Chica has separation anxiety also.She is almost 3 years old. She has torn up the carpet also, trying to get out of the bedroom, to look for me. So I never let her stay alone in the house anywhere except the kitchen.I have a safe place in the kitchen with no carpet, only tile flooring. Entrances to kitchen are gated. doors to pots and pans etc., are safety latched. She has her bed, food and water.Don't make it a big deal ever, when you leave the house! And when you return, don't make a big fuss! Just let the dog out of the room, and take her or him for a walk.