Search and rescue teams combing through the wreckage left behind by the storm discovered a dog in an extraordinary predicament. Several days after the hurricane’s intense winds and floods, a search team patrolling the battered banks of the Nolichucky River came upon an unexpected sight — a dog, stranded high in a tree.The dog, who was trapped approximately 20 feet above the ground, had been spotted by teams from the Kingsport Fire Department and Murfreesboro Police Department. “She was stuck about 20 feet up,” the fire department noted in a statement. It is believed that the animal had been swept into the river by the floodwaters after Hurricane Helene struck. Miraculously, the dog managed to stay afloat on a floating raft of debris. The pile of debris eventually lodged in the branches of a partially submerged tree, leaving the dog suspended far above the ground once the floodwaters receded.
Despite being in a precarious position, the pup, named Athena, was in good health. Rescue crews quickly sprang into action, utilizing a ladder to safely retrieve her from her elevated perch. “After we got her down, the dog was extremely happy and calm. We fed her immediately,” the department added in their report. The relieved dog posed for photos alongside the grateful rescue crew, a heartwarming moment after a harrowing experience. After being safely rescued, Athena was taken to a local animal shelter where she stayed temporarily, awaiting reunion with her family.
WCYB News later reported that Athena had successfully been reunited with her owners — a joyful conclusion to an incredible survival story. Athena’s rescue has offered a much-needed boost of hope and encouragement to the community still recovering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene.
Despite being in a precarious position, the pup, named Athena, was in good health. Rescue crews quickly sprang into action, utilizing a ladder to safely retrieve her from her elevated perch. “After we got her down, the dog was extremely happy and calm. We fed her immediately,” the department added in their report. The relieved dog posed for photos alongside the grateful rescue crew, a heartwarming moment after a harrowing experience. After being safely rescued, Athena was taken to a local animal shelter where she stayed temporarily, awaiting reunion with her family.WCYB News later reported that Athena had successfully been reunited with her owners — a joyful conclusion to an incredible survival story. Athena’s rescue has offered a much-needed boost of hope and encouragement to the community still recovering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. 
