Kudos to you all and those like you that are willing to open your doors and hearts to Pound Puppies across America.  It is tragic when animals get left behind in abandoned homes.  We had such a dog once.  A Collie my brother brought home from a friend that found him - he hated people in uniform but was so appreciative to have a warm home and people that loved him.  He really came around quickly and was the best dog we ever, ever had. 

Most Pound Puppies are abused and left chained outside to a tree or dog house with no human contact.  It makes me sick!!!  The pups have such high anxiety about being left alone or beat that they will cower for many many months at any hand raised - even when raised to give a loving pat or scratch behind the ears. 

Stay with it, reassure them, love them and always scratch around the ears as they love it and it is part of their natural instict as the mother pup carries and navigates them in that area too. 

Cats are in just as much trouble too.  Don't forget them when you are deciding on an animal

And, lastly, for Godsakes, don't buy a pet from the Pet Store.  You will have way more problems than you expect either in heath issues or behavioral problems.