[epicblue]

I got Belle about 3 months ago. She was a "rescue" dog that I picked up from a local dog breeder. Since the day I came to pick her up she was always scared and shivered tremendously when I or anyone else approached her.

It's been close to three months since I took her into my home and she still shakes and shivers when I'm near. I have a cage in the corner of my living room with her dishes next to it. The cage door is always left open. The first day she I took her in she was sniffing around the house and exploring, then after that day, she would stay in the cage and only comes to eat and drink.

I've read that it takes time for a dog to get adjusted and get used to things for about two weeks. After that, I tried to get her to get used to me by trying to find out what she likes, but it didn't work and still isn't. I offer her treats but she doesn't eat them until I leave it in front of her and walk away. Even If I offer a nice juicy piece of human food (steak, chicken) she does not care for it if it's in my hand. I come and pet her and talk to her gently from time to time. I bought a few squeaky toys and balls to try to play with her. But shes not interested and just cowers away every time. When I pick her up to bathe her or bring her outside she freaks out and squirms.

Today I tried to walk her but she just pulls back. And if I pull too hard she ends up dragging on her feet and I'm sure that's not the right thing to do.

I've called the breeder that gave me the dog and the only thing she knows is that the original owner could not "afford" to keep the Yorkie and that's why she was given up. But it seems to me that she may have been abused badly.

I'm out of ideas and have been losing sleep over this. I want to let her know that I'm a friend and I want her to trust me. Please don't be angry at me because I'm losing up, but it's very depressing that this dog does not want to be my companion.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.