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Rescue Crews Save Dog Trapped 20 Feet Up In A Tree After Hurricane Helene Floods

October 9, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Washington County, Tennessee.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, crews performing rescues in west Tennessee stumbled upon a dog trapped 20 feet high in a tree. Swept away by floodwaters, the dog, Athena, had miraculously survived after being separated from her owners during the chaotic storm.

Kingsport Fire Department

TJ and Allie Faulkner, Athena’s owners, had rushed to get their children to safety at their parents’ house as floodwaters rose around their home. When they tried to return for their beloved dog and belongings, they realized it was too late.

"A bunch of debris pushed up against my front porch... it just collapsed my front porch. When it done that, it just pushed my house and it floated away—it floated like an ark," said TJ Faulkner.

Kingsport Fire Department

Heartbroken, the Faulkners were certain they would never see their dog again. Days later, however, during a search and rescue operation, hope was unexpectedly restored.

The Kingsport Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Team, in collaboration with a K-9 Search Unit from the Murfreesboro Police Department, discovered Athena high in a tree near the Nolichucky River.

Captain Zach Helvey, one of the rescuers, described the incredible moment: "The bloodhound was walking and just started going crazy, and I just happened to look up in the tree like 'oh my God, there's a dog!'"

Kingsport Fire Department

Athena was safely retrieved from the tree, unharmed but hungry. After being fed and checked over, she was handed over to local animal control for a much-anticipated reunion with her family.

The Faulkners, despite the loss of their home and belongings, are counting their blessings. "We’ve lost so much, but we have each other—and now, we have Athena back," they said gratefully.