Well I am glad  you finally decided to visit one of the molosser sites (you are now a member of the best one by the way) in your search for another canine companion. We recently had to put our 15 years old Caucasian Ovcharka to rest.  He was the first CO I ever owned and thought us a lot.  I do know exactly what you must have gone through with the loss of Athena.

How old was Athena when you said goodbye and what was the cause of her demise.  I am a big fan of the Neapolitan Mastiff and am always on the hunt for information about their health and longevity. Perhaps you have seen http://mastinimayhem.com which is owned by a friend of mine.

Anyhow - thanks for your service in the USMC and welcome to our humble site.

Gary