Eating with an audience...

I was feeling froggy today, and decided to feed Chester in the bathroom with me (not) observing. He usually eats in his crate at bedtime. He was very hesitant to eat. He tried to press himself into the wall and disappear, but fortunately that did not work. He finally decided that I was not going to steal his food or hit him, as I was seemingly absorbed in my reorganization of the bathroom counter. He finally ate and then I sat in the floor next to him and he allowed me to pet him. The look he had on his face is similar to a look a little boy would get when he overly affectionate aunt or other relative gives syrupy kisses or pinches his cheeks. I did not do either to Chester, instead scratching his chest and under his chin. He did not move away--I actually ended our time by standing up and letting him out of the room. Maybe this is improvement? I think Chester has more fear than I thought at first--I firmly believe there is a difference between the absence of socialization and the scars of abuse. I am not making accusations, but I do believe that abuse is a possibility here. Whatever it is, I am sure these MO dogs can overcome it and lead happy lives.