I can understand your dilema, my greyhound suffered from seperation anxiety also tho it only lasted until I could crate her and unforunately I still don't trust her to be out of the crate while I am @ work.
My dog groomer actually dogsits a dog for a client every day while the lady goes and teaches @ school. She charges like $8-10 a day, but I also live in a small rural town area.
I have heard of using the interactive dog toys or sterile bones stuffed with peanut butter to give them something to do.
GOOD LUCK!