The devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on parts of the United States is truly heartbreaking.
Many people are working hard to stay positive after being forced from their homes and losing their belongings in the storm and floods. But amid this chaos, we must not forget the animals who are also disrupted during these challenging times.
Numerous furry companions were understandably shaken by the natural disaster, relying completely on their beloved human caregivers to keep them out of harm’s way.
Yet, there was one courageous pup who had to face it all on her own.
A Daring Pup’s Tale
While teams from the Kingsport Fire Department and Murfreesboro Police Department scoured the eroded banks of the Nolichucky River on a search and rescue mission, they stumbled upon a critter in dire straits.
A little dog had clambered up a tall tree, seeking refuge from the threatening water below.
“[She was] stranded around 20 feet up,” the fire department shared in a Facebook post.
Rescuers surmised that this brave pup was swept along by the strong currents unleashed by the hurricane. Fortune was on her side as she floated to safety atop drifting debris and eventually found refuge high in a tree.
Yet, as the swollen river receded back to its original course, she was marooned in the treetop without any way to descend!
A Joyful Rescue
The moment the rescue team spotted her, they knew they had to step in and help.
With their reliable ladder, they climbed to the anxious pup and gently brought her back to solid ground.
“After retrieving the dog, who was happily removed from the tree, rescuers were able to feed her,” they recounted.
Despite her frightening ordeal, the plucky dog, now christened Athena, emerged without a scratch and in excellent health!
The next step was to determine if she had a family out there anxiously looking for her.
Athena was taken to the local shelter, where dedicated staff worked tirelessly to connect her with her rightful humans.
The local fire department shared a news story by WCYB, confirming that the loyal pup indeed found her way back home.
This heartwarming outcome brought tears of joy to everyone who followed Athena’s story, offering a glimmer of hope to the entire community in the face of tragedy.
We’ve got this!
