A search and rescue team combing through the destruction left behind by Hurricane Helene in Tennessee made an unexpected — and heartwarming — discovery this week.
Days after the deadly storm and flash floods, rescuers came across a lone survivor with an incredible tale of endurance.
While surveying the washed-out banks of the Nolichucky River, crews from the Kingsport Fire Department and Murfreesboro Police Department spotted a dog perched high above the ground.
“He was stranded about 20 feet up,” the department wrote.
It’s believed that the dog, later named Athena, had been swept away by the raging floodwaters. He somehow managed to stay afloat on a makeshift raft of debris — which eventually got caught in a half-submerged tree. When the water receded, poor Athena was left trapped with no way to climb down.
Thankfully, help was on the way.
Using a ladder, the rescue crew carefully reached Athena and brought his safely to the ground.
“After retrieving the dog, who was happily removed from the tree, rescuers were able to feed his,” the department said.
Despite his ordeal, Athena appeared to be in surprisingly good health — tail wagging and eyes bright with relief as he posed beside the team who had just saved him.
He was later taken to a local animal shelter for safekeeping while his family was located.
According to a report from WCYB, shared by the Kingsport Fire Department, Athena has since been joyfully reunited with his family — a beautiful ending to a remarkable story of survival and a glimmer of hope for a community still healing.