Update

Athena's Update and Court Hearing Information

At this time, we are looking for a foster but preferably an adopter for Athena. She is ready for a family of her own. The following is a bio of Athena and who would be best suited to make her a member of their family. Some of it is repetitive from our last update, this is because we want to stress what Athena needs. This bio is much more thorough.

They say pictures speak a thousand words, look at these pictures of Athena, look into those eyes, she is certainly not the dog who came in almost dead. You can see the love and trust that she can give even after being so emotionally scarred.

Athena is a great dog, full of energy and a heart full of love despite her rough beginnings. If you are a previous pit bull owner, she would be a good fit. The perfect owner would be a LEADER FIGURE, NOT a person that feels bad for her and NOT a person that feels they can love the abuse from her.

She has learned and improved immensely through Tuncay’s behavioral training. Again, Athena needs a strong male and/or female figure in her life that can follow through with training. If she senses weakness she will thrive on it. Upon leaving training she will need to follow on with the training notes that will accompany her. If you are the kind of owner that does not have time or patience then she is not for you. Tuncay, who has been doing such amazing work with Athena, will be helping with her adoption. He will even go to the adopter’s home as many times as needed. He will help the adopter learn the proper way to keep up with Athena’s training and handling.

She responds very well to leadership in a calm manner. Athena needs to be shown strong rules and boundaries but at the same time understand that she is safe. She is crate trained and walks perfectly on a leash. She has tremendous qualities but all environments should be controlled for a minimum of 2 to 3 months before She is given room. She respects and thrives from good leadership.

Her scars tell her story. She never had it easy, so she needs to understand that she is safe. You should not feel bad for her because she will sense it, and this won't help her. You should see this as an amazing experience of rags to riches. She does not need to be showered with toys and food. She should be showered with care and love in a controlled environment. 

There should be no other dogs as she requires extra time. Upon fostering or adoption, she needs time to decompress and acclimate to her new surroundings. If you are not patient then she is not for you. Athena has had a hard life. She needs to understand healthy love and earned love.

If you are looking for a fun girl to be your true best friend, Athena is the dog for you. She will love you endlessly, and be loyal beyond belief. Athena truly is a special dog that never should have made it, but her true stubborn nature and will to live kept her alive. 

If you are interested in Athena. please go to bobbiandthestrays.org to fill out an application. You can also call to speak to Bobbi at 917-913-9840.

Athena’s court hearing has again been postponed until January 11, 2023, if you are able to attend, we would appreciate it. If you can’t attend, you can help by writing a letter in support of Athena, to the Honorable Anne T. Donnelly, Nassau County District Attorney, and mail it to Nassau County District Attorney at 262 Old Country Road, Ste 2, Mineola, NY 11501. You can choose to send the letter through email to Anne.donnelly@nassauda.org.

Nobody wants the individual that abused Athena to go free. We all want him to be sentenced to jail time, for treating such an innocent soul in such a hateful, horrendous, and just plain sick manner.

Thank you so much for your love and support of Athena.

Update

Athena is still in rehab with Tuncay, her behaviorist.  He works with her daily and she is making great improvement. Athena will remain with Tuncay for a while longer to continue the great progress she has made with him. 

She has another court hearing Thursday, December 8^th, 2022. It would be great if you are able to attend to support Athena. If you can't attend, you can write a letter in support of Athena to the Honorable Anne T. Donnelly, Nassau County District Attorney, and mail it to Nassau County District Attorney 262 Old Country Road, Ste 2, Mineola, New York 11501. 

We are looking for prospective adopters for Athena, this is some information regarding the type of person/s that she needs. 

Athena is a great dog. Full of energy and a heart full of love despite her rough beginnings. If you are a previous pit bull owner, she would be a good fit. The perfect owner would be a leader figure. Not a person that feels bad for her. Not a person that feels they can love the abuse from her. She has come so far with training. She needs a strong male and female figure in her life that can follow through with training because if she senses weakness, she will thrive on it. Upon leaving training she will need to follow on with the training notes that will accompany her. If you are the kind of owner that does not have time or patience, then she is not for you. 

