Emotional Transformation- Part 2
In this second in a series of four blogs about emotional transformation I’d like you to meet Annie, whose story is told by her Final Refuge dad Mike Mc Vey. Photos: Annie with mom Denise, (top graphic), Annie at the shelter, Annie and Dakota, and in Annie’s family photo L-R- Kitsie, Dakota, Texas (Jacob), Denise, Chloe, Annie and Mike. Denise refers to them as “The Nut Family.” The very last photo shows Annie with her Christmas gifts from the Lucky Dog Outifitters Giving Tree. If you compare this photo taken in December, 2016 with the one of Annie at the shelter you’ll see quite a remarkable change.
“When Annie came to us she was a nine pound half-hairless mess. Her eyes were crusted over, she couldn’t hear, and any quick movement around her would cause her to flinch with fear.
“A little while with good food fixed the first few things and she can now hear some out of her left ear. (We know this because she spends a lot of time looking at pictures in the living room every time we call her).
“The fear is taking her longer to get over. She used to sit in the corner on her bed and if you wanted to pet her and walked over to her, she would cower with every move you made. But this only lasted a short while and she began to explore. Occasionally she would come close enough to be touched, but would drop in fear when you would pet her. This is how it was for about a month.
“Finally a light switch flipped in her and she realized that she is safe and people can be good.
She has no use for other animals; she is not fearful or aggressive … just not interested in interacting with them. Once in a great while she will play with the other dogs, but she would rather play with people. Any time you sit she is right there to be petted. If there is space next to you she jumps up and lies down, and if you are willing to hold or carry her—all the better. If you are going out the door, you had better be quick because she is not going to be more than a foot behind you, tail wagging and ready to go.
“But if she gets out on the open, you need patience because she only looks left when you call her. She gets some freedom to explore somewhat alone tethered to her foster brother.
“Day by day it is getting better. It is easy to see the bad memories are still there, but slowly new ones are filling the space.”
Next week you’ll meet Georgia.
