<human>: My girlfriend and I just rescued a dog that was an Owner Surrender due to dog hoarding (something like 9 dogs in one house) this weekend. He's super sweet, very quiet and loves being around us. However, since he spent 4 years in a small house with that many animals and people, he has a pretty big problem with separation anxiety. We tried crating him last night and he was fine, as long as we were in the same room. But, as soon as we left, he started barking like crazy and trying to undo the latches of his crate (he had barked once in the first 48 hours we had him and it was at a TV). We finally let him out and let him sleep in our room (he alternated between his bed and our bed). 

My girlfriend and I both work 8-6 jobs, but I work a few minutes away, so I can take him at lunch to go the bathroom or walks. He's not very interested in toys and doesn't really chew anything, so a Kong or distraction toy won't really help him too much. 

From what I've read so far, I've seen lots of:   
* Don't make a big emotional thing about coming and going  
* Practice leaving for a few minutes to get him comfortable about being alone. Extend the time you go as time goes on.  
* If he has such a strong reaction to crating, don't use one, because it will only make it worse.

I was wondering if anybody had an advice on how to deal with this?

Can you provide a brief overview of the text?
<bot>: Rescue dog spent 4 years in small house with 8 other dogs and now has a hard time being alone. Distraction toys not helpful. Advice?