Michelle~
I want you to know I in no way intended for any humor to come out of my posting. I truly am sorry for my misinterpreting PTS. (I was more familiar with the abb. PTSD(isorder)...but...)
I do hope you and Ava are able to get on a good healing path.

I say no it is not ptsd. She's probably reacting to your energy, which may be a bit hesitant considering the circumstances. Along with talking to a professional, getting the trauma off your chest, I think you should do something that empowers you. Take a kickboxing class, or self defense maybe. When you become more confident and strong your dog will follow.

And remind yourself that you have a WONDERFUL, LOYAL dog for protecting you.

Thank you for the replies and well wishes.

This has truely been harder on my husband and dog.

I hate attention and didn't want to ruin our customers experience at the show so I very much moved on business as usual. Still very possible for Ava to pick up on subtle vibes. It is why I am pushing for my husband to get life back to normal. I want Ava out of our bed and I want to run on the road and let Ava work through her anxiety.

She has been to numerious doctors and at this point I am close to positive this is mental.

William Shatner has two horses with us and I called him tonight to see if he could use his LA connections to get us to Caesar Millan.
( thank you Rich for the idea of the dog wispher)

I will let you know if I get in. I definately think something drastic is needed.

Ava was there for me and I am going to return the favor.

It could be that Ava's protective switch has been turned on and she just wants to stay close to you to protect you, not because she is insecure.
And maybe she just is not as trusting of other people now, which would explain the aloofness with the barn visitors.
Why do you not want to jog with her at home? Was that your usual jogging routine with her before?

Don't end up in a cycle of isolating her because she's not friendly, and her becomming less friendly because she's isolated. Jog her with a short leash and muzzle if you have to, but get out there. Work on obedience near things that make her uneasy, restore her confidence in the fact that you are in charge of the situation. Restore your confidence that you are in charge of the situation.

well celebrity power is alive and well.


I heard from Caesar's people three times today and will be traveling to LA late October. I am excited to meet mr. Milan.

Also I did see the need for getting myself help. I was in total denial until I read these posts. The perp actually tried to say I was at fault. ACCIDENTLY bumping him. It was still dark. Luckily his prior record and my injuries helped. Still I went through a battery of questions regarding Ava's training.

At the time it looked like she locked on his sholder but the hospital said he had a puncture wound dangerously close to his artery. Also his collar bone was dislocated and he got 4 stitches in his arm.

Luckily Ava is a legally certified service dog.

She no longer relishes attention but is not aggressive but we may be issolating her too much?

She has had two TPLO ( acl) surgeries so even ore attack she only goes on short runs which is about twice a week.

We have done no e of these runs. I have taken all three dogs to the woods. Ava still seems to enjoy these outings although DEFINSTELY not to the extent she used to.

Thank you Rich for the suggestion of Caesar Millan.

A huge hug to Bill for having his people talk to Caesar's people.

I may not have my own "people" but I am blessed with great friends.

Cesar will help you to help Ava heal. For sure. Glad this thread has shed some light on what you are honestly facing...that you will not bury this episode in your life for it to fester and come out roaring all crazy later in your life. Thumbs up for you both getting the help you need. (oh, and your man too!!!) Keep us posted.

It's great to hear that you are taking steps to help yourself
and Ava heal and move forward in life. I might be wrong but I
think that Cesar had an episode with a traumatized dog. There
was a service dog (now retired in Florida?) that returned from
Iraq and went through a Hurricane. He was able to help them and
I am sure will be able to find a solution for Ava. Good luck!

just to update. Ava is much better. We stayed 10 days.

Mr.Millan wanted me to leave Ava but I couldn't. The man was Awesome and my husband is furious I didn't leave the dog. He calls me the ultimate control freak. I just couldn't leave her. He doesn't feed raw for one. there are other reasons but I think I got a lot out of our visit.

Ava is not 100% but on her way and I have a plan and not indecision which was most of the problem.

Good!
I'm so happy things are continuing in a positive direction for the whole gang.