leaving my dog

Question
I have recently started a new job. I have left our dauchund-shelty breed dog home in her kennel and come home at lunch time to let her our and feed her because during the summer we were gone so much that she started having diareah, and vomiting that ceased when we started staying home more.  We figured out that was what was causing it.  We adopted her from a shelter and she was abused badly by her past owners and though she is somewhat better she is still very anxious and from the start had a problem w/vomiting bile.  Some times I will be working far enough away from home that it will not be possible to come home and let her out and it makes me sad to think I will have to leave her in her kennel for 7 1/2 hrs a day.  I have been home for the past 2 years .  Do you have any ideas on alternatives so that I can make her happy also and w/the diareah and bile problems?

Answer
Hi Connie,
I live in Chicago with numerous dog walkers and kennels. I would recommend a reputable dog walker or neighbor, if available. Other then taking her to work with you, there aren't too many other options.

To get her more comfortable being alone when you are at work, you should make sure she is not with you all the time when you are home. She needs to learn how to be left alone.

You can also increase the exercise and training when you are with her, which will cause  her to be more tired and less anxious.

With the health issues, you should call your vet and ask about that.

Good luck,
Jeff