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I simply can not understand how people can walk through a dog pound, seeing all of those eager faces and puppy-dog smells, tails wagging and eyes showing hope when you come close to them, and not simply need to bring at least one of them home with them. If I walk through the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), it is one the most heart-wrenching experiences that I can think of, being a real sucker for anyone or any animal that appears to either need my help, or even better, simply need me. Yes, I am one of those people that stops beside the car that is sitting along the side of the road, to see if there is anything that I can do to help. I am also one of those people that simply can not seem to say no to an animal in distress.

How to help an energetic rescue dog is something that is near and dear to me, and something that I was forced to figure out in a hurry. A beagle, about 5 months in age, showed up at my back door during the spring of 2007. She was dirty, hungry and full of cuts and bruises. She also had a tattoo on her ear, so I was able to return her to her rightful owners through the SPCA, who had no more than a "thanks" in return. During the following three months, she showed up at my door five more times, three times I had to take her to the veterinarian. Sucker that I am, I just could not see any animal in distress if there was anything that I could do about it. The last two times that she showed up, she stayed for over a month.

The SPCA told me to either keep her or turn her into their care on the sixth time that she showed up at my back door. I needed no more than three seconds to decide, and she sits beside me now as I write this, cuddled up to my leg, as constant contact is a must for her. Separation anxiety is overly apparent, if I even close a door she starts to get hysteric, and she has been here a little over 16 months now. This is, unfortunately, a very common trait amonst rescued dogs. Constantly assuring her of her rightful place in the home is a necessity. My other dog, a nine year old Golden Retriever / King Doberman mix, has taken her under his wing, is extremely protective of her and has accepted her fully into the house dynamic. This is the most important thing that you can do; provide social contact with another dog who will play and rough-house with them in order to expel pent-up energy.

Having a second dog for the energetic rescue dog to play with, to help in the learning process of socializing, and to aid in the

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