Workaround for lack of spring-loaded folders in dock for Jaguar?

I've searched the forums here and not found anything substantial on this, but does anybody know a way to get around the LACK of spring-loaded folders in the dock? I moved a VERY often used folder into the dock from the desktop because it got to be too much of a pain to clear windows or otherwise pull it up. I know, I know, I should just upgrade to Panther and Expose will make this problem "disappear," but I still won't have spring loaded folders in the dock. . . So now, when I'm working on stuff, the folder doesn't "spring open" when I drag documents to it. I use XShelf and it helps, but is there any other way to get around this limitation other than "springing" for Panther?