Dogs and their Dreams

Question
I have just adopted a rescue beagle that I love very much.  He had been seriously abused by his origianl owner because he failed his first hunting season.  He's been adjusting very well.  We have another beagle that has "shown him the ropes" and they've become great buds.  But last night, he and the other beagle were asleep in the hallway.  My husband and I were each in other rooms.  Suddenly, he started yelping like he was in great pain.  We ran to his aid but couldn't find anything wrong with him.  He continued to cry out as we drove him to the emergency hospital where the only thing they could think of was that his anal glands needed to be expressed.  When we arrived back home, he slinked and skulked around like he did the first night with us.  He seemed fearful of eating and ran from my husband (which he hadn't done in over two weeks).

Is it possible that he was dreaming about something in his past that made him cry out like that?  Is there anything we can do to reassure him that he is now safe?

Answer
Hi there!  Congratulations on your new family member!  This beagle is so lucky to have found a loving home like yours, with a brand new brother to love and befriend.
Although this may sound very odd, I would definitely have to assume that he was having a "nightmare" so to speak.  Dogs and every animal for that matter, are far more intelligent than we can even imagine.  They don't forget things for a very long time.  
He may also have fears.  How does he know he will be with you permanently?  He was at an abusive home...then to a rescue...then to you...he may be fearing that he will be sent back to his abusive situation.  Time will heal this.  The more time he spends in your home, the more he will begin to forget his past.  Continue to show him the attention,care and love that you are, and he will be over this in no time.
My husband and I have rescued all of our animals.  I have to say, I have been in your position more times than I can count on my hands. Adopting an abused animal is almost equivilant to adopting an abused child.  They need to get used to this new loving environment to get over their past.  I'm sure in the next weeks to come, your knew beagle boy will be comfy in his new home and won't have the fears he does to cause these "nightmares."
I hope this helps and congrats again.  I always feel kinship with others who rescue animals, like my husband and I do.  It's good to know we're not alone in the fight to save these poor souls.  Thank you.
Best of luck with that little guy and give him tons of kisses for me!
Keep me posted,
Hilary