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concerns for us. I was amazed at how the gentle creature I had petted and bonded with could do such a thing. I was even more amazed that my husband was willing to take the great advice of the humane society. Their suggestions proved to be just what we needed and when applied over time, my husband and Meadow became the best of friends!

The following steps that were suggested by the humane society are important for anyone who wants to help an aggressive rescue dog:

1. While the dog is on a leash, approach it with a soft voice and get down on the dog's level. Do not hold eye contact for very long but reassure the dog that you are not there to harm it;

2. If the dog has bonded with you but will not let another family member near it, that is the very person who needs to begin to feed the dog;

3. You also need to let the dog know through body language, eye contact and a soft assuring tone that the other person is with you, and they are a good person. In other words, you have a mutual friend and this friend is not someone who will intentionally harm the dog;

4. Hitting the dog will not help you or the dog. In fact, that is most likely how the dog became aggressive;

5. Many people feel the dog has to be trained properly. The truth is that the pet owner and the dog need training on how to communicate and treat each other;

6. Be patient and loving to the dog. It may seem totally unnatural to you at first, but over time, your dog will become your best friend;

7. Remember that you are always the top dog. You cannot afford to be a pushover. Some dogs will test this fact because their instincts may tell them, they are in charge. After the dog has become adjusted to your home, do not be afraid to remind it with a firm tone of voice and your head held high, that you are the one that pays the vet bills and has those wonderful treats in your back pocket.

Of course, knowledge acquired through books, brochures and others in similar circumstances are not only valuable tools, but are essential if you decide you want to help a rescue dog.

Meadow has found her forever home, and we wish she could be cloned. I believe, however, there will never be another Meadow. She knows our moods as well as we know hers. Instead of aggressive behavior, she is ready to jump into my husband's arms when he arrives. Instead of barking, she licks his neck at least 100 times, but who's counting.

When I think of what we might have missed had we not followed the humane society's advice, it truly breaks my heart. We not only found a rescue dog, but we found a vital member of our family.

Learn more about this author, Meadow Lark.
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