Yesterday was the first day I went to work since Tania headed off on the train to Vancouver. Yesterday was also the first day that Sera Dog had to amuse herself for near 10 hours. She did swimingly; no surprises for me other than a dog who greeted me more exuberantly than normal, wagging and bouncing, and ready to go outside.

Today was not as good a day. Surprises of all sorts! Dog was not in evidence when the door opened, when normally she’s waiting patiently when the elevator door opens and I unlock the door. I had to call her a couple times to convince her to come to the door. She came, panting in an exaggerated fashion. She had a bowl still full with water, and an untouched bowl of food. She wasn’t hungry or dehydrated; just extremely anxious.

She’s used to one or both of us being here most of the day, everyday, with only short breaks of alone time for dog. Reading up on separation anxiety in dogs… She’s happy now, ready to follow me from room to room. I’m having her stop and stay in one room while I’m in another, hopefully reinforcing that we can be apart for short periods of time. I’m sitting on the couch, typing on the laptop, and dog’s very heavy head is resting on my knee.