There should be no other dogs as she requires more time to decompress and learn her new surroundings.

We will give you more information regarding her needs on our next update next week.

We will continue updating you and a longer video of Athena will be uploaded.  

Thank you so much for your financial support and well wishes.

Update

Athena's court hearings continue to be postponed, and they are expected to take over one year for a verdict. Her next hearing date is 11/2/22. We all want this man who hurt Athena to pay for his crime. You can help by attending the hearings, but we know that for many it is difficult. The court address is Nassau District County Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead, New York 11550. If you can't attend, you can write a letter in support of Athena to the Honorable Anne T. Donnelly, Nassau County District Attorney, and mail it to Nassau County District Attorney 262 Old Country Road, Ste 2, Mineola, New York 11501. 

Athena was finally discharged from the vet's clinic approximately a week ago. Tuncay, the dog trainer went to pick her up and take her to his home, where she will stay for a few weeks.

She was a good girl, she happily got in his car and behaved all the way home. We are so thankful to all the staff and the vets at Howard Beach Animal Clinic for taking such good care of Athena. We're sure that Athena will miss them, but here is where another chapter of her life begins.

Athena at Tuncay's home.

We received two videos, but they are a little too blurry to post. we will be getting some good ones soon. Athena is able to take a walk on the sidewalk which she was petrified to do during her stay at the vet. She has also learned how to fetch. We are in daily contact with Tuncay, who says that she is learning a lot and is doing really well.

Thank you for helping us give Athena the medical help that she needed, and now the help that she needs for her emotional scarring.

We are so PROUD of Athena. She needed help, support, and love, but she had to be strong to survive, she had to have that spark of fire in her, not to give up. Even after being rescued, her survival was not guaranteed. Though she was getting treated, that first week she really had to fight hard to stay alive. ATHENA IS A CHAMP and we just can't say enough about this beautiful girl.

Update

Athena's court hearings continue to be postponed, and they are expected to take over one year for a verdict. Her next hearing date is 11/2/22. We all want this man who hurt Athena to pay for his crime. You can help by attending the hearings, but we know that for many it is difficult. The court address is Nassau District County Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead, New York 11550. If you can't attend, you can write a letter in support of Athena to the Honorable Anne T. Donnelly, Nassau County District Attorney, and mail it to Nassau County District Attorney 262 Old Country Road, Ste 2, Mineola, New York 11501. 

Athena was finally discharged from the vet's clinic approximately a week ago. Tuncay, the dog trainer went to pick her up and take her to his home, where she will stay for a few weeks.

She was a good girl, she happily got in his car and behaved all the way home. We are so thankful to all the staff and the vets at Howard Beach Animal Clinic for taking such good care of Athena. We're sure that Athena will miss them, but here is where another chapter of her life begins.

Athena at Tuncay's home.

We received two videos, but they are a little too blurry to post. we will be getting some good ones soon. Athena is able to take a walk on the sidewalk which she was petrified to do during her stay at the vet. She has also learned how to fetch. We are in daily contact with Tuncay, who says that she is learning a lot and is doing really well.

Thank you for helping us give Athena the medical help that she needed, and now the help that she needs for her emotional scarring.

We are so PROUD of Athena. She needed help, support, and love, but she had to be strong to survive, she had to have that spark of fire in her, not to give up. Even after being rescued, her survival was not guaranteed. Though she was getting treated, that first week she really had to fight hard to stay alive. ATHENA IS A CHAMP and we just can't say enough about this beautiful girl.

Update

Doesn't Athena look good?

Update

Athena is looking fantastic. You'd never tell that this is the same dog that we got. She is a picture of pure health. Athena loves to play and run around on the roof of the vet's office. She is finally leaving the vet and will be going to stay with a dog trainer at his home for a couple of weeks. Due to the trauma that she went through she has a few issues that need to be addressed.

You can see how well she is doing in this video, you can see more videos at Athena playing and Athena enjoying the view

As far as the criminal court hearings, they keep postponing the dates. The last hearing that we attended, was again postponed for November 2, 2022. A source informed us that this is a tactic that the lawyer uses to drag out the hearing hoping that people will forget about Athena. This would help the lawyer to get a deal for the person that abused her, so that he can get away without doing any jail time. For this reason we urge people to keep showing up at the hearings to show support for Athena.

