The animal lit upon the the panic button, paws and fur and limbs pressing upon it hard, helpless against the threat of being at the mercy of a lion who may embrace her, may desert her.
The animal exhibited all the typical responses, fully in Fight or Flight Mode:
Acceleration of heart and lung action
Paling or flushing, or alternating between both
Inhibition of stomach and upper-intestinal action to the point where digestion slows down or stops
Constriction of blood vessels in many parts of the body
Dilation of blood vessels for muscles
Inhibition of the lacrimal gland (responsible for tear production) and salivation
Dilation of pupil (mydriasis)
Auditory exclusion (loss of hearing)
Tunnel vision (loss of peripheral vision)
Shaking (the interminable shaking!)
The animal tells herself to gather her courage. Be brave.
She is a small animal, licking her small paws, waiting for the Crown’d King to call her to the glory of his audience…he, the host of the kingdom.
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mary june brown 