A missing dog returned to her Florida home and even rang the doorbell on Christmas Eve to alert her owners, giving a whole new meaning to the holiday song, "I'll Be Home For Christmas."
Why It Matters
This is not just a story about a family reuniting with their beloved pup but of a community coming together to help their neighbor in need. When Green Cove Springs resident Brooke Comer lost her dog, Athena, all hands were on deck in the week-long search in what Comer described to The Associated Press as an "unbelievable" story, which, luckily, had a happy ending.
What To Know
Athena escaped her home on December 15 after her family left for church that day.
Athena Goes Missing
Comer got a message from her neighbor with a picture of Athena outside the house, causing the owner to panic.
The family raced home and found Athena's collar in her crate and no visible opening in which the 4-year-old German Shepherd and Husky mix could have escaped. It's still unclear how Athena managed to get out of the house.
Community Helps Out
Over the next week, Comer's neighbors and community members from nearby towns would contact her after seeing her missing dog ads, sending videos or photos where they may have seen Athena.
Every time Comer got an alert about Athena, she and her family would quickly go to the spot where their pup might be, but they had no luck finding her.
Based on the information Comer gathered from her community, it appeared that Athena took an almost 20-mile roundtrip during her disappearance.
Athena Returns Home
After nine terrifying days for Comer, who worried about what her already skittish dog could have encountered on her escapade, the owner got a Ring video notification from her doorbell at 2:30 a.m. local time on Christmas Eve.
Comer opened the door and Athena ran inside. The pup went to Comer's son who was half-asleep on the couch and licked his face. Athena then played with her ball and shortly after that, she went to sleep in her crate.
What People Are Saying
Comer told the AP that her dog "was the hide-and-seek all time grand champion," recalling her search for Athena.
"With every sighting my heart jumped, and it honestly was excitement and then your heart's crushed because we were always one step behind," Comer said.
She said she was in a daze when Athena eventually came home, telling the AP: "As soon as I heard that ring, I looked at my phone and you could see in the video it was Athena and she was jumping at the door, ringing the doorbell."
Comer added that this past week filled her with hope because of everyone who helped her family in the search for Athena.
What Happens Next
Athena will be getting a full exam, flea and tick treatments, and a microchip, a tiny dog tracking device, after the escapade she had.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
.png)
English (US) ·