Abbi is a German Shepherd. She’s a big girl. She’s strong. She’ll keep an eye on the house, investigate suspicious noises, and generally carry herself like a dog who isn’t afraid of much.

Then Dad pulls out the vacuum.

Suddenly, courage has left the building.

There’s something about that machine Abbi simply does not trust. Maybe it’s the noise. Maybe it’s the way it moves. Maybe she knows it’s responsible for collecting approximately three German Shepherds worth of her fur every week.

Whatever the reason, the vacuum comes out and Abbi starts looking for somewhere else to be.

Preferably far away.

So while Dad wages his weekly war against the endless supply of dog hair covering the house, Abbi finds herself a safe spot and waits for the danger to pass.

I’ve tried explaining that the vacuum isn’t going to hurt her.

She remains unconvinced.

And considering this is the same dog who can look intimidating enough to make a stranger think twice about walking up to the house, watching her retreat from a household appliance is pretty entertaining.

Eventually the vacuum gets turned off. The terrifying beast is returned to its closet. Peace is restored.

And Abbi emerges from hiding like nothing happened.

Back to being the brave German Shepherd of the house.

Until next time.

Because the vacuum always comes bac