You're doing a great job and we all understand how overwhelming and stressful it can be! I had had dogs before, but Star was my first puppy. I was a complete wreck!!!!! I was convinced I was going to screw up her puppyhood and make a mess of her little brain. That first night, when I felt I could leave her for an hour or so, I heard her crying in her crate from the driveway and I just couldn't leave! I ran back in the house and held her! Ugh! But, after that first slip, I stuck to my guns and folllowed all the advice given to me by my vet, other doggie parents, puppy training books, etc. Don't be so hard on yourself; you and Gigi are doing great! It's hard to hear them cry but as long as you know she's physically ok, just try to bite the bullet and not let it upset you. She will be ok and at some point she will come to realize that you WILL be coming back And we all would love to spend more time with them, but as you say, you're doing what you have to provide a comforable home for you two and I'm sure you make up for your absence when you get home! Let us know how the dinner date with the Schnauzer pup goes! Hang in there, Mom! Sandra