Athena - Border Collie and Australian Shepherd Dog Available for Adoption in Lebanon, Missouri

Meet Athena! This gorgeous 1 year old Border Collie x Australian Shepherd mix is looking for a home that can give her the kind of life she's been dreaming of. Athena came to us after her previous family made the difficult but loving decision to surrender her when they realized she wasn't getting the enrichment, structure, and outlet she needed to truly thrive. They wanted her to have the opportunity to find a home better suited for her energy level and intelligence - and we admire them for putting her needs first.

Athena is exactly what you'd expect from a young herding breed mix: smart, active, eager, and absolutely begging for a job to do. She's the kind of dog that wants to be involved in life. Whether that means hiking, running, learning tricks, playing fetch, exploring trails, or even trying out dog sports, Athena is happiest when both her body and mind are being engaged.

When meeting new people, Athena can be a little bashful at first, but give her a few minutes and her sweet personality starts to shine through. Once she feels comfortable, she becomes affectionate, playful, and eager for attention. She does well with other dogs, doesn't mind cats, and absolutely lights up around children. Because she gets so excited, she would need supervision and guidance around younger kids - not because there's a mean bone in her body, but because she still needs help learning manners and can be jumpy when she's excited.

Her previous owners reported that Athena can become destructive when left alone and bored, but honestly, that's not unusual for a young, intelligent working breed without enough stimulation. Athena isn't a "bad" dog - she's simply a dog that needs an outlet, consistency, and someone willing to invest time into helping her succeed. With exercise, structure, enrichment, and continued training, we truly believe Athena is going to blossom into an incredible companion.

If you've been looking for a smart, athletic, loving dog that's ready to be your adventure buddy and loyal sidekick, Athena may just be your girl.

The Australian Shepherd is a highly intelligent and energetic herding dog known for its loyalty and work ethic. Originating in the United States, despite its name, this breed is prized for its agility, trainability, and versatility in various dog sports and activities. Australian Shepherds have a distinctive medium length coat that comes in different colors, often with unique merle patterns. With proper training, socialization, and exercise, these dogs make excellent companions for active families and individuals seeking a devoted and playful four legged friend.

The Border Collie is a highly intelligent and energetic dog breed known for their herding capabilities and exceptional obedience. Originating from the border regions of Scotland and England, these agile and versatile dogs are famous for their focus, stamina, and trainability. With their striking black and white coat and intense gaze, Border Collies excel in various canine sports and activities, making them ideal companions for active families and individuals seeking a loyal and dynamic pet.