Athena's New Dawn, by Karin McGuire

Athena in her new home

There’s a softness in the way Athena watches the world now. It’s not that she’s unaware of her past, but more that the wounds of it don’t seem to matter anymore. And they don’t need to. Not when her days are filled with sunshine, soft couches, and adventures that don’t require fighting off the bitter cold of a winter night or guarding a farm against unseen threats.

How We Found Each Other

I don’t know a lot about Athena’s past. I was never told her full story ─ where she came from, what she’d seen or endured. But I’ve never been bothered by the gaps in Athena’s history. The past is just that  ─ the past. What matters is now, and right now Athena is my loyal companion and confidante, bringing much joy into my life, as I bring much love into hers.

I first met Athena through word of mouth from someone who had worked on the farm where Athena had been raised. The farm was closing down, and when the owners realized they didn’t need a protection dog anymore, Athena was marked for disposal, like an old tool rusting away in the shed. But that’s not how it went.

One of the farm employees couldn’t bear the thought of her being left behind so he called around, found someone who could help, and word of Athena’s situation spread throughout our community. What followed was  a phone call and a decision made on a whim. And from the moment I met Athena, there was no question in my mind that we were meant to be together.

A New Beginning

The day we met, Athena’s dark eyes looked into mine with a kind of cautious curiosity, as if she too was weighing this new situation, wondering what kind of life she had landed in. I smiled at her and knelt down to offer a hand.

And Athena, for the first time, took a step toward kindness.

Now she spends her days in a warm home surrounded by soft carpets and squeaky toys. She doesn’t have to worry about the frigid bite of winter anymore or the days spent with little more than the company of the wind. Athena has learned the comfort of pillows, blankets, and taking naps in the sunshine.

I can only guess what her life was like on the farm, but I can see first-hand how much love she’s capable of giving now. Athena loves people ─ strangers, friends, anyone who’s willing to meet her gaze and offer a scratch behind her ears. She greets them with a wagging tail and a solid nudge of her head, as if to say, I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s be friends.

Athena Finds Her Person

The bond Athena shares with me goes beyond simple affection. It’s a connection forged in understanding. Athena doesn’t need to speak to communicate her gratitude. The way she looks at me when we’re alone, the way she leans into my touch, says everything that needs to be said.

The life she once knew is far behind her, and she’s in no hurry to look back. For now, it’s enough to just be here, in this life full of love and laughter. It’s enough to have a home where she doesn’t have to stand guard, to have friends who make her feel safe and cherished. It’s enough to know that she is loved.

And in this simple, beautiful moment, Athena realizes something ─ she doesn’t need to know everything about her past to be whole. She just needs to know that she’s here now, with me, and this is the life she was always meant to live.