I Almost Lost Annea

I almost lost Annea on Friday. Annea is what is known as a fearful dog. Fearful dogs will try to avoid situations, objects or people that scare them. They will shake, tremble, or cower. Their tails held low or in between their legs; their heads are low, or they have a crouched body posture. They will also have inappropriate panting with possible submissive urination. Annea will shake and tremble with her tail between her legs, she will crouch with her head down low and pant. I have been working with Annea; however, some dogs do not ever overcome their fear. On Friday, the day I was to leave West Virginia for home, there had been snow overnight. Jason came over to pack up my car, however he was not able to get the car up the hill. He drove Annea and I over to Anna’s mother house. Anna’s uncle and cousin were unable to drive up Nora’s driveway. Calls were made to tow all three vehicles, but back to Annea. When we were at the cabin I stayed at, Annea was afraid to get into Jason’s car, but I was able to get in the car first and then she followed me into it. Once at Nora’s, she did not want to go into the house and as I was trying to coach her, she came out of her harness and took off running. At first, I panicked and screamed for Jason to come help me. As she was running away, I thought I would never see her again. No one would be able to catch her. No one would be able to get near her. Not only because of her fear but dogs that go missing for period of time can be hard to catch. Then the dog trainer in me kicked in and I stooped down to the ground. I called her name, she stopped and turned to look at me. Her black shiny coat against the white snow, she looked so beautiful. I called again, “Annea, come here” and she raced toward me. God had blessed me the day before on my birthday and He blessed and showed me grace at that moment. I was so thankful!