About Athena

Hi, Athena is my 5-year-old spayed female German Shepherd. I rescued her in 2021 when she was 8 months old after she had experienced significant neglect and had already been returned to the shelter three times for separation anxiety. When I brought her home, she didn't know what a collar, leash, crate, or muzzle was, wasn't potty trained, knew no commands, struggled with food insecurity, and had parasites. She had never had stability or structure. Over the past several years, I've invested a great deal of time, patience, and money into helping her. We worked with a professional behavioral specialist, and she was prescribed behavioral medication by her veterinarian through 2023. I'm incredibly proud of the progress she's made. Today, Athena is potty trained, crate trained, muzzle trained, and knows several commands, including 'retreat.' She loves learning and enjoys puzzle toys, her snuffle mat, and scent games. She'll happily play 'find it' by searching the yard for hidden treats. She also retrieves empty plastic water bottles on command and will catch (but not eat) mice if asked. Athena has never been destructive while in my care, despite the previous claims of separation anxiety. I can leave her home uncrated without worrying about damage or accidents. She actually enjoys her crate and considers it her safe space. She recognizes my routines, and if she sees me grab my purse, keys, or work bag, she'll often go into her crate on her own. She's an incredibly observant and intelligent dog. One of her quirks is that she absolutely hates water and simultaneously hates being dirty but otherwise she's calm and easygoing around the house. Athena is deeply bonded to me and has fear-based reactivity centered around protecting me from unfamiliar people and she doesn't like yelling. She does very well with people she knows and trusts. Around strangers, especially if they approach me too quickly or closely, she becomes anxious and protective. Interestingly, when she's away from me, I've consistently been told she's relaxed and 'an angel.' She boarded twice at K9 Lifeline for approximately 10 days each while my family traveled internationally and had no behavioral issues. Athena has lived successfully with other dogs. She lived with my female Yellow Labrador Retriever and later with my daughter's male Dorkie puppy. She was the more confident dog with the Lab but lets the little Dorkie boss her around. She has also lived around chickens and has learned boundaries well. If she caught one of my neighbor's chickens after it wandered into my yard, she would immediately release it when told to 'let go' and never harmed them. She has chased cats out of the chickens' area but has never injured one. Athena has always been wonderful with children. When I adopted her, my daughters ranged in age from 9 to 17, and she did well with each of them as they grew up. She has also been gentle and patient with my granddaughter since she was a toddler, and now that she's 8 years old, they adore each other. Our household has primarily been female, but she also gets along very well with my son-in-law after a proper introduction. Athena isn't the stereotypical high-energy German Shepherd. She naturally matches the energy of her family. She enjoys walks, runs, training, and activities but is equally content relaxing beside you. As my health has declined and I've become largely bed-bound, she has adapted beautifully, but I know she'd thrive with someone who can give her more activity and engagement than I'm able to provide now. This decision is heartbreaking. I'm rehoming Athena because of my housing situation and declining health, not because she's a bad dog. She is incredibly loyal, intelligent, and loving. She simply needs an experienced handler who understands fearful, protective dogs and can provide structure, consistency, and a lower-traffic home. I'd rather be completely honest about both her strengths and her challenges so she can be placed successfully. She deserves a home where she can continue to thrive. I can provide: * Veterinary records * Training records * Contact information for her trainer and behavioral specialist * Embark DNA results and breed report * Additional photos and videos upon request

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Salt Lake County
West Valley City, Utah

Angela Maes: 3853025779

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