The Reason I Hate Going to Jiu Jitsu

This is my dog, Hamlet. If he looks like he's moping, that's because he is. I was getting ready to head out for jiu jitsu when I took this picture and he seems to have learned that when I'm wearing shorts and carrying a gym bag, I'm going somewhere I can't take him with me. Which sucks for the both of us, but these days jiu jitsu has to be a high priority for me and there's just no way I can communicate that with him.
I'm pretty sure Hamlet isn't a fan of me being gone for about ten hours a day for work (that's counting travel time), but it's definitely something he's gotten used to and we've developed a bit of a routine for it. But while I was going to work most days last year, I wasn't going to a lot of jiu jitsu (counting up all the classes I made it to and then spreading them out over there year, I made it to class about once every eight days). So I think my dog got used to me being around most evenings and now that I'm gone an average of three nights a week, it's all the lonelier at home for him.*
I know some people are reading this thinking something like, "But Paul, you've been inconsistently doing jiu jitsu for years - how is it suddenly different for your dog now?" That's because up until about a year and a half ago, I was romantically involved with someone and for a few years we lived together, so they were able to make sure Hamlet was well spoiled with attention during those occasions I was feeling serious about jiu jitsu. And even after things between her and I ended, she was often able to watch the dog for me. However, that situation has changed and it's now just me and Hamlet living it up in my ultimate(ish) bachelor pad.
So while there are a few things I dislike about going to jiu jitsu (mostly just traffic), I absolutely hate having to leave my dog home alone during those hours. Granted, I do try to make it up to him on the days I stay home (when possible - weather isn't always cooperative for getting outside), but that never feels like enough when he's giving me his sad eyes and I feel like he's trying to telepathically tell me to "skip class, just this once." But right now that just isn't an option.
However, this post isn't meant to be doom and gloom and just me whining about my jiu jitsu life; I do have a plan for fixing this. Next time I'm visiting a state that has the powerball or some other lottery where you can win millions, I'm going to win. And then one of the first things I'm going to do with that money is buy out some retail space near the gym I go to and turn it into a doggy day care that all gym members can use for free during class time. I know I'll be taking a loss on the day care, but I'm sure my other investments will make up for it.

*If you're one of those people that think pets can't feel loneliness (or any emotion really) or that it's really not a big deal for them and they'll get over it, then we probably can't be friends. I am one of those crazy hippies that think of pets as family (though I'm not such a crazy hippy that I'd choose a dog over a child if I only had time to save one in a burning building).