[SweetViolet]

I have three rescues. One came from a good home, the people were moving to the UK and didn't want to take her; one came from the SPCA and, while quite a handful at first (aggressive and hyper), she settled down. The third (and fourth, who has since gone to doggie heaven) were from an abusive situation, and terrified of everything that moved (the male had to have surgery 2 days after we got him and have all but 7 of his teeth removed due to sepsis). He was afraid to bark, huddled if you picked up anything that could be used to hit him, and howled piteously when we left the house...from the time we left until the time we got back.

Today he is a happy, healthy senior dog...still afraid of things that could be used to hit him, like news papers, but willing now to stand his ground and see if it's ok. He runs around the garden and barks to his heart's delight, is happy and tail waggy all the time.

Here's how we did it: first you find out what the dog likes and let her have it. Treats, soft blanket, a crate to sleep in...whatever makes her comfortable. She's bewildered right now and needs to feel safe. Lavish her with praise for the smallest accomplishments...if she takes a treat from your hand, tell her what a good dog she is...and use a high-pitched tone of voice for praise.

Encourage her association with the other dogs. When we have added to our doggie family, the new dogs look to the others for cues. Whatever is scary to your dogs will be scary to her...and whatever is ok will eventually be ok with her. We got one very timid dog that took a year to be willing to play with us. Eventually she stopped expecting to be abused and actually came up and initiated play.

It is important to give the dog space and time to get accustomed to your household, but it is also important that you don't allow her to isolate herself. TIme and kindness are the greatest healers.

But start with tasty treats...lots of them...so she associates you with good things. Don't worry about giving "too many" because right now, anything you can do to encourage her to see you and other family members as the suppliers of good stuff is exactly what she needs. If she will allow it, pick her up and cuddle her (a soft blanket might be welcome) and hand feed-her little bits of treats (tiny, tiny pieces so you can give her lots) while you hold her. If her teeth are bad, give her soft treats you have cut into smaller pieces. Build good associations with you.

Good for you in taking her in, and good luck with her. Our rescues have been absolutely wonderful additions to our family!