Apollo and Athena descend on the scene in a cloud of fury.
The pair, owned by the Case family in Great Falls, are both 13-year-old toy poodles. While the two look similar — Apollo, with dark gray fur and Athena, with black — their personalities are quite distinct.
Apollo is “our ‘funny’ dog,” says Angela Case, vice president of Case Consulting Services in Great Falls, who’s currently in charge of the dogs who were originally Christmas presents for her children. “[Athena is] the more ‘astute’” of the two dogs,” she said.
While Athena can be “very particular” about things, she also has a “sweet personality,” which Case attributes to her daughter, Natalie, who raised her from puppyhood. Apollo, the more laid back of the two, takes after Case’s son, Benjamin, who was in charge of taking care of him.
Although Apollo acts tough, “he’s really not,” says Case. “[He’s] the big chicken.” It’s Athena who’s really the brave one. “She’s a tenacious little dog,” says Case, noting Athena’s speedy recoveries from both a severe allergic reaction and a torn ligament in her knee. When walking around the neighborhood, “[she] thinks she’s as big as the Great Danes.”
The dogs, who are from two different litters, were born one day apart. Eleven years ago, the two had puppies, named Mario and Luigi.
While they’re both slowing down some as they age, the two used to accompany Case on long, five-mile walks at their old home in North Carolina. “They’re great company.” she says. Nowadays, they go for much shorter outings –– and never one without the other. “Apollo won’t walk without Athena,” according to Case.