Athena Update

Annie sent us this update on her rescue girl Athena.

“Athena turned three this past October and I just wanted to share a quick update as well as some pictures.
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> My husband Jesse and I adopted Athena 2 years ago right before she turned 1. Our first year with Athena was really tough. She had a lot of health issues, including being diagnosed with IBD and had an inability to put on and keep on weight. She was also really scared of many things including men. This year has been completely different. We feel like she has finally completely settled in. She is healthy and finally gaining weight! When we adopted Athena, she was 85 pounds and really skinny. We went through multiple diets and treatments. Once we got her on the right diet and had her IBD under control, she started eating regularly and feeling healthy. She is now a healthy 103 pounds and likely still growing.
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> Athena is still timid with some people especially when they first come to the house, however she has improved so much. She still barks at Jesse, but she does now approach him for pets. They have also worked on training and walking on a leash. She is much more comfortable with him and I am hopeful that their relationship will continue to improve.
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> Athena loves the little kids in her life. We have a niece and nephew who are 5 and a new baby niece who is 5 months. She is so gentle with the kids and adores the baby. She is overall just a gentle and good dog. She still goes to daycare and is a model citizen. She plays well with all sized dogs and is even teaching a younger Great Dane how to be a good big dog.
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> We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to bring Athena into our lives. We have had some hard times, but overall she brings so much happiness to our family and we could not imagine life without her. She is my gentle giant silly couch potato princess and we love her so much.”
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> Stay well,
> Annie and Jesse
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This is the kind of story about an adoption we love. Not all Danes smoothly transition into their new homes, and we are so thankful for people like Annie and Jesse who stuck it out with Athena and have been rewarded with their princess! They went the extra mile to help Athena settle in and be a healthy, happy girl. We are so grateful!