Again, thank you for all of your support and kindness towards Athena. 

Update

REMINDER - ATHENA’S 2^ND COURT HEARING IS TOMORROW, 9/7/22, AT NASSAU DISTRICT COUNTY COURT, 99 MAIN STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. DOORS OPEN AT 8:00 AM. IF YOU CAN BE PRESENT AT THE HEARING, WE WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT. HAVING MANY ATHENA SUPPORTERS AT THE HEARING WILL SHOW THE JUDGE THAT PEOPLE ARE FOLLOWING THIS CASE, AND HOPEFULLY, CONVICT THE DEFENDANT. NO PICTURES OR SIGNS ARE ALLOWED.

Athena is healing very well. As you can see in this video, ATHENA'S VIDEO, she is looking better and better and loves toys. You can see some of the wounds which have been healing nicely. She has gained approximately 20 pounds since we first rescued her, and still needs to gain approximately another 10 pounds to be at her optimal weight. She has already been spayed and recovered.

Due to her past abuse, she was taking Prozac and Gabapentin for a few weeks to help her with her emotional trauma. At this moment she is off all medications and is doing pretty good.

Athena will remain at the vet a little longer but when she is discharged, we will need a foster home for her. After the severe abuse that she’s been through, we don’t want to have her at the shelter. She needs a home where she will feel completely comfortable and stress-free.

At this time all of our fosters already have animals, therefore, we are asking anyone that would be willing to volunteer to foster Athena, to fill out an Adoption/Foster application. You can find one at this link https://bobbiandthestrays.org/adoption-page-new/

Please note that we have the following requirements for Athena’s prospective foster.

Since we have not been able to make a proper behavioral assessment on her because the only environment that she has been in is at the veterinarian's, we must take many precautions.

The foster home that she goes to must be completely free of animals, not only cats and dogs but bunnies, guinea pigs, birds, hamsters, etc.

No children younger than 18 years old should be living in the home. You must have a yard where Athena can play and be trained. At this point, we don’t even know if she would be able to go for walks on the street.

Athena has shown some food and toy aggression, which is understandable, after being starved for so long, and probably never experienced the fun of playing with toys.

It would be very helpful if you have some knowledge of dog body language so that you can do the most for Athena. The person that becomes the foster will have help from our volunteer dog trainer.

Again, we thank you for showing Athena compassion, kindness, good wishes, and financial support. She has already come a long way and you have been a part of her rescue, the care that she’s getting, and her recovery.

Update

WE WILL BE POSTING A DETAILED UPDATE ON ATHENA IN A COUPLE OF DAYS. WE'VE BEEN A LITTLE BACKLOGGED. BUT SHE CONTINUES TO IMPROVE DAILY AND IS HEALING WELL. WE WILL POST PICTURES, A VIDEO, AND A MEDICAL UPDATE.

Update

We all want JUSTICE FOR ATHENA - AND YOU CAN HELP

Damian Douglas, Athena's former owner, appeared in court on 8/2/22, but the hearing was postponed until 9/7/22. If he is convicted he will spend ONLY ONE year in jail. Damian's lawyer is going to try to make a deal. We are trying to get as many supporters to attend the hearing on Athena's behalf. Pressure has to be placed on the judge to make the right decision, which is jail time. We have to make a stand for Athena and all abused animals. If enough people show up, there's a chance that the media may get involved. We would appreciate it if you are able to support Athena by showing up at the hearing.

HEARING INFORMATION

Nassau District County Court
99 Main Street
Hempstead, New York 11550
Wednesday, September 7. 2022
Doors open at 8:30am
Municipal parking, please bring quarters for the meters

These are just two of the latest pictures of some of Athena's many injuries. Click on the button to see a new video of Athena. She has been improving every day. Athena has gained 11 pounds, though we are very happy, she needs to gain so much more. This girl is so sweet, gentle, friendly, and curious. She loves all of her visitors and gives them kisses. At this point, we still don't know how long she will be at the vet. In the last update of 7/24/22, we were told that she would be there for at least 2 more months, then it was changed to 3 months.

