Teacher's Pet Adopted from County Shelter
Press Release
12/17/09
Paul Denkenberger

Adopting a pet is an important but rewarding decision. Age, breed, temperament, and personal dedication are all important considerations to make before committing yourself to properly caring for a pet. These considerations are all the more important when it comes to adopting a dog. So, when a six-year-old boxer/pit mix named Athena came to Haywood County Animal Control she already had two strikes against her; she was getting on in years and her breed mix includes that infamous word, "pitbull."

Nevertheless, her temperament showed none of the negative aspects of age or her breeding. She managed to win the hearts of Sarge's volunteers, who helped find her a place in foster care. Despite her winning personality, Athena remained in her foster home for a long time before she found her forever home with Lara Ernest, a fifth grade teacher at Jonathan Valley Elementary School in Waynesville. Ernest now takes Athena to work several times per week, where she is the "teacher's pet" and a favorite of the children. Having Athena in the classroom teaches kids first-hand the value of animal rescue and the importance of properly caring for a pet. "Athena's story is unique because pitbulls, even mixes, are hard to place in homes," says Diana Ritter, a Sarge's adoption coordinator, "She is a great ambassador for her breed."