This is just an update. I agree with everybody who says Duchess is beautiful, but then I'm a bit biased. She seems to be getting better but she's still very excited to see us return. I had to go out today and left the kids and the dog with a sitter. She was happy to see me when I returned but in the beginning she would go crazy even if she was at home with the rest of the family. A step in the right direction?

I'm still a little confused at if she thinks she's the alpha and she has to take care of me why does she listen to everything else I request of her? Most of what I've read about separation anxiety and dominate dogs is the dog exhibits destructive behavior. She's not at all destructive except when the gardeners are around. She just goes absolutely nuts when we come home. I know that she's getting better about this as well because it takes her longer to realize we're even home. In other words she's not sleeping in the window with one ear perked for the sound of the car. Am I right to assume that she's improving or am I reading more into the situation. Also her craziness doesn't seem to last as long.

Cindy, who thinks she's having trouble making a coherant statement.