In a surprising turn of events, a four-year-old German Shepherd and Husky mix named Athena made headlines by ingeniously finding her way home on Christmas Eve. After a weeklong search, this skilled canine managed to not only return to her home in Green Cove Springs, Florida, but to announce her arrival by ringing the doorbell.
Athena disappeared from her home on December 15, leaving her owner, Brooke Comer, and the entire community in a state of distress. Comer, who was attending church at the time, received a concerning message from a neighbor with a photograph of Athena outside the house. The dog’s sudden disappearance, despite no evident escape route, puzzled and worried her family.
The search for Athena became an extensive community effort. People from nearby towns responded to missing dog ads, sharing any sightings or footage captured of Athena. Comer recalls the emotional rollercoaster she faced with each alert. “She was the hide-and-seek all-time grand champion,” Comer expressed. The search suggested Athena had traversed approximately a 20-mile roundtrip during her absence, evading capture at every turn.
The ordeal reached a turning point on Christmas Eve at 2:30 a.m. A Ring doorbell notification alerted Comer, accompanied by the barking of her other dog. When she checked the video, she saw Athena enthusiastically jumping at the door, seemingly aware that her journey had reached its end. Comer promptly let her in, and Athena immediately sought out her family members, licking her son’s face before grabbing her ball for a moment of play, then settling back into her cage for rest.
Comer expressed heartfelt gratitude towards her neighbors and community members who played significant roles in the search. The incident underscored the strong community bonds and collective hope that prevailed during the trying week. Athena’s return was a joyous occasion, prompting plans for a full vet check-up, including flea and tick treatments and getting her microchipped to prevent future incidents.
The unexpected yet heartwarming return of Athena is a testament to both her intelligence and the community’s dedication. This incident not only brought relief to her family but also strengthened community ties, highlighting the power of collective efforts in times of need.
Source: Local10
