Athena has crossed the Rainbow Bridge

I regret to inform you all that my beloved mastiff Athena, my pride and joy, passed away on Nov 14, 2008.

Athena had been having some health issues lately. After some bloodwork came back indicating the possibility of cancer, it was determined that Athena needed a chest x-ray to see exactly what we were dealing with. She needed to be mildy sedated to get a clear radiograph. Unfortunately, the condition of her heart (which, it turns out, was surrounded by a huge cancerous mass) was far weaker than any of us knew. She did not survive the anesthesia, despite all efforts to save her life.

When I rescued Athena in 2001, I didn't realize that she would become such an integral part of my life. I hope I was able to enriche her life anywhere near as much as she lit up mine. I can't even put into words how much I miss her and how my heart aches. My only solace comes in the fact that I know she is now able to run (and drool!) free from the pain of a bad hip and the discomfort of a body falling apart around her.

Although 9 years is a long life for a giant breed, it still wasn't nearly enough...

Andrea Harmon

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