leaving a 9 year old dog home alone

Question
I have a 9 yr old yorkie-poodle mix. He stayed at home with my mother who was ill and almost never left the house until 4 yrs ago, when she passed away.The dog has never been home alone. He has always had human companionship. Since her death, i have been dropping the dog off at my son's house everytime we go out,which includes work and extracurricular activities, but that is beginning to become a problem since a new baby is on the way in their house, and they already have 2 dogs of their own.  I absolutely refuse to leave the dog alone, often breaking plans with friends b/c my son will not take the dog.  When left alone, the dog hyperventilates and goes crazy and can't breathe. I know he will get sick and die if we try to leave him for even a little while. I don't want another dog because when this one passes away, i realize i don't have the lifestyle for a dog.  My question, Is the dog really going to die if I try to leave it?
Can a 9 yr old dog learn to be left home alone?
Do you have any suggestions, please advise.

Mo

Answer
Hi Mo;
You are right, he certainly is in danger of dieing if left alone, since he has this nervous condition.
I think it would be easier for the dog to adjust to another household.
If this is something you would consider, you could contact the Humane Society, your Veterinarian, and animal rescue groups to find a good new home for him, perhaps with an older person like your mother.
He seems to have been happy with her.
Some of the nerves could very well be grief over losing your mother.
Many older persons living alone would love to have a well trained small dog they could have for companionship. They seldom have the energy to raise and take care of a young and active puppy. A dog to just be a companion to them is often a God-send to them.
You might even find someone who would just like to baby sit him while you are out. If they do not feel able to have one in permanent residence.
It is possible to teach an older new things, but I would be concerned about the hyperventilating. That could very well kill him.
I use anmimal massage with great success in helping dogs over fears etc, but this dog sounds like his problem is too severe to take a chance with him.
Charlotte