I had the same problem with the first of my two chi's, Chiquita. When I would leave for a few hours and come back, she was whimpering and looking up at me like, "I was so sad and lonely and scared!" After MUCH deliberation, I did get a friend for her; in fact, they were already friends. Vana was from the same rescue shelter and were fostered together for a week. It has made a world of difference for Chiquita. Now she's happy to see me when I get back, as is Vana, but it's clear she was okay while I was gone. So if you can do it, it might really be the solution. Anyway, it was for Chiquita!