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fullscreenThe dog Athena. Photo: Kingsport Fire Department
The Faulkners thought the dog Athena was lost when she was swept away by Hurricane Helene.
But after five days she was found – six meters up a tree.
– I cried, I laughed, I was so happy, says TJ Faulkner to WCYB.
For a week, the firefighters from Kingsport, Tennessee have been working around the clock to help the people affected by Hurricane Helene.
On Wednesday, they finally got to write a story with a happy ending, something that gave the firefighters a much-needed respite from the misery. They could even take the trouble to joke.
– We usually get calls about cats in trees, said a firefighter according to FoxWeather
The rescue of Athena was also a real dog’s job.
Murfreesboro police search dog Kari had come along to search for dead people along the Nolichucky River, when she suddenly started barking uncontrollably.
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full screen The firefighters who helped save the dog Athena. Photo: Kingsport Fire Department
Looked down relieved
She led the search team to a tree, and there twenty meters up, a relieved Athena looked down at Kari.
– The funny thing about Kari is that she is not that fond of other dogs, but this time it was different. I am so proud that she was able to help find something nice in the midst of all the misery, says dog handler Angela Alexander WCYB.
When the flood hit, Allie and TJ Faulkner rushed the kids to Grandma and Grandpa. When they returned to collect the family dog Athena, it was too late.
– My house floated away like a river boat, says TJ Faulkner to People.
Inside the house was Athena, the apple of the family’s eye.
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full screen Bloodhound Kari, 5. Photo: Police
Like our child
Five days later, Kingsport firefighters raise the ladder to the tree where Athena sits.
– I climbed up and gave her some more food and just checked to make sure she wouldn’t lunge at me, but she was the nicest dog you can find, says firefighter Zach Helvey according to People.
After she was lifted from the tree, the firefighters posted pictures of Athena on their social media, which went viral in the United States. It was there that the family discovered she was alive.
They have lost almost everything they own, but those who saved Athena “gave us a light at the end of the tunnel”.
– It’s like a family member, like another child. She means a lot to us, TJ Faulkner told WCYB