Athena

Athena- the one who started it all-on the web that is.

Originally this was her site to document her rehab after adoption. 

Adopted April 6, 2014

Crossed the rainbow bridge August 14, 2020

Name: Athena

Nicknames: Theena, FiFi, TheenaGirl, Theena Theena Theena, Ms Barky Bark

Breeds:  Plott Hound, G Shepherd, Chesapeake Bay Retriever mix

Former Puppy Mill survivor & Degenerative Myelopathy Warrior.

LOVED Being included. LOVED playing with other dogs. LOVED her pack.

Quick Summary:
Hub saw her pick being shared on FB, thought she was beautiful and wanted her. End of story.

When we went to get her from the shelter, this is what we found out.

She appeared to have been over-bred.  Her teets were swollen and droopy. She had an ear infection and some infection on her back.  She had "black" callouses on her underneath and 'elbows'. Where the infection on her back was, she was missing a strip of hair. That area was crusty and scabby.

Once we brought her home, we discovered she had weak back legs. Had never used stairs before and had difficulty using them.   Based on all this evidence it was safe to assume she lived in a cage most of her life (the black on her underneath & elbows and lack of strength in her legs).  At the park, She is OBSESSED with small dogs and puppies. She had been over-bred, so she most likely was over-bred in a puppy mill.

When we took her to the park, she'd run with the dogs but her gait was awkward and she had trouble keeping up. She couldn't jump up on furniture or into the car.

Over time, her infections healed.  Through frequent use of the stairs and playing with other dogs, her back legs have strengthened.  She still has some issues, however she is familiar with stairs and can keep up with the other dogs. Where it was once awkward to see her run, it is now a thing of beauty.

In spite of her beginnings, she is the most happy dog that we've ever had.  In fact, having a puppy around the house seems to have helped her too.  

https://www.facebook.com/athenagirlpup/