Phoebe Woes

[Phoebe's Mom]

It has been quite a while since I have posted but I really could use some help right now.  My almost 5 year old Phoebe, who has been crated since being a puppy and has always loved her crate, has started crying in her crate in the middle of the night.  The first time it happened, I did not go downstairs because I was concerned that I might complicate what may have been the start of a behavioral issue.  Instead, I listened to see if she was moving in her crate which she was not so I figured it was a fluke.  WheI went down early the next morning, she was totally fine, eager to see me and happy to eat per usual.  She has had absolutely no issues during the day with eating, playing or potty.  She has been crying each night, all at different times, however, last night she would not stop.  We went down to check on her and my hisband took her out of the crate and took her outside.  She pooped and then went right back into the crate for me.  Two minutes later, she started crying again.  Argh  She eventually calmed down. 

Keeping her uncrated at night is not preferential for a variety of reasons, but more importantly, I want to understand the change in behavior more than anything.  i spoke to our vet tech who said I might just have to wait it out since everything else seems to be fine--she said that there is no reason to bring her in without any other symptoms.  The behaviorist called me as well and suggested the same thing for a similar reason.  I am nervous to go to sleep now.  Any suggestions?  Thank you in advance.

[Phoebe's Mom]

Thanks so much for all your advice and insight. I have checked around to see if anything has changed but, so far, I have found nothing different. Today, I went out to buy her a new snuggly toy similar to one she slept with as a puppy. While I am not deluding myself a part of me hopes she snuggles in for the night with it. I cannot imagine what seems so different for her. She so loves the crate and has no issues with it during the day at all. Fingers crossed!