WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — After nearly a week of searching, Athena, a four-year-old German Shepherd and Husky mix, found her way back home just in time for Christmas Eve. The reunion was nothing short of miraculous as the clever canine rang the family’s doorbell to announce her return.
Athena’s ordeal began on December 15 when she mysteriously escaped from her home in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Brooke Comer, Athena’s owner, was attending church with her family when a neighbor sent a photo of Athena outside their house.
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The family rushed home in a panic, only to find Athena’s collar inside her crate and no clear signs of how she had escaped. The mystery of her escape baffled them, but what followed was an even more incredible tale.
Over the next week, Comer launched a massive search effort, posting missing dog alerts and enlisting the help of neighbors and community members in nearby towns. Reports and sightings poured in, suggesting Athena had embarked on an adventurous 20-mile (32-kilometer) round trip.
Despite rushing to every reported sighting within minutes, the family always arrived moments too late.
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“She was the hide-and-seek all-time grand champion,” Comer said. “Every sighting made my heart jump with excitement, only to be crushed when we realized we were just one step behind.”
The search was an emotional rollercoaster for Comer, who worried about Athena’s safety, especially given her skittish nature.
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However, the story took an unexpected turn at 2:30 a.m. on Christmas Eve. Comer received a notification from her Ring doorbell camera, accompanied by her other dog’s frantic barking.
“I was half-asleep and in a daze, but as soon as I heard the notification, I checked my phone,” Comer recalled. “There she was on the video, Athena, jumping at the door and ringing the doorbell.”
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Comer rushed to the door, and Athena darted inside, immediately seeking out her son, who was half-asleep on the couch. After showering him with licks, Athena grabbed her favorite ball for a quick play session before heading to her crate for a much-needed rest.
The emotional reunion was a testament to the power of community. Comer expressed immense gratitude for the neighbors and strangers who came together to search for Athena.
“This experience gave us so much hope,” Comer said.
Moving forward, the family plans to take extra precautions to ensure Athena’s safety. She will receive a full veterinary check-up, flea and tick treatments, and most importantly, a microchip to prevent future scares.
As for Athena, she’s back home, ready to enjoy the holidays with her family — an unforgettable Christmas miracle.
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