Athena Bee, you were 8 years old when I met you. A one person dog living for the past 2 years with your forever human, Rob.
In time I found myself falling in love with both of you.

It was clear that you and Rob were a package deal. You were the only dog I had ever met who was hesitant with me, such was the bond and devotion to Rob.
Gradually you grew to trust me. We became friends.
I taught you to play with toys, perform long sit and stays, ride in the car a little more comfortably, and expect treats every single time you came back home after being let out.

Your first home was with your brother Apollo, your yellow copilot. Your first human mom loved you and had a small child. You needed a lot of attention.
You were an abundant affection machine. Rob met you and Apollo both one fine day, and selected you.

You entered Rob’s home at age 6 with his brother Gunnar, rolling hills of grass, a swimming pool (which you never swam in despite your purebred Labrador pedigree), a pear tree and orchards of apples and stone fruit, and a small creek.
You enjoyed the strong smells of nature and wild things. You loved to eat those pears, in all stages of juicy ripeness and green astringent unripeness.
You made friends with the neighbor horses Koa and Mac and peacefully observed the wild turkeys, squirrels and deer.
You frolicked with brother Eric’s dog Finn and tolerated Grandma Vera’s dog Rosie.

Playing frisbee and tennis ball chuck it, you were Rob’s steadfast companion. His velcro dog and steadfast companion.

We became a little family unit and your nicknames were endless: fuzzle butt, shiny hiney, the Bee, beezer kneneezer, Beatrix, crazy leg, Rufus McDoofuss, dog belly, happy tail, skids with poo, snappy Leibowitz, Snoopy McGillicutty, GrumbleDorff, stink breath, monkey foot, sheepish Gambino, pineapple head, Beat Master Bee, big liar head, Barhy McBarkowitz, cutie doodle, princess pumpernickel, Bumblebee and eventually, sugar nose.

In your last days, as your 14+ year old physical body tired and struggled, your spirit was ever clear in your bright eyes. Seemingly perplexed at being unable to stand or walk.
Wagging your tail at the sight of us and slowly eating and drinking less and less. Your usual strident tail wag became a tail flicker.

We spent your last days together with you, talking, sharing memories, hand feeding you, and keeping you comfortable as we awaited the vets home visit to release you from the suffering of your physical body.

The mercy you deserved for the many years of unconditional love.

You are irreplaceable and we hope to reunite with you wherever the future holds.

Soft paws

Warm heart Athena runs free now

Loved Good girl, always good

Om Bhairavaya Namah. Om Gam Ganapataye Namah. Om tat sat. May Athena find peace and liberation. May her soul journey safely and be surrounded by love. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.