Since this sweet little BT-mix’s adoption listing was first shared, there have been some things we’d like to update you on.
Athena has been working with a wonderful local positive-reinforcement trainer, and she’s making steady progress. We’re also working with our veterinary team to explore supplements and medications that may help ease her anxiety when she’s left alone, as well as support her continued training outside the home. She still reacts to dogs she meets on walks, but with ongoing guidance and support we’re optimistic about her ability to improve.
One big win: Athena is no longer a picky eater! After her much-needed dental procedure, she now happily finishes her meals without the pain that once made mealtimes less enjoyable.
We still feel Athena would thrive as a single pet, but we won’t rule out the possibility of her doing well with a calm and easygoing canine companion. Cats remain an unknown, but again, an easygoing cat may be fine – it really depends as much on the cat as it does on Athena!
Athena has been waiting since March for a home to call her own. So we’re going to try casting a wider net – fitting, for a dog in Halifax’s harbour city – and offer the possibility of transportation outside of Nova Scotia for the right family.
That said, a local adopter would have the advantage of continuing to work with her exceptional trainer – with training expenses covered by BTRC as Athena continues to learn more appropriate reactions to dogs she meets and settles in with her new family.
This little girl has already overcome so much and given so much of her heart. Now she’s simply waiting for someone to open theirs in return – to give her the forever home she’s been dreaming of all along. ❤️
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 • 9 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.
I celebrated my ninth birthday recently, and my foster mama told me I could make one wish. I was so excited, because I’ve been holding this wish in my heart for a long time.
My wish isn’t something you can buy at a pet store. It’s not a squeaky toy or a tasty treat (though, sure, those things are nice.) The only thing I truly want – the greatest gift anyone could give me – is a forever family. I wished for it on my birthday, and I’ve wished for it every day since.
My foster mama said I need not worry – that my happily ever after will come. I’m trying to be patient, but it’s been a while, and sometimes I can’t help but wonder… is there someone out there who will see me, choose me, and love me just because I’m me? Someone who will give me the safe, loving home I’ve been dreaming of?
Do you know someone who would love a sweet, loyal girl like me? I promise to love them with everything I have. I’ve been told my tail-wagging skills are superb, guaranteed to make you smile. I love to play just as much as I love to snuggle, so I’m the best of both worlds. And I wouldn’t mind a calm canine companion to share my days with.
If you think you can make my birthday wish come true, check out my application form here: www.bostonterrierrescuecanada.com/dog/athena
ATHENA • SPAYED FEMALE BOSTON TERRIER-MIX • 9 YEARS • 19 LBS • DOG SELECTIVE • CATS PROBABLY • KIDS OK • FOSTERED IN HALIFAX, NS
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.
