In a remarkable tale that captivated a community, Athena, a 4-year-old German Shepherd and Husky mix, managed to find her way back home following a weeklong disappearance.
Athena escaped her home in Green Cove Springs, Florida, on December 15, igniting a search that spanned her neighborhood and nearby towns. Her owner, Brooke Comer, was alerted to her absence by a neighbor’s message, which included a photo of Athena outside their house. Despite the mystery of her escape, with her collar found inside a locked crate, Athena’s case quickly became a localized effort involving many in the community.
For over a week, the community rallied around Comer, offering assistance and sharing sightings of Athena. Reports suggested the adventurous dog had embarked on a nearly 20-mile journey during her absence. Every alert brought renewed hope, yet each resulted in disappointment as Athena remained just out of reach. Comer aptly described her pet as the ‘hide-and-seek all-time grand champion’ and expressed the emotional rollercoaster each sighting induced.
The ordeal filled with ‘unbelievable’ twists kept Comer in a state of apprehension, worrying about what dangers her skittish dog might face. This anxiety persisted until a defining moment occurred at 2:30 a.m. on Christmas Eve. Comer was awoken by a Ring video notification from her doorbell, accompanied by her other dog’s barking. The footage revealed Athena, joyously ringing the doorbell and waiting at the front door.
Upon opening the door, Comer witnessed a heartwarming scene as Athena dashed inside, heading straight to her son to greet him warmly. The dog then proceeded to grab her favorite ball before heading peacefully to her cage to sleep. This joyous reunion marked the end of a period of concern and uncertainty for the Comer household, bolstered by the support and vigilance of their community.
Athena’s unexpected return was a heartening conclusion to a story filled with worry and hope. Supported by a dedicated community, Brooke Comer and her family experienced both relief and gratitude when Athena rang the doorbell and returned home. Plans now include ensuring Athena’s safety with a comprehensive health check and securing her future wanderings with a microchip.
Source: Abcactionnews
