Athena recognizes the expression on the shelter staff’s faces. She saw similar expressions on faces that visited her beloved owner, before her owner died. It’s a different expression than her shelter friends had when they met the sweet, quietly affectionate chocolate Labrador Retriever, two months ago, right after death made her homeless.

Then, the staff believed the eight-year-old, spayed, well-trained pup would go to a new home soon. That hasn’t happened. Although Athena’s just 49 years old, in human years, people, even ones older than 49 themselves, are attracted to bouncy youngsters.

Eager-to-please Athena has regained a lot of her bounce in the shelter, thanks to walks with kind volunteers. Yet, no one has noticed. And with the shelter full, Athena can’t stay much longer.