Hi there, I’m Athena!

I might look like your typical happy, tail-wagging girl these days – but it wasn’t always this way. Let me tell you how I got here.

I don’t remember much about the beginning. Just that it was hot. Dusty. Thirsty. And we were always hungry. My brother Zeus and sister Venus and I were trying our best to survive out in a dry riverbed somewhere in Spain. Our mama did her best, but we were all thin, itchy from ticks, and tired all the time. Every day felt like a challenge.

Then one day, a kind lady stopped her car. She must have seen mama limping across the road – her paws were sore from walking, and she was just trying to find food for us. She followed her back to the dry riverbed and… well, that’s when everything changed.

She came back the next day. And the next. With food.
At first, we didn’t know what to make of her. But slowly, we started to trust her. We could tell she wasn’t like the others. She didn’t yell, didn’t chase us off. She was kind.

Food the nice lady bought to us

Zeus, Athena (me) and Venus

Eventually, we let her take us home. She had a lovely house near the coast with space to run, fences to keep us safe, and cool shade to nap in. That’s where I learned to relax again. She called me Athena and my siblings she named Zeus and Venus. Mama was of course, Mama! There were other rescue dogs there as well. I guess there are a lot of discarded dogs in Spain. Sad, really. But this lady… she gave us a second chance.

Time passed, and I got stronger. The lady took care of us, fed us well, gave us medicine, and helped us feel safe. Then one day, she told me someone had seen my picture online. A man called Andy.

Now, Andy wasn’t really looking for a dog. He was still heartbroken after losing his previous girl. But when he saw my face… something clicked. He told me that. Something about my eyes, he said. I guess I looked like I needed someone. And maybe he did too.

Me and Zeus in our safe place

A £40 flight from UK to Spain

He flew all the way from England just to meet me. I was still timid, unsure of people. But he didn’t rush me. He stayed at the house for a few days, just getting to know me. We even went to the vet together, and he didn’t mind that I was still in recovery.

One day, we walked along the seafront. It was beautiful. Mountains on one side, the sea on the other. I stayed close to him on the lead. It felt… right. I didn’t want him to leave.

Four weeks later, I was fit and ready for travel. I remember the long journey in a big Mercedes van. It was cool, clean, and the man driving it was lovely. A proper dog person. It took two days to reach England.

When I arrived, I was so tired. Everything was new. Quiet. Green. But Andy was there, waiting just like he promised. And from that moment, England became my new home.

Those first months, he let me settle in slowly. No pressure. Just walks, quiet time, gentle words. At first I was unsure of people. Loud noises scared me. I didn’t like sheds or garden gates – maybe bad memories from before. But Andy is patient. Kind. And always has treats.

And now?
Well… I’m different. Confident. Happy. I adore playing with other dogs. I’ll run and tumble and chase for hours if you let me. And people? I’ve learned that most are pretty nice. Especially the ones with snacks.

There are still some things that worry me. But I’m getting braver every day. Andy says I’m doing great. That I’m his best friend. His girl.

So here I am – Athena.
Once a scared little riverbed pup. Now living a life filled with walks, play, photos, and love.
Not bad, huh?

Thanks for reading my story. Maybe I’ll see you on one of our adventures.
I’ll be the one with the big ears, wagging tail and Andy, camera in hand, right behind me.

Completely zonked out after 2 days travelling