Dear Petey,

My goodness, it sounds like you must be one stressed out little pooch and your human isn't really making things easier- on either of you!

Does your human make a fuss over you whenever he leaves the house or comes back home?  That probably adds to your confusion and distress.  He should never make a big deal out of leaving (Oh, Petey! You're such a good boy, I'm going to miss you so much today.  Kiss, kiss, hug, hug...) because that only makes you feel more insecure that he may not come back.  Same goes for when he returns home!  He shouldn't rush to you saying how much he missed you, or worse, reprimand you for whatever you've chewed on or torn up. 

We dogs don't really understand why we are getting yelled at.  We do a great job of looking guilty, which apparently makes our humans think that we really understand why they're yelling.  We only make those sad faces because we want them to stop yelling and go back to loving, hugging, and tummy-rubbing us!  Plus, it's kind of confusing when they point at the torn up pillow and try to shame us.  What?  We didn't make enough of a mess for you?  We tore the pillow in the wrong place?  We should have torn up more??  It's baffling!

Your person might want to consider confining you to a crate (big enough for you to stand up, make a full turn, and lie down in) or baby-gated area.  Maybe you need a "safety zone" because his house is just too big and empty feeling for you when he's away.  He should give you a nice, smelly, worn-in tee shirt to be your security blanket.  That way you might not feel so alone, and by the time you wake up from your nice nap, he'll be home from work!  There is also a great product called Rescue® Remedy.  Lots of my doggie friends use it and think it really "takes the edge off"!

Good Luck to you and your person, Petey!

Wags & Licks,
Fido

*Pawst Script- Humans, your furry friend might have more serious anxiety issues, in which case this "quick fix" won't work at all. Please contact your vet, local animal shelter or rescue group for some helpful counseling!  No one, human or animal, needs to live with such stress in their life!