Athena is a lovable German Shepherd that was saved from the streets.
Some construction laborers spotted an exceedingly undernourished dog while heading to a job site, and they promptly provided her with water and contacted the local rescue organization in Southeast Texas.
Once the Be Intentional dog rescue arrived to take this unfortunate pup, they rushed her to the veterinarian as she was in quite poor condition.
This outlines her journey from being rescued from the streets, mastering an endearing trick to get attention, and ultimately being adopted.
Athena, The Dreamer
The board members of the Be Intentional dog rescue remarked that when they encountered Athena, she was one of the most severe cases they had ever encountered.
Pitiful Athena appeared to be nearly all skin and bones, woefully malnourished, and petite for her age. They couldn’t determine exactly how long she had faced neglect, but it was evident that it had been a significant period since she had eaten adequately, received medical attention, or experienced any affection.
Christie Kasko, the founder of Be Intentional, shared with The Dodo, “She had a harness that was far too tiny for her that was taken off. She was infected with every parasite imaginable. Additionally, she was suffering from one of the most severe cases of sarcoptic mange the veterinarian had ever observed.”
After a few days, Athena started to warm up to the volunteers, seeking nothing but cuddles from them.
During her treatment for infections at the veterinary hospital, she picked up a really adorable trick.
Little Athena would pick up her food bowl with her mouth and hold it each time one of the hospital staff members walked by.
She understood that doing so would attract attention and potentially earn her some extra treats and affection.
And, she was entirely correct.
No one could resist her adorable face and that puppy gaze, especially after all she had endured.
“She receives plenty of attention and an abundance of food,” Kasko stated. “However, she has discovered that holding her bowl with her adorable little face tends to result in more cuddles.”
After her release from the hospital, Athena was moved to Sauver Des Chiens German Shepherd Dog Rescue as they possessed greater resources and experience in caring for German Shepherds.
Sauver Des Chiens located the most suitable foster for Athena. Athena’s official Facebook page stated:
“She is in the care of an excellent foster, one that has prior medical knowledge, training, and grooming skills and no other pets. Therefore, she will receive complete attention in a peaceful home in the countryside. This is precisely the environment she requires to relax and learn to trust and love once more.”
“She still occasionally carries her bowl, but she is now receiving proper nutrition,” her foster mother mentioned. Athena has a long journey to healing ahead.
Athena (and her bowl) resulted in a foster fail, which means that her foster family became so fond of her that they chose to adopt her.
Patti Pulliam serves as a volunteer and the training coordinator at Sauver Des Chiens, and Athena couldn’t have landed with a better forever family.
And, indeed, even after three years, she still carries her bowl wherever she goes.
For additional details on Athena and her escapades, please check her official Facebook page.
