Let’s just say it up front – Athena isn’t your “easy” dog.
But if you’re the right person? She might just be your perfect dog.
Since her original post, Athena has moved from Nova Scotia to Quebec and has been working with a positive-reinforcement trainer – and we’re starting to understand her a whole lot better.
One big piece of the puzzle?
We suspect Athena may have some hearing loss. This would explain a lot – why she startles, why certain environments feel overwhelming, and why she sometimes seems to be reacting “out of nowhere.” The good news is that dogs adapt beautifully, and Athena is already showing us she can learn in ways that make sense to her.
She’s also working through some big feelings about the world around her. Walks can be hard. Seeing dogs or people – especially in motion – can send her into “absolutely not” mode.
But here’s the thing: she’s not unpredictable…she’s just overwhelmed.
With the help of her trainer (who has experience with deaf dogs), and her very dedicated foster mom, Athena is building new communication, new patterns, and new confidence. She’s learning to check in, to settle, and to process things without going into overdrive.
We’re also supporting her with anxiety medication to help take the edge off so she can actually learn.
And there have been some real wins:
– She’s no longer a picky eater (thank you, dental!)
– She can observe a calm, non-moving dog without reacting
– She wants to engage…when she feels safe
Athena will do best as the only pet. For now.
She’s also going to need a very specific kind of human.
Someone patient, observant, and not looking for a “take her everywhere right away” dog. Someone who understands that building her world slowly will get you much further than trying to push her through it.
Honestly? A homebody. Someone who doesn’t need a dog to keep up with a busy lifestyle – but wants a best friend to share a quieter one.
Bonus points if that home comes with a yard – a safe, low-pressure space where Athena can stretch her legs and just be a dog.
She would benefit from meeting calm, dog-savvy people who will sit down, ignore her, and let her make the first move. (Yes, we know. She’s got standards.)
Athena has been waiting since March 2025. That’s a long time for a dog who is really trying.
BTRC would be willing to help with transport for the right home and support further training to help set everyone up for success.
Athena isn’t for everyone.
But for someone? She’s going to be everything.
Because sometimes the dogs who need the most understanding…are the ones who give the most back. ❤️
ATHENA • SPAYED FEMALE BOSTON TERRIER-MIX • 10 YEARS • 21 LBS • DOG SELECTIVE NO CATS • KIDS 12+ • FOSTERED IN QUEBEC
Interested in this special girl? We want to hear from you! Please fill out the application form HERE.
And while this is a very happy occasion, we can’t help but feel a little sad.
Ten candles, 399 days waiting for her forever home.
Athena was 8 when we posted her for adoption. She is now ten. And the only wish she has is to find her forever home.
Athena is:
❤️ Loving
❤️ Loyal
❤️ Snuggly
❤️ Intelligent
❤️ Ridiculously adorable
Hard of hearing, dog selective and needs medication to calm her nerves – sometimes people can’t look past these things. But that’s not all she is. She’s an amazing companion who will look at you with eyes so beautiful, so bright, and so full of unconditional love. She is a dog who has gone through a lot yet still perseveres and tries to be the best girl she can be.
Athena may not be for everyone, but we’re confident that for the right person, she will be their everything. We’re certain of it.
Help make Athena’s birthday wish come true. Share her story or read her bio and apply.
www.bostonterrierrescuecanada.com/dog/athena/
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 moved from Nova Scotia to Québec. Athena has been working with a wonderful local positive-reinforcement trainer, and she’s making steady progress. We've also worked with our veterinary team to explore medications to 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.
Athena has been waiting since March 2025 for a home to call her own. So we’re going to try casting a wider net – fitting, for a dog originating in Halifax’s harbour city – and offer the possibility of transportation to the right family.
That said, a local adopter would have the advantage of continuing to work with her 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. ❤️
Adopt Athena in Québec!
Were you surprised that I didn’t write to you before Christmas? Sorry about that. I was really busy. I packed up everything and moved from Nova Scotia to Québec, because BTRC hoped that it would give me a better chance at being adopted. Maybe a new province means I’m just that much closer to my forever home.
I’ve been waiting a long time, Santa. I know I need to be patient…and I have been. But it’s so hard not to get discouraged. I came into foster care in December 2024. I truly believed that 2025 would be my year. I waited. I hoped. I tried. Boy, did I try, Santa. SO hard. But here I am, still waiting…and really, really hoping that 2026 will finally be the year that someone sees me and knows that I’m meant to be part of their family.
I’m a good girl. I do best with calm dogs when I have careful and slow introductions, and I can be selective with others. I like to take my time to get to know new environments. Cats make me nervous, so I’d really prefer a home without them. I’m working with a trainer because I want so badly to be the best girl I can be for my future family.
Santa, I never ask for much, you know that. But I know I deserve to find my happily-ever-after, and I’m not giving up. I can’t.
Even though this letter is for you, Santa, I really hope my forever family is reading too. Maybe I’m not the only one who’s been waiting. Maybe I’m the one they’ve been waiting for too.
Love,
Athena
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.
