In January 2013, the time has finally come. All the prerequisites are in place to put into action our long-held plan to adopt a dog from a southern European animal rescue. After several hours of searching online, we find on the website of the animal welfare organization Europa Telmo, a roughly one-year-old shepherd mix described as fearful. A few weeks later, with the signing of the adoption contract, we kick off the necessary preparations. What food should he get, where and on what should he sleep, what should he play with, which collar, harness, and leash? On April 6th, we can finally pick him up in Bruchsal, and we quickly realize that Telmo is not "just" fearful; he is a fear dog. Even before he sees his future home for the first time, he seizes the first opportunity to escape.