This lovely article popped up on my FB feed yesterday and thought it good to share http://www.dogster.com/dog-training/dog-is-scared-of-everything
I have a friend who has a frightened dog and she forces him into the situations he is frightened of, so sad.
Could you try showing her the article and see if it helps. It's so hard to know of situations and not be able to change anything for the better.
Oh that is so sad @Stacia and it must be so frustrating knowing that just a few small changes would make life so much easier/better for the poor dog