My name is 1011 Athena!

Athena is fostered in fostered in Altoona, IA

Athena is an absolute gem of a dog! She is a 6-year-old Black Tri femaile Australian Shepherd, currently about 47 pounds. Athena has a sweet temperament and loves people. Athena was surrendered to us when her owner was traveling as a truck driver and Miss Athena was left there to roam freely.  

Athena knows her basic commands like sit and down and has excellent house manners. She is fully housebroken and knows how to use a dog door. She’s not much of a barker, but she will alert her people if there’s something genuinely worth noticing.  She has shown no nervousness around new folks—she’ll often just plop right over and politely request belly rubs, which are one of her favorite things in the world.

She is comfortable spending short periods in a crate and goes in willingly, though she much prefers being close to her people and her furry friends. Thena sometimes jumps up when she’s excited to greet you, but she settles down quickly and responds well to guidance. Athena walks on leash but can pull quite a bit, especially when she sees other dogs—she just gets very excited and wants to make new friends! She is very treat motivated, which helps with training and focus. Off leash, she truly shines. On hikes and adventures with her people and dog pals, she stays close, listens well, and loves to explore.

Athena loves car rides—her ears perk up instantly when she hears “Go for a ride,” even whispered. She also enjoys relaxing with a good chew and is especially fond of her deer antlers.  She has gotten along well with the dogs she’s been introduced to and really enjoys playing with her foster dog friends. Her favorite activities include wrestling, playing chase and keep-away with another dog, belly rubs, car rides, chewing her antlers, and hikes where she can run and sniff to her heart’s content.

Athena was said to be afraid of cats, but she has made progress while living with an older resident cat in her foster hoome. She has not been aggressive, though she does like to keep a close eye on them, so a cat-free home—would be ideal for her.  Ahena has a great balance of energy—she loves playtime and having a canine playmate, but she’s also perfectly content relaxing next to her people and soaking up affection. She is used to a fenced yard and would thrive in a home where she can safely play and explore. She has done wonderfully around children over 5 years old so this.  

Atena’s ideal home would be one where she has a canine companion to help burn off energy, loving humans to give her attention and belly rubs, and opportunities for walks, adventures, and car rides. In return, she offers loyalty, sweetness, and a joyful presence that makes every day brighter.

Athena is spayed, microchipped, up-to-date on all vaccinations and receiving monthly prevention for fleas, ticks and heartworms. She does require a committed adopter who is willing to devote ample amount of mental and physical stimulation per day.  Proof of heartworm purchase is required for any current or previous pets.  

NOTE:  All of our dogs live in foster homes with volunteers so we need an approved application on file to set up a meet with a dog you might have an interest in.  Please visit our website for more information on our adoption process, our adoption fees and a link to our adoption application.  We pride ourselves on matches that work for both the dog and your family.  MASR is here for your support, advice and safety net for our dogs for the remainder of their lives.  www.MidwestAustralianShepherdRescue.org