My Cody (a BIG husky/shep) was a terrible victim of severe physical and mental abuse before I adopted her at our county rescue shelter. She was deemed unadoptable and after having been sheltered for over 6 months, slated for certain death. I saw her on TV and just couldn't get her out of my mind. "If interested, please refer to Cody file #343l4. A dog...a file number. That was it. I just knew I had to get her out of there and try if I could to help her. After a long period, during which time she FINALLY learned to trust me and my family, she became living velcro! She finally had a forever "den" and family pack, and she was not about to let us go. Or leave her sight. Fortunately, she bonded very closely to our other dog, and leaving them alone together, she was fine. It wasn't until I left her truly alone for the first time, that I came to realize to what lengths she would go to "find us" and join us. After returning home with my other dog from the vets', I heard Cody barking. As I pulled into the driveway, her wailing sounded oddly "close." She was OUTSIDE!!! After much clawing, she had actually pried opened the clasped interior shutters (new, expensive) and squeezed through the screen of the not quite half opened window and was just beginning to scramble over the 6 foot high fence. (She used the wood pile as a "step stool"!) To this day, she cannot be left alone without trying to get out of a window or door. She absolutely will not tolerate even the thought of being crated! Even now, if I go outside with my other dog, and Cody does not want to go, she will sit on the porch and "locks onto" the driveway to make sure we don't make a secret getaway in the car! She either has to be with her doggie sister, day boarded at my kennel or goes with me! Her emotional scars are just too deep. I know trainers and obedience experts would disagree; that this is unacceptable behavior. But she has been through so much in her life, I am willing to make some minor concessions in my life to allow her some peace of mind. In every other way she is a doll and very well behaved. The replys posted previously offer some excellent advice and references for dealing with separation anxiety properly!! Best of luck. It's a tough issue and very emotional!

[This message has been edited by tatsxxx11 (edited March 15, 2001).]