Athena has been with BTRC since Christmas, and this adorable little BT-mix has been through a lot. In her previous home, an eye injury (which has since healed) led to unexpected defensiveness toward the cat and dog she had once peacefully coexisted with. We’re now looking for the right home where she can truly thrive.
It was tough to get a full read on her personality — shortly after her arrival she went into heat and showed many of the behavioural changes that can come with fluctuating hormones. She then required emergency surgery for pyometra and spent time recovering.
Here’s what we can tell you about Athena:
As we’ve wondered about how she might do with a less tolerant housemate, Athena was assessed by a certified trainer specializing in behaviour. On walks, Athena is reactive to other dogs, but at a reasonable distance she can be redirected or guided in another direction while she works on better responses. With the right training and management, we’re optimistic about her potential to improve.
Athena takes gabapentin for anxiety when her foster is at work. The medication is inexpensive, especially for smaller dogs her size, who require only low doses as needed, and costs about $20 per month from a human pharmacy. A bustling condo or apartment building with frequent activity, sudden noises, and other dogs would be overwhelming for her, and she can be vocal in response. As she absolutely loves human companionship, she would thrive as the only pet in a home where someone is present most of the time.
Athena may also do okay with a gentle, easygoing cat or dog companion, provided their personality is a good match. Since she’s best suited to a calm and relaxed setting, she wouldn’t enjoy the company of a very energetic or assertive dog. Slow, thoughtful introductions will be absolutely essential in helping her feel at ease and build confidence.
Named after the Greek goddess of wisdom and war, Athena embodies both strength and intelligence. She’s sharp, observant, and unafraid to stand her ground when she feels vulnerable. But like her namesake, she’s also seeking a place where she can find stability and call it her forever home. We have no doubt that Athena will be a delightful addition to the right family. Could that family be yours?
Interested in this special girl? We want to hear from you! Please fill out the application form HERE.
ATHENA • SPAYED FEMALE BOSTON TERRIER-MIX • 8 YEARS • 19 LBS • DOG SELECTIVE • CATS PROBABLY • KIDS OK • FOSTERED IN HALIFAX, NS
IF YOU FILL OUT AN APPLICATION FORM AND DO NOT RECEIVE AN EMAIL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – CHECK YOUR SPAM/JUNK FOLDER OR REACH OUT VIA PRIVATE MESSAGE. BTRC will respond to all applicants by email, but only those who best fit each dog’s requirements in a forever home will be contacted for an interview.
Valentine’s Day is coming, and I was told we’re supposed to choose someone very special to be crowned our ‘Valentine.’ Well, Mama, it’s obvious that person is you.
I was feeling pretty crummy, and you rushed me to the dogter to get me checked out. It was serious, and I needed surgery. I was scared, but when you came to pick me up and I saw your face, I knew I was safe. Once we got home, you gave me fluffy blankets and lots and lots of kisses.
Wanna know the best part? You even feed me food with a spoon when I don’t want to eat from the bowl. I know you said this will only continue while I recover, but I’m hoping to milk it for a little longer because you seem to like the “Here Comes the Airplane” game just as much as I do.
Thanks, Foster Mama, for everything you have done and continue to do to make sure I’m healthy and happy.
Love,
Athena
Please send healing thoughts to BTRC foster Athena. Shortly after arriving in our care, Athena went into heat and, on Thursday night, required emergency surgery after being diagnosed with pyometra—a life-threatening condition in unspayed female dogs that typically occurs after a heat cycle, causing the uterus to become infected.
Although Athena didn’t show all the classic signs of pyometra, her foster mom trusted her instincts and knew something was wrong, so we were able to get her to the vet right away. Huge thanks to North End Animal Hospital for seeing Athena so quickly, and to Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital for their exceptional care. While the initial quote was much higher, catching Athena’s condition early and preventing a ruptured uterus made the surgery less complicated, and the final bill came in just under $3,000.
Coastal Care has been wonderful to our BTRC pups, including performing Mamie’s emergency eye removal, and we’re so grateful for their support!
Athena is now back home recovering well. With plenty of TLC from her foster mom and the expert nursing skills of her Boston Terrier foster brother, Oliver, she’s already on the mend. ❤️
Next, we’ll need to address her teeth, and once that’s taken care of, Athena will be ready to find her forever home!
Athena is being fostered in Halifax, and we’re not yet accepting adoption applications for her. Thank you for keeping her in your thoughts!
You might have noticed BTRC foster Athena’s little pink briefs. Yes, she’s gone into heat which unfortunately means her spay appointment has been delayed. She doesn’t mind the addition to her wardrobe and has mastered how to pose in a way that’s worthy of a DOGUE cover! She also allows her foster mom to clean her with a warm cloth and never puts up a fuss.
Athena enjoys exploring the great white outdoors in her foster grandparents’ large backyard. ❄ She also loves fuzzy blankets and snuggles. Her foster mom says, “Overall Athena is a really fantastic house dog. She’s sweet and quiet and loves to be cuddled.”
A little nervous when left alone, Athena’s foster mom is working on leaving her for short periods of time and gradually increasing the duration. Athena’s confidence is slowly growing, and the doggy camera shows that she now quietly naps on the couch waiting for her humans to return home.
Athena has already started some routine vetting, including vaccines. While she waits for her spay and dental, she plans to snooze, snuggle and sweet talk her foster brother Oliver into some playtime.
Athena is being fostered in Halifax, NS and is not yet ready for adoption.
This little cutie is Athena, our newest arrival to BTRC. At 8 years old, she was surrendered by her owner, who could no longer accommodate her needs. Athena is now settling into her foster home, where she’s already winning hearts – her Boston Terrier foster brother seems to have developed quite the crush!
This friendly, playful girl experienced an eye injury in January, which appears healed, and there seems to be some limited remaining vision in that eye. We’ll ensure a thorough check-up to confirm her health and address any concerns. She’s not spayed, which we’ll take care of as part of her veterinary care.
Boxing Day is traditionally a day for sharing gifts, and what better gift could we receive than Athena? Stay tuned as we learn more about this sweet girl and prepare her for her forever home!
Athena is being fostered in Halifax, NS, and is not yet ready for adoption.
