A German Shepherd who had to have her leg amputated is hoping to be given a 'second chance at life'.

Sweet and smart Athena, aged two, came into the RSPCA Blackberry Farm Animal Centre in Aylesbury,  after she was found being kept outside in poor living conditions with two other dogs.

She was found to have an untreated wound on her front leg which was severely infected.

Despite the best efforts, nothing could be done to save her leg and a decision was made to amputate it by the vets at RSPCA Birmingham Animal Hospital who were caring for her.

Athena has not let having three legs hold her back as she enjoys a new way of life, playing, digging and sniffing like normal dogs do.

Paula Flitney, deputy manager at Blackberry Farm, said: “We all just adore Athena, she is the friendliest dog who is also just super smart. She is so affectionate and she has really bonded with her handlers and she will make someone the most loyal pet. 

“She is one of those dogs who just really deserves to have a second chance and a family and home to call her own. Whoever adopts her will have a loyal loving best friend - and she really is that dog in a million.

“Despite only having three legs she loves playing with toys and tennis balls are her absolute favourite! She is an incredibly clever girl who engages well with training and learns things quickly which makes her an absolute joy to work with.

“She has adapted incredibly well to life on three legs, and it doesn’t hold her back at all  - she’s just an absolute angel and so much fun to be around she makes us laugh every day.

“The amount of exercise she has will need to be limited so she is looking for an owner who is willing to provide her with lots of mental enrichment and a home with a secure garden in a quieter area so that she can relax and play at her own pace.”

Paula added: ”Sadly Athena has found kennels to be very stressful and so we are desperate to find a home for her. 

“She does struggle in the presence of other dogs and can sometimes alarm bark in new situations as well.

“Thankfully she has been doing amazingly with her training and has come on so well in her ability to cope in these situations. 

“I know that there is someone out there who will be able to offer Athena the perfect home life she so thoroughly deserves - especially given what she has been through in her short life. 

“And even if you can’t offer her a home - please do share her story - as we know that somewhere out there - someone has a space in their life for this incredible girl.”

Athena cannot live with cats but could live with children aged 15 or over depending on the adult experience within the home.

Anyone interested in rehoming Athena is asked to complete the perfect match application form or you can call the centre on 0300 123 0752.