So my husband and I have a dauchound. The only reason I agreed to it is because my husband is unable to work and so he would be able to be home with him all day. Well a family emergency has come up and my husband will be out of town for a month. I leave for work at 6a and usually don't get back until 5p. That means poor Zeus is stuck in his cage the whole time. He does very well, so far no accidents. But I wonder what this will do to his mental health. I always try and run him a few minutes before and after he goes in the cage. I can't afford someone to walk him or a doggie daycare so my question is... how much damage will this month do to him. I am feeling terrible.

Some problems don't have a good answer. If there was an easy, obvious one, you would have found it. This is going to be difficult for him. However, he does seem to be adapting to it. It would be much better if you could at least find a neighbor to give him a mid day break.

I thought about asking my brother in law who lives right next door but he has alcohol problems and we had to remove a dog from his care. I just don't trust him even though it is just walking my pet I am afraid something could happen. I just don't want my little guy to be more needier than he already is.

Some vet offices offer Doggy Daycare (petsmart does too). I don't know how much this costs, but it could be an option.

You are in a better position to judge your BIL than I am. You are also better able to judge your ability to afford doggy day care than anybody here. If your husband can't work, you may have high medical expenses too. I read your whole question and am not going to add to the pressure you are feeling.

I was hoping maybe there would be a retired couple that has a dog that you could trust or even ones that just seem to enjoy seeing your dog.