LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
One glance around the Holter-Mehren's home tells a story of love, compassion and nurturing.
Stacks of children's education software and books line the family bookshelves and computer workstation. Pet beds and toys rest neatly organized throughout the living room, their "owners" sprawled out comfortably on the soft carpeted floor, basking in the midday sun pouring in through the windows.
Athena Holter-Mehren, an Air Force spouse, rests on the sofa, petting one of her dogs, Liz, a large Labrador Retriever. The dog closes its' eyes, absorbed in the affection.
"I love my animals," said Athena. "When they're happy, I'm happy."
Athena provides a foster home for adopted pets from the Peninsula Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, providing food, shelter and care while searching for a suitable permanent home.
Athena's husband, Airman 1st Class Johann Holter-Mehren, an 82d Communications Squadron systems administrator, called her dedication to neglected animals "a selfless act of love."
"She's taken in three foster animals so far, in addition to our two pets," he said. "There's almost nothing she wouldn't do to help them." Currently, the family is caring for two dogs and two cats.
Athena recalled adopting a severely neglected terrier mix, Dexter. At the time of adoption, the dog was seriously afflicted with mange. Even worse, the previous owners attempted using oil to cure the skin problem, which in turn exacerbated the animal's condition.
These days, Dexter has a shiny black coat of fur, and is enrolled in an obedience course.
"He's doing well," said Athena. "He was so skittish and needed a lot of work, but he's coming around. It's going to be heart-breaking to let him go when the time comes."
Athena has also appeared on WAVY-10 television news "Pet of the Week" segment, showcasing pets in need of loving homes.
While Athena has a soft spot for pets, she is deeply involved and engaged in properly raising her daughter Chloe, 4, and son Tommy, 5.
Prior to meeting Johann, Athena cared for the children as a single mother, balancing two jobs and her education. She relied on help from her mother to care for the children while she worked to support them, all while pursuing her degree.
"It was such a balancing act, but my kids are my world and I'm determined to give them what they need," she said. "When I met Johann and we married, it allowed me the chance to focus on giving them the attention they need to grow up healthy and happy."
In a society brimming with distraction and excess, Athena ensures her children are exposed to positive stimuli, learning by "engaged development," using books and adaptive learning games, as well as frequent outings to zoos and museums.
"I keep them away from cable television and video games," she said. "They're very self-entertained. They'd much rather read, play outside or play with the animals."
Athena is active in the Bethel Manor Parent Teacher Association, where she works as a volunteer coordinator, setting up events such as carnivals and bingo games.
"It's important to be involved with my children's education, and working with their teachers directly helps me stay connected with what is happening at school," she said.
Athena and Johann met at a bookstore while Johann was on a temporary duty assignment to Eglin AFB, Fla., near where Athena lived. The connection was immediate, she said.
"We became inseparable," Athena said, smiling. The pair celebrated their one-year anniversary April 9, and Johann recently became a legal guardian of Chloe and Tommy.
Athena called the move "a big transition," but one that she welcomed wholeheartedly.
"I'm so grateful that I'm here, being able to care for my family the way I feel is best for them," she said.
Athena said she is still pursuing her degree, and the couple wants to find an assignment in Washington state, where Johann's parents live.