Firstly, what a lovely person you are to have rescued this dog and hopefully he will learn to trust again, as he has with you. You mentioned that he is a little more confident when your sheltie is with him - can you try and get them to spend more time together (gradually) and with any luck they will bond and you rescue dog will learn confidence through your sheltie.

The best of luck to you and keep us informed.

Oh how I wish I could with advice and real physical help but can not do either. I know zilch about tape worm, heart worm, and such, ('tho there are many on here who can probably advise) if you can afford the treatment please do it, this story has really got to me and I really hope you can save this dog and show that horrible neighbour what a malicious, uncaring human he is, the sad part is there are so many cretins like him on this planet.

Please don't give up, what I do know about dogs is that once they have 'bonded' they are the most loyal and faithful of creatures far exceeding humans in this respect.

You have done so well with him since you first posted, and clearly have determination and patience as well as a deep love for dogs - unlike that neighbour of yours who is certainly not making your life easy.

Do you have a room in the house that you could shut the chap in - starting off slowly with just a few minutes? A utility room or something would be ideal especially if there is a door to the outside pen. You probably haven't, or you would have thought of that by now

You deserve to have success with this dog, and somehow I think that you will win through.

I echo all the praise given by others and really admire you for this.

I suppose you've tried having the volume right down on the TV.

Wish I had some other suggestions but I can only think of carrying on as you have been because you certainly are making progress.

You are a saint. I hate your neighbour. I do hope things work out - it won't be for the lack of you trying if they don't. Good luck.

Hi Well done, with the heartworm,you have to get that done,its not here in the UK,but from programmes I have seen it has to be treated immediately.Regarding your neighbour,maybe a bit of bribery,its not the same but where i lived before,the Lady nextdoor hated cats,I had adopted several feral which I fed outside,only one used to come in,but really couldnt stop them wondering.So I was fed up with the Animosty,and was baking,so decided to make a cake for her nextdoor(though I had thought of poisoning it)So made a cake,and went next door,she was delighted with the cake,and the second time I took a cake she invited me in.I said we seem to have got off on the wrong foot,I explained that the cats were feral and were just fed by me,she hated the cats tha used her garden as a toilet,but most cats wander but would undertake to find a solution I did find some granules,and they seemed to do the trick,maybe you could make him a pie.With the dog you have to be patient,with Fay I still havent got eye contact,and even now if I reach out to quickly she will bolt,everything is done very slowly,if you include the resident dog in handling him,as I have an older bitch,so include her by getting her to sit and giving her a chew.Fay will sometimes sit when she sees Holly doing it,its very hit or miss,but every step is worth it however small Best of Luck keep us posted Gemini54

Get baking Morningglory
Your neighbour sounds like a nasty piece of work, .... but needs must eh?
Could you maybe attach a piece of string to your door handle so that when Kye comes into the walk out basement, you could pull the string to close the door behind him? Then you would have more time to play with him to gain his trust? He would no doubt kick off, but maybe it's the only way to tame him?

I'd be reluctant to try that. He may feel trapped and therefore want to defend himself.

Cake's a good idea