Dogs don't like change. Mine are kind of an exception since I have no fixed schedule, so every day is different. They seem to have gotten used to it and take it stride.

Taking her for her walks may help. Of course you are about to go through a big change with her, and when you move she will spend some time examining the new diggs. It might help when you do that to drop off in various places, some of her favorite treats.

I discovered something tonight. I forgot about the superior noses our kids have and the fact that a mammals favorite food is EGGS! I hard boiled several eggs and once they cooled, I was peeling one. I mean they were about to take over. Normally in the kitchen they wait for crumbs, but this time it was all they could do to keep from counter surfing.

I went into the LR to eat my egg while watching TV. I though Princess was going to crawl into my lap to get that egg from me. They were sorely disappointed when I ate all of it, her begging eyes and Reds rivers of drool not withstanding.

That reminds me, you can always try bribery with a favorite food. She is bound to have some treat she goes after with a vengance.

I mean, if I pull out an Oinkey, my duo just goes very crazy, of course they don't know last long with those teeth.

Gee, Kate, I wish I could think of some suggestions but my mind is blank.  I guess I would take her with you whenever possible when you go out.  I think she needs to learn this new routine.  I know she came to you a year ago, but I can't remember if it was during summer recess.  If so, I think she was so forlorn about her puppies that missing Mike really wasn't on her radar yet.  She had a routine and then it changed when summer came, much to her liking.  Hopefully, she just needs to get used to a new schedule and feeling comfortable that Mike will come home every night.  It's terrible to see them depressed; it really tugs at your heart.  It would be the same if Mike were home and you were gone til night.  She will be okay; I think she just needs to adapt to a new routine. I don't know what you have around you and I know you have a lot on your plate, but maybe for now or in the future, could she be a therapy dog?  She seems like she loves the attention and she is so good with people.  Keep us posted on how you are both doing.

i've heard about this many times with teachers...  sofia got used to him being around all the time, now poof, he's disapeared!!  She doesn't understand he went to work, she just thinks he left! I bet next year it would help if you kinda "weened" her off mike a lil bit before school starts, it will be a much easier transition for all.

Kate, maybe she is just "hanging out" which you are interpreting as her being depressed.  If she really were pining for Mike, I would think she would be glued to him or wanting his undivided attention when he gets home. I had to kind of reassess lately how I have been feeling about and relating to Ginger.  I used to think if she wasn't bouncing around or acting manic to some degree that she was "depressed." And I used to relate that way to her.  When I'd come home, I'd be hyper excited to greet her and would whip her into a frenzy because I interpreted that as her being "happy."  Like I was reminded by some of our friends here, the most balanced state she can be in is calm.  I think they display spurts of activity, but then most of the time they sleep (with one eye and ear open), or just hang out.  I hope this makes you feel better, anyway! 

I've had a few dobes, tho it's been a while...thinking back, remembering how very sensitive they can be to our moods, intuitive..

how are you feeling about Mike not being around?  Any possibility she's picking up on your vibes?

I would go through this with my chihuahua -- with my boyfriend.  I had Miles for 5 years before I met Eli and Miles was really adapted to my student schedule of sometimes home, sometimes not.  And sometimes I'd have to be gone for 8-9 hours without getting home to him.. he took it all in stride.  Then he met Eli and fell madly in love.  Eli has a fairly normal work schedule and would be home before me most days.. playing ball, giving attention, etc.  The first time Eli went out of town (he does this often now) for a month.. Miles was DESPONDENT.  Oh the sulking!! He wouldn't even be bothered to come and greet me when I came home.. I was the boring one.

It took time but he eventually got used to the comings and goings.  There still is some sulking when Eli's gone but hey - we both sulk a little.

Has Sofia gotten better about Mike being absent?  I think there were some great suggestions here.. its a bummer when they get super bonded and their buddy isn't around like they want them to be.