I don't know if we're going to come home from the shelter with Aspen today, or if we'll be traveling downstate to meet Essy - but if we do come home with Aspen, I know we'll be dealing with her separation anxiety.

Her last owners brought her back to the shelter because of her destructive behavior.

I have done a search for "separation anxiety" and read a lot of the information already posted on this forum, but I have a few more questions.

If she has separation anxiety and needs to feel safe while I'm away, would it be best to cover the crate with a blanket or something or to leave it open?

Max sleeps beside my bed every night. I have set up the crate downstairs in the dining room. Whichever dog comes to live with me, she's going to be sleeping in the crate at least for a while. Do you think that it would be better to have the crate in my room?

I have a friend who works at the local iron ore docks, all alone in a little office, with long boring hours. He was thinking of bringing my new dog to work with him several days a week to keep him company all day. I would drop her off to him in the morning and he would bring her home to me in the evenings. At work, she would rarely be alone - only for a few minutes at a time, and there isn't anything chewable in the office. Everything in the office is concrete or metal, except for the cushion on one of the chairs (and the doggie bed which I'll put in the office, in the hopes that it won't be chewed to bits!). I'm thinking that if I leave some rawhides etc., she might get used to chewing on toys and leave other things alone when she is at home. What do you think of this idea?

And one more question - should I attempt to exhaust her with a lot of exercise before I crate her and leave? I'm thinking that might hell.

Any opinions are welcome! In 3 1/2 hours we will find out if Aspen is fated to come home with us or if Essy will be making the long trip up here! I'm not even going to suggest Aspen to my son - I'll just take it as a sign if he is drawn in by her personality as much as I am.