My Bela is a puppy mill rescue. She wasn't my first dog, nor was she my first Sheltie. If so, I'd probably have given up within the first week!
She WAS my first puppy mill rescue, though. She spent her first five years in a puppy mill, and was rescued by our local Sheltie Rescue. She was only in her foster mom's home for a month or so, so by the time she got to me, she was traumatized not only by her puppy mill experience, but her moving experience as well.
She had a crate from day 1, and refused to leave it for a couple of days. Being my first rescue like this, I probably did everything wrong that could be done wrong, including having drug her from beneath the bed countless times and had a large tree crash into the house one stormy night, traumatizing us all!
Bela didn't want to eat, didn't want to socialize, and especially didn't want to go anywhere where there wasn't carpet to walk on. I forced the socialization issue, as I probably shouldn't have, and she was soon content to lay on the bed with me (as far away as possible) and watch tv. (I am disabled and must lie down quite a bit.)
I found in those first six months, while she wouldn't wag her tail, bark, or even acknowledge the existence of my husband, she would wake me whenever there was a thunderstorm (of which there were an uncommonly frequent amount that year) so I could put on her Thundershirt, and give her a treat soaked in Rescue Remedy or melatonin syrup. (Which, by the way, she no longer needs - YAY!)
She still acted depressed and wouldn't eat well, so my husband actually solved the problem. He went out and adopted a dog that was the complete opposite of Bela in both looks and temperament. A hyper Jack Russell with severe abandonment issues, and no fur to speak of (her nickname is "Bald Dog"). Less than a day later, we had a barking, wagging, happy car-riding, and periodically boisterous Sheltie.
So that's what turned the corner for Bela. She has lived with us for two years come June, and she's still skittish and spooky, but you wouldn't recognize her as the same dog we got back in 2011.
It takes time, effort, and refusing in your heart to fail your dog. Part of Bela's success was probably the amount of time I had to spend with her, alone. I've always talked to my dogs (yeah, I'm crazy) non stop, so she got pretty used to the sound of my voice. Little Bela was so courageous in facing her fears that giving up was never an option.
I hope you are successful in your rehab with this furbaby. She needs you badly. Just be patient, try different things, and give her a little time. As far as the eating is concerned, she'll not starve. Just try a few different things - baby food chicken is a big hit at my house, as are canned green beans and raw baby carrots. They love McDonalds french fries, but only get one on special occasions.
