Smart Shelter Dog Held A Bowl In The Mouth To Let Rescuers Know She Wants Treats

Athena, a sweet German Shepherd, endured unimaginable hardships before finding the love and care she desperately needed.

Rescued from the streets of Southeast Texas, her transformation is a testament to resilience, kindness, and second chances.

A Chance Rescue

While heading to a construction site, workers noticed a severely malnourished dog wandering aimlessly.

Source: Athena the Dreamer

Touched by her frail condition, they gave her water and called Be Intentional, a local rescue organization.

The team at Be Intentional wasted no time. Recognizing the dire state of the dog, whom they named Athena, they rushed her to a veterinary hospital for urgent care.

Athena’s Condition

When the rescue team first saw Athena, they described her as one of the most heartbreaking cases they’d ever encountered.

“She was just skin and bones,” shared Christie Kasko, founder of Be Intentional.

Source: Athena the Dreamer

“She had every parasite in her system and one of the worst cases of sarcoptic mange the vet had seen. Her harness was so tight it had to be removed immediately.”

Athena’s condition revealed years of neglect—deprivation of proper food, medical care, and even the smallest gestures of love.

The Adorable Bowl Trick

Despite her suffering, Athena began to show her sweet personality as she recovered.

While receiving treatment at the hospital, she developed a heart-melting habit: carrying her food bowl in her mouth whenever someone passed by.

Source: Athena the Dreamer

She quickly realized this trick earned her extra attention, treats, and snuggles from the staff.

“She figured it out fast,” said Kasko. “She gets plenty of food, but carrying her bowl makes her irresistible—and she knows it!”

A Step Toward Healing

Once stable, Athena was transferred to Sauver Des Chiens German Shepherd Dog Rescue, an organization experienced with her breed.

They placed her with an exceptional foster family—a quiet, country home where she could heal emotionally and physically.

Her foster mom, who had experience with medical care, training, and grooming, provided Athena with undivided attention.

Source: Athena the Dreamer

Slowly, Athena began to trust again, all while holding on to her signature habit of carrying her bowl.

“She still carries her bowl occasionally, but she’s now getting good nutrition and doesn’t need to ask for more,” her foster mom shared.

Finding Forever Love

Athena’s foster family soon realized they couldn’t part with her. They officially adopted her, making her a “foster fail” in the best way possible.

Her new mom, Patti Pulliam, a volunteer and training coordinator at Sauver Des Chiens, gave Athena the loving home she deserved.

Happily Ever After

Even three years later, Athena still carries her bowl around, a charming reminder of her journey from desperation to happiness.

Her story continues to inspire those who follow her adventures on her official Facebook page.

Source: Athena the Dreamer

Athena’s transformation shows the incredible difference love and care can make—and how a small gesture, like carrying a bowl, can steal hearts forever.

For updates on Athena and her adventures, visit her Facebook page, Athena the Dreamer.