Athena

My story

Meet Athena: A Gentle Giant Ready to Love and Be Loved After years of being overlooked, Athena is finally learning what it means to be safe, cherished, and part of a family. She’s a 6–7 year old, 70-pound Bernese Mountain Dog who has endured more than her fair share of neglect—but you’d never know it from the way she leans into your legs, quietly asking for affection with those soulful eyes. Athena is a quiet, introverted sweetheart. She’s not the kind of dog who bounds into a room—she’s the one who waits, watches, and eventually inches closer when she knows it’s safe. New places and unfamiliar faces can be scary for her, but once she trusts you, she gives you everything. Her foster says she’s loyal to the core and so incredibly loving—she just needs time and patience to bloom. She’s the type of dog who will rest her head on your lap and stay there for hours, perfectly content just to be near you. Her favorite place in the world? Curled up on your feet, soaking up every ounce of affection like it’s the first time she’s ever felt love—because for a long time, it probably was. Athena is beautifully non-reactive in almost every situation. Whether it’s passing dogs on walks, barking neighbors, or the clatter of everyday life inside the home, she stays calm and composed. Loud noises, doorbells, or even the hustle and bustle of a busy street don’t shake her—she takes the world in stride, quietly observing without fear or fuss. She also gets along wonderfully with other dogs and shows nothing but gentleness around small animals and children. Despite her past, Athena is a peaceful presence. She doesn’t know how to play with toys yet, but she does know how to rest in a cozy bed, enjoy a peaceful walk, and get the zoomies when the mood strikes. She can be a little stubborn at times, but it’s part of her charm—and all she really wants is someone who understands her. Athena is looking for a home that understands the beauty of a slow, steady bond. Someone who sees her not for the scars of her past, but for the softness of her heart. She doesn't ask for much—just patience, kindness, and a little space to feel safe. In return, you’ll get a gentle giant who will love you with quiet, unwavering devotion. If you believe in second chances and have room in your heart for a dog who’s still learning how to trust, Athena might just be the one who changes your life. Thank you so much for your interest in adopting a dog from A New Chance Animal Rescue (https://anewchancear.org). We are a 501c3, tax deductible organization. ANCAR is a foster-based rescue, and we adopt within a 90 mile radius of Bedford Hills, NY. You will find the adoption application here: (https://anewchancear.org/adopt/adoption-application/). All fields on the application must be completed. Please read about the adoption process (https://www.anewchancear.org/adopt/our-adoption-process/) so you'll know what to expect when you submit. Our dogs are in foster care and we do NOT have a shelter or boarding facility. AN APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN FULL AND APPROVED BEFORE A DOG CAN BE MET. This is a firm policy. Our busy volunteers are not able to respond to questions about the dog or dog meeting requests in the absence of an application. We know these dogs very well because they are in foster care. Please read the profiles of the dog(s) you are interested in prior to submitting an application. If there are specific requirements stated (ie: Fenced Yard or Canine Friend Required) these are included because they are vital to the happiness, health, safety and adoption success of that dog. We are only able to save as many dogs as we have foster homes (https://www.anewchancear.org/foster/faqs/) and resources for. We provide medical care including vaccinations, testing, deworming, spaying/neutering and microchipping before transporting our dogs. We provide all supplies, preventatives and any follow up vet care necessary while they are in foster care. These costs are high and the number of lives we can save is entirely dependent upon donations from people like you. We do not receive funding from private foundations or government sources. If you can find room in your heart to help us, with any amount, we are truly grateful (https://www.anewchancear.org/help/donate/). We are a 501c3 organization, so all donations are tax-deductible. It is only through the kindness of supporters like you that we are 'changing lives...one tail at a time' by providing our dogs with 'A New Chance.' (https://anewchancear.org) Thanks so much.

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Athena, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.