

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Comment by Carolyn, Silas & Barnaby on August 21, 2009 at 5:42pm: Hi Jeny!

I think it's wonderful how much you love Wrigley. I feel the same way about my boys. Since most dogs love routines, I would start in on a routine where when you leave and when you get home each day (and at your lunch break) you do something with Wrigley that he loves. A walk, combined with playing with his favorite toy, favorite food etc. Then Wrigley will start to associate you leaving or coming home, not with you being away, but with "Oh yea! Now mommy is home and we are going to do the doggie thing I love."

This will also make things easier on you — you'll have a happy dog when you leave and when you get home, because he will be anticipating your mommy-doggie time. And... hopefully this will help you to feel better / not as guilty! Or, at least a little bit better :) (I soooo understand, I miss my boys too whenever I am away!)

Comment by Jeny (and Wrigley) on August 21, 2009 at 4:34pm: That sounds like a good idea! I will try to take him for walks before and after work. I live about 2 minutes from a dog park, that that is a great option. I guess I am more worried about missing him more than he will miss me lol!

Comment by Carlie on August 21, 2009 at 4:32pm: I'm going through the same thing, because I was in Grad school for 2 years, and have been home since we got Kiwi, and since we got Orzo. I finally found a job that is starting up on Monday as well. My husband and I hired a dog walker, which it doesn't sound like you'll need one. We also bought both dogs Buster Cubes, to leave them with something when we leave in the a.m. Additionally, we have the dog walker give them a prepared treat (a kong filled with plain, fat-free yogurt, or something similar). We've noticed that if we take them for about a 30 minute walk in the morning, and then one when we get home from work and even try to bring them to the dog park (they have so much energy), they are ok...whew...the things we do for our dogs! Don't worry...I'm convinced that they sleep all day and store up their energy until I walk in the door :). Hope it goes well!