Help Athena Roll into Her Next Adventure

Hi everyone! Meet my warrior, Athena. She will turn 11 in August. An amazing feat for a Rottie, let alone a 3-legged Rottie who has kicked cancer's a$$!

In November 2019, Athena was diagnosed with osteosarcoma...bone cancer. She was only 6 years old and given 2-6 months to live. In January 2020, after a slip on ice resulting in an injury that shattered her cancer-ridden bones, a decision was made to amputate her left front leg and scapula. As of July 3, 2024, that was 4 years and 23 weeks ago. But who is counting her weekly 'ampu'versaries? Me, I am, her momma. I started celebrating her life every week and now I won't stop until her very last day.

Even though she has managed to get around for almost 4.5 years on 3 legs, it hasn't come easy for her. There have been setbacks and injuries to her other legs and back. While her spirit and energy keep her going, her body is struggling to keep up. I did a lot of research on the benefit of wheels and tri-paws and decided to have her assessed and measured and purchased her own wheels specifically designed for her. In order to do that though, Athena required another surgery to remove a very large fatty tumor near her chest that not only was literally weighing her down, but it was going to interfere with her new set of wheels causing additional discomfort and an eventual ulceration leading to even more health issues and costs. The great news, Athena is healing from that procedure, and by no surprise is...doing fantastic. Her staples come out on July 9th and then we will pick up her wheels on July 16th. There will be an adjustment period for her, but her new ride will allow her to get around more safely and maybe, just maybe, we can take longer walks than a quick run around the block before she tires. And of course, I will be getting her a personalized vanity plate and will bling out her wheels.

Unfortunately, costs have started to add up taking care of my little warrior. Between her ongoing meds that run roughly $150/month, her recent surgery ($1800) and her wheels ($950), I wanted to reach out to friends and family, and especially those that know or have been a part of Athena's journey, and ask for a little help and to be a part of Athena's next journey.

Those that have been lucky to have met Athena, can attest to her sheer joy for life (and chipmunks LOL). They marvel at how easy she has made it look getting around as a tri-paw through the years. And hopefully she has inspired others to not let any obstacles get in the way of living their best life, knowing that being imperfect is actually the most perfect thing of all! Athena is loved beyond measure and she gives it back in return and then some.

Any amount you are able to donate will help and go directly towards her wheels. Any extra funds raised will help pay off her surgery and her lifelong medications.

I will document her new journey as we go!

Thank you.

~Jaime, Athena's Mommy~