It's a tough life spending all day with your human...

I finally heard back from the property manager regarding the possibility of having Chloe live with me and it was a yes (though with conditions)! Chloe can stay as long as my roommates and my neighbors do not raise any complaints during her time there.  When I first checked out the place, I was informed that the property next door had a dog and learned that it was outside the majority of the day (probably owners at work, plus the townhouses do not have dog doors).  I think that after I move up there with Chloe (she will not be able to come up for at least 5 weeks even though I move up Aug 14th 🙁  ).

My parents unfortunately do not have the time to take care of her like I do, so it would be better for her to move with me since I only have class only twice a week.  However on those days I have class, I will be stuck on campus all day.  I will probably have to put her outside in the L shaped, grassy, level, and 7′ fenced backyard for those 8.5 hours.  My roommates also have work and class and I have no idea if they are willing to watch her once in a while (if they are free on a day I have class). They were kind enough to agree to have her live there, but I do not expect them to be the ones to care for my dog. Any ideas for how to keep her occupied outside? I was thinking of getting her an Everlasting Treat Ball with the chewy inserts. I was also thinking of hiding a few things around the yard for her find. I do have a treat ball you fill with stuff, but she doesn’t seem to be interested in working to get what’s inside (maybe better filling?)… I would leave a squeaker for her, but she probably would drive the neighbors nuts with that.  My last concern is that there will be carpeted stairs in the townhouse.  I have already decided that I will be limiting her “freedom” to roam the house for her own safety. This probably means I stay in the living room most of the day when not in class (downstairs) and keep her in my room with me at night (upstairs).  I was also thinking of getting one of those ruffwear harnesses to help her up and down the stairs (I do have the capability of carrying her if need be).  I have been more of an emotional wreck over how and where best to care for her because there is no easy solution no matter where she lives. If any of you guys reading this that have experience living with a tripawd have any ideas for me, I’m all ears!!! I am also going to post a condensed version of this in the forums for additional opinions. Thanks!