6/1/23. Athena is almost 4 months old, 25 lbs but rapidly growing.  Her full-grown weight is expected to be between 55 and 65 lbs. 

Athena was surrendered, together with two litter mates, due to an overcrowding situation.  She was found positive for worms and is being dewormed presently.  Her last course of dewormer is scheduled for early September.

As a puppy, she eats, drinks, pees and poops a lot.  Which means she needs to be let out of the house every few hours, whether she asks for it or not.  She is far from potty trained, although she is starting to grasp the concept.  She is crate trained.

Currently, Athena lives with an 85 lbs resident male GSD and foster sister Ruby 6285.  She plays with Ruby and tries to engage with the resident male, who typically just corrects her.  She also tries to engage with smaller dogs and her invitations to play are not always appropriate.

Athena often gets sick during car rides.  Difficult to tell whether this will improve with age or not. 

When exposed to new situations, Athena tends to be guarded until she gets comfortable.  She can be intimidated by tall people, but often invites interaction when the same people are sitting down.

Athena has done well at an adoption event she has been brought to but exhibited minor signs of anxiety when other “members of the pack” were not in view.  All this means is that she tends to develop strong bonds with whatever group of people/dogs she considers her family, which is a typical GSD trait.  When left home for a few hours in her crate, she does not show significant separation anxiety, but that may be because she can benefit from the presence of two other GSDs in the house.

She is starting to walk on a leash, but she has a long way to go to meet my standards.  Of course, being a puppy, she has no manners and constantly tests her boundaries.  Again, perfectly normal and even healthy.

So far, Athena has done ok with children, again with the caveat that she was in company with two larger and reasonably well-behaved GSDs. 

Athena is unknown with cats, and I have no way of testing her.  Be advised that she has displayed some prey drive.

Athena is smart and has a lot of potential.  Ideally, she should go to an active household with GSD experience and also puppy experience.  As a minimum, her adopter(s) should clearly understand that raising a puppy requires a lot of patience.  It represents a significant commitment, but if done right, can lead to huge rewards.  Repeat VGSR adopters welcome. 

Athena is being fostered in Arlington 22204. Approved adopters can contact arivederci@aol.com