Click to see  ATHENA'S NEW VIDEO

Again, we thank all of Athena's supporters. We appreciate that you continue to ask about her health and are concerned about her well-being.

Update

OOPs    -    ARREST UPDATE  THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE LINK BELOW (IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE VIDEO YET) PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgCFSTT0YvI TO SEE THE ARREST VIDEO.

Our hearts are so broken right now. When we watched the video (click on https://youtu.be/B8yuY5HzZHs  to see it) we really weren't prepared for what we were going to hear. We knew that Athena must have suffered but we didn't know how much, for how long, and even putting a face to the man was hard enough. Now hearing that this man kept Athena inside that carrier for 5 MONTHS, claiming that he did it because Athena was aggressive is a lot to handle. Now we have somewhat seen what the man looks like, it makes it so much more hurtful. To see this man and try to understand what type of person he must be to do this horrendous thing.

We can't help but feel more outrage and more pain imagining how this poor girl must have suffered for so long in the hands of this man. Athena is the sweetest dog and she doesn't have an ounce of aggression in her. To see her in person and interact with her, to see what a gentle, friendly dog she is, while seeing the story that her body tells is not an easy thing to do.

We can only hope that this man will pay for what he has done to this innocent animal. 

Update

ARREST UPDATE

Our hearts are so broken right now. When we watched the video (click on https://youtu.be/B8yuY5HzZHs  to see it) we really weren't prepared for what we were going to hear. We knew that Athena must have suffered but we didn't know how much, for how long, and even putting a face to the man was hard enough. Now hearing that this man kept Athena inside that carrier for 5 MONTHS, claiming that he did it because Athena was aggressive is a lot to handle. Now we have somewhat seen what the man looks like, it makes it so much more hurtful. To see this man and try to understand what type of person he must be to do this horrendous thing.

We can't help but feel more outrage and more pain imagining how this poor girl must have suffered for so long in the hands of this man. Athena is the sweetest dog and she doesn't have an ounce of aggression in her. To see her in person and interact with her, to see what a gentle, friendly dog she is, while seeing the story that her body tells is not an easy thing to do.

We can only hope that this man will pay for what he has done to this innocent animal. 

Update

GREAT NEWS ABOUT ATHENA - She is improving every day, even though it will be an extremely long recovery, she has gained enough strength to walk around at the vet. She is a curious girl. You can go to this link https://www.facebook.com/BobbiandtheStrays/videos/585009873208008 to see a video of Athena.

THE MAN THAT ABANDONED ATHENA HAS BEEN ARRESTED AND IS BEING CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY AND ABANDONMENT.

Update

DUE TO A NEW UPDATE FROM THE VET, WE HAVE TO INCREASE OUR GOAL.

ATHENA WILL HAVE TO SPEND AT LEAST 2 MORE MONTHS THERE. ALTHOUGH SHE'S EATING, SHE'S ONLY GAINED 2 OUNCES. AFTER STARVING FOR SO LONG AND GETTING SEVERE ANEMIA, GAINING WEIGHT WILL BE A VERY SLOW PROCESS, BUT IT'S EXPECTED. SHE ALSO HAS TO BE STRONG ENOUGH AND AT A CERTAIN WEIGHT BEFORE SHE CAN GET THE SURGERIES FOR ALL OF HER SORES.

AGAIN, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND ASK THAT YOU PLEASE CONTINUE SHARING HER FUNDRAISER.

WE WILL BE POSTING REGULAR UPDATES ON HER LONG RECOVERY.

Update

LATEST UPDATE ON ATHENA

Due to the condition that she is in, she will be staying at the vet for an unknown amount of time. She needs to be constantly monitored. We were also informed of the numerous surgeries that she will need for all of the wounds. We showed you some pictures of them but that is just a few. Her entire underside is covered with all kinds of lesions, indescribable disgusting sores that go as deep as 1 inch.

For this reason, we had to increase our goal.

We thank you so much for your support and will now ask if you can help us a little more BY SHARING HER FUNDRAISER.