Home Alone

Dear Dog Lady,

In January this year I adopted a one year old black Lab, whom I call Shadow. He's amazing and has brought so much joy and love to my life, it's unbelievable. Since I am single and working long hours, he spends about 5 hours in the morning and about 5 more in the afternoon, alone at home. I go home during lunch break to feed him and take him out.

He seems to sleep during most of the day, even on Sundays when I am home. He always seems happy and is very sweet natured and obedient, though extremely mischievous and playful too. But though he seems mentally and emotionally healthy, I am still consumed by guilt about whether he's spending too much time alone. Is he? Will this process change him for worse? Please reply. Thank you in advance.

Alpa, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Alpa, the Shadow knows. Your dog sounds as if he has accommodated himself perfectly to your schedule. He's not acting out and destroying the house when you're gone. He's not barking and causing your neighbors to complain. He seems emotionally healthy. Dogs close down when their humans are not home and they sleep a lot. Well-balanced canines adjust around their humans' hours.

The guilt you feel is understandable, but rest assured the dog is content. Your demanding schedule will not change Shadow for the worse because it's become his schedule. As you note, Shadow snoozes a lot on weekends. If you notice any strange changes in his behavior, however, you might worry.

Until then, simply stick to your routine and make sure you provide your pet plenty of quality playtime whenever you can. Also, don't make a fuss when you leave or return home. Without fanfare, Shadow will continue to be peaceful around your comings and goings. You may be aware of how many hours you spend away from your dog, but, for Shadow, the clock stands still until you come back home to him.

Posted by Dog Lady at August 3, 2004 09:05 AM