Dog abandoned after divorce now needs foster home to recover from surgery she desperately needs
courtesy of Volunteer Auxiliary for Animal Shelters

Dog abandoned after divorce now needs foster home to recover from surgery she desperately needs

Rescue dog needs foster after surgery following heartbreaking past

JACKSON, NJ – Once used for breeding and later abandoned after a bitter divorce, a dog named Athena2 is now waiting for a second chance—but she can’t move forward until someone steps up to foster her through a critical surgery and recovery period.

Athena2, a large-breed dog taken in by Volunteer Auxiliary for Animal Shelters Inc., is currently living in a kennel, which is not suitable for the recovery she’ll need after her upcoming TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery. The procedure is essential to repair a painful knee injury that limits her mobility and causes daily discomfort. But until a foster home is secured, her surgery cannot be scheduled.

Rescuers say Athena2’s life has been marked by hardship. Before being surrendered, she was used solely for breeding and discarded when she was no longer “useful.” Her last owners gave her up following their divorce, leaving her homeless and with an untreated injury.

The group is urgently seeking a foster home where Athena2 can safely recover after surgery. Recovery requires crate rest, controlled leash walks, and a calm, stable environment—conditions not possible inside a kennel. A 10-week commitment is ideal, but even three weeks would cover the most important early phase of her healing.

Anyone willing to foster Athena2 can apply through the rescue’s online form at https://form.jotform.com/73035861796163.

Dog abandoned after divorce now needs foster home to recover from surgery she desperately needs
Photo: dog abandoned after divorce now needs foster home to recover from surgery she desperately needs

Key Points

  • Athena2 was abandoned after her owners’ divorce and is awaiting surgery
  • Surgery cannot be scheduled until a foster home is found for her recovery
  • Volunteer Auxiliary for Animal Shelters is urgently seeking a short-term foster
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News