i'm not a dog psychologist, Jan, but it's entirely possible that little miss Belle is picking up on your distress... it's not like she has many ways to show her emotions, and like children, pets often misbehave in ways we find entirely inappropriate. it's too bad you cannot take her out with you, when you go, as i imagine being home alone is not the optimal environment. you don't know what goes one when you're not there, with the neighbors and other frightening noises....

i just hope she gets over these feelings and behaviors soon~! and that you, too, find healing and help.