^^ I'm reading that book right now, about half way through it and it is a great book!
I don't believe that dogs can feel spite, more likely she is feeling stressed and insecure. I think a crate will help her feel less stressed when you are gone. Being in a crate is a natural instint for dogs, it is their den.
We have been doing a lot of renovating in the house the past couple months, so the routine has been disturbed and I found that Tank will go curl up and sleep in the closet where it is dark and quiet. His crate is out on the living room, so he found another 'den'. Tank likes for his crate to be covered except for the door.
I've never used it, but I've seen this suggested by many others,
http://www.rescueremedy.com/pets/
You can give Tums and Pepto Bismol to sooth an upset tummy, just check on the dosing for your pup.