Amid the debris and flooding left by the powerful storm, search and rescue teams came across an unexpected and uplifting discovery — a dog stranded high in a tree, seemingly defying the odds of survival.Several days after the hurricane had passed, rescuers from the Kingsport Fire Department and Murfreesboro Police Department were surveying the banks of the Nolichucky River when they encountered a surprising sight. Twenty feet above ground, a dog was perched in the branches of a tree, left behind by the receding floodwaters.


The dog, later identified as Athena, had been swept away by the torrent of floodwaters during the hurricane's peak. She had managed to survive by clinging to a makeshift raft formed from debris floating along the river. As the water levels dropped, the debris snagged on a partially submerged tree, leaving Athena suspended in the branches. Despite the terrifying situation, the dog was found in good health. Rescuers quickly deployed a ladder to safely reach Athena, bringing her back down to safety. “She was very calm once we reached her, and after a few minutes, she was happily wagging her tail,” the Kingsport Fire Department shared in a statement. After her dramatic rescue, Athena was given food and water by the team.

The joyful dog posed for photos with her rescuers, marking the end of an incredible journey of survival. Following her rescue, Athena was taken to a local shelter where she awaited the return of her family. In the days following her ordeal, WCYB News confirmed that Athena had been reunited with her grateful owners, bringing the story full circle. Her rescue has been a beacon of hope for a community grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, offering a small but significant moment of joy amid widespread destruction.