Bless you Curt for giving little Dante a forever home - and getting him away from the nasty excuse of a human being he got stuck with. I truly hope she gets jail time for the atrocities she committed.
Getting back to Dante....been there and done that with Billabong who had a very rough start in her life and it took years for her to learn how to be a dog. Just takes time and love and I know she'll have those in spades with you and yours.
Much respect to you sir, good luck, thanks for sharing, and please give your furballs a few belly rubs from all of us!