Help! My new rescue is so shy and scared - any advice?

Hey everyone, I just adopted a 2-year-old rescue mix named Luna last week. She's sweet but SO timid. She hides under the bed most of the day, won't come when called, and shakes if I try to pet her. She eats and drinks fine when I'm not around. I'm worried I'm doing something wrong or she's traumatized. Has anyone dealt with this? How long does it take for them to warm up? I just want her to be happy :(

First off, THANK YOU for rescuing!! Don't panic - this is super common. My rescue Hazel was exactly like this for the first month. The 3-3-3 rule really helped me: 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn your routine, 3 months to feel at home. Give her space, don't force interaction, and let her come to you. Try sitting on the floor near her hiding spot and just read or watch TV - no eye contact, no reaching. Let her get used to your presence without pressure. It gets better, I promise!

Not a dog expert (my crew is lizards/snakes) but with shy reptiles I use food motivation. Maybe try tossing high-value treats near her without looking at her? Like chicken bits or cheese. Build positive associations. Also, keep noise low - no sudden TV volume changes or loud guests. My bearded dragon took 6 months to stop hiding constantly, so patience is key. Good luck!

VetVicky's advice is spot on! My terrier mix Bolt was a shutdown rescue too. What worked for us was creating a 'safe zone' - a crate with a blanket over it in a quiet corner. He'd retreat there instead of under furniture. Also, try hand-feeding meals instead of bowl feeding to build trust. Avoid direct approaches - curve your body sideways when near her, it's less threatening. It took Bolt about 5 weeks to start wagging his tail. You're doing great - rescue adjustment is a marathon, not a sprint!