When your dog is home alone and terrified

Being alone is not natural for dogs. But with a little training, they can get used to it. — Christin Klose/dpa

Life is increasingly confusing for Ella. The 12-year-old dog belonged to an elderly couple, and she was never left alone. At an advanced age, she now has to learn to be alone for the first time. Her master has died and, although her mistress is still there, she sometimes has to go shopping or to the doctor.

And Ella then stays home alone. That’s a tragedy for the dog and stressful for her owner. Whenever possible, she sneaks out of the house while the dog is sleeping, hoping it won’t wake up before she returns.