Shelter boy

Question
My elderly pom died a week or so ago, and I inquired at some
shelters to be notified if they acquired a pom needing a home.  I
went and picked up a little boy yesterday - he was dumped at a
beach, and had been running for about a week when they caught
him.  He was full of mats, filthy and covered in fleas.  I've vetted
him, and gotten vaccines, but he's very different from my
previous dog.  The shelter estimated him to be about 5 years,
but the vet thinks maybe 2-3.  I found some answers to
questions in the archives, but have a couple more.  

This guy is  very "clingy".  He's on us, beside us, or underfoot all the
time, and seems distressed(whines) if he's alone (like when you go the
bathroom and close the door) or you put him down.  He gets
upset when my son goes to school.  Otherwise he a sweety.  He
knows several obedience commands, althought we're still
working on his name.  He's not eating much - even canned - but
the vet says he could be traumatized.  I'd bet money he was a
pet, but this behavior is making me nuts.  Any ideas?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Deb Jones

Answer
You willl probably find that anyone-pet or person may become clingy if left in a shelter or left alone to run the streets... to end up being clingy. ;)
Having said that, though-some dogs have just a more needy and unconfident personality.  Those combined things will just make his insecurities even more strong.
Something I saw once indicated that one thing you can try for seperation anxiety is to make it ordinary to leave-walk in and out the door several times a day for as long as it takes.  So that when you leave, he doesn't get as worried-you will always come back.  Maybe worth a try.
Here is a neat site that you may find helpful. ;)

http://cyberpet.com/cyberdog/articles/behavior/funways.htm

Best of luck!
-Trish
Gemini Poms
www.geminipoms.com