Separation Anxiety in a Whippet

Question
Last month, I had to euthanize my 6 yr. old Greyhound (bled out internally/
rupture in chest-throat?) and 5 days later my 15 1/2 yr. old Whippet. I still
have a 6 yr. old female Doberman who can be a bit bossy! She really misses
the 2 boys now. The Greyhound was her buddy. I plan on getting another
Greyhound and Whippet, both males.
In my search, I have been offered a beautiful 13 mo. old male Whippet who
presently belongs to a couple (no children) that within the last 2 months,
have moved here. After the move, the dog began to go nuts if left alone-
salivating, chewing up his crate bedding, crying, etc. They borrowed another
Whippet to keep him company for a couple of weeks, and they say the bad
behaviour stopped. A week or so after she went back to her owner, the young
male began the anxiety again when left alone. They say he was not like this
before they moved here.  I'm told he is friendly, outgoing, playful, smart, etc.
They have tried a couple of different prescribed meds, but prefer not to go
that route. Now they are ready to give the dog to someone who has another
dog, like me!  If I should take him, I'd want to remedy this anxiety problem
without meds. Also, sometime he might HAVE to be alone (crated) for brief
periods. (I work out of my home.)
I'm hesitant to take on a dog knowing this may never go away, with or
without other dogs for company for him. Please advise ASAP!  thanks  -Telia

Answer
Hello.. i really wont be able to give a full answer without seeing this dog, however, i truly believe that the seperation anxiety started when the couple moved. I dont believe they handled it correctly. I think this problem will be resolved with some  training and love. If you can teach the dog that a crate is a safe place and not a punishment, you can keep her in their until you are sure it is under control. I think the dog will do fine. i dont ever use drugs on dogs with seperation anxiety..it is not necessary. Worst case scenario, this problem could be fixed with the help of a local behaviorist...but it CAN be fixed. good luck
nancy