I have had Sierra for 1 1/2 years, she was dumped and left by someone who had more than likely abused her. She is very head shy (if people go to pet her on the head, she'll duck and weave her head out of the way of the person's hand) And if you raise your hand to do something, sometimes she thinks your going to hit her, and she'll pin her ears back and squint her eyes.
It's so sad to see, but when it happens, my husband and I still stop what ever were doing and pet her and tell her she's okay, and give her lovins!!! It's been a long time since she's been here at out house and she still remembers being beat!