Family reunited with dog found stuck in treetop after Helene flooding

The Faulkner family thought they'd lost their beloved dog Athena when their Tennessee home was swept away by Helene floodwaters. WCYB'S Rebecca Pepin reports.
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#Helene #Tennesse #Hurricane

[@andrewbui8295]

i'm so glad the dog and the family reunited

[@terryglendening7166]

Me too!

[@smilesandthetwistedmd7608]

And President Trump sent help to PEOPLE and Hairry Ballz didn't. This is the genocide of Americans in real time.

[@LM-lr3es]

They don't deserve her. They left them callously

[@smilesandthetwistedmd7608]

Why isn't maydorkas giving them money & aid? As usual the real President, Trump was there to do what the cheated in one wouldn't.

[@smilesandthetwistedmd7608]

Why is it OK for all you sick commies that maydorkas denied helene victims aid because they're white?

[@sandrareed8846]

I needed to hear something good for a change. Thankful the pupper survived!

[@Trump.is.a.nazzii]

I needed this too! There's a bridge down, I forget where exactly but a couple donated their canoe to use as a ferry back and forth cuz the fallen bridge became 2 boat ramps, so far I've seen a Corgi and 5 hunting dogs use it to get into town! More good things 😍

[@RannPatterson]

@@Trump.is.a.nazzii hallelujah 🙌

[@LuckyNo.S7even]

@@Trump.is.a.nazzii that's really cool 😎 awesome people for doing that. Good to know not everyone sucks there's hope!

[@kygal]

Same! Things have been so bad lately. All you hear is parents killing their kids, kids going missing, people assaulting each other…. It’s terrible.

[@Trump.is.a.nazzii]

@@kygal the algorithm goes by what you tend to watch 😬😅

[@whateverwhatever6496]

She sat up their quietly. Thank God that Bloodhound let the workers know!

[@playhooky]

Wonder if possibly she couldn't even bark due to dehydration.

[@jessi8829]

Sweet baby waiting in that tree patiently. Glad Athena is back home with her family! ❤

[@beaulieuc8910]

that is not a baby, it is a dog fighting blood spot beast used in gangs, these dogs with monster jaws have killed so many babies. banned in uk as so dangerous

[@Tere999]

Me too.!!!

[@marshasnyder8623]

I'm crying happy tears. So happy

[@Tere999]

@@marshasnyder8623 Me as well.!!!

[@ronsamborski6230]

Maybe not home, since their home was washed away, but it’s good that Athena is back together with her family. 👍🏼

[@customer5032]

Thank you firefighters for rescuing Athena, and returning her to her family! 💝

[@isabelarceteixidor925]

@@customer5032 but not with them that left her behind

[@krisc8971]

So happy that sweet Athena was saved. Not to be ugly but when your "family" leaves, it includes everyone!! Pets included.

[@lhyork1608]

Exactly my thoughts ……no beating heart left behind. They said “pets” So I wonder what other ones died. 😔

[@christinaw6264]

I thought the same thing. If the kids and I have to evacuate, every single living being in my house is coming at the same time too! I feel bad for the other ones they lost, because they did say pets, plural, and only one was rescued. Thank God they didn’t find at least one dog.

[@shanarussell5549]

That's what I am saying. "She's like another child"? Really then why didn't they take her? SMH I've evacuate many times & always take my pets. Always.

[@laurakrajnikburick2731]

​@@shanarussell5549I wouldn't be able to leave without my pupper. He's my shadow.

[@Balentina1997-j2x]

I just bought cat backpacks to use in an emergency instead of the bulkier hand carriers. And I grabbed disposable litter boxes and better dog travel kits because of this whole nightmare. I haven't bought human emergency kits yet ( oops 😅) but I can carry my babies in an evaluation now.

[@Loni-044]

Very sad about all the other animals lost in the storm but so glad she survived.❤️

[@chaz5229]

OMG...I'm sitting her balling like a baby over a dog that doesn't belong to me. I'm so happy for them. I would literally die for my fur babies. They don't ask for much...but they give back so much more. Praying for all those other fur babies lost in the storm! Not all will have a happy ending and that's the part that hurts the most.

[@NiaLaLa_V]

Animals raised to be eaten are left to die in disasters as well. By the thousand and sometimes even million, their lives are just forgotten.

[@DustyTail]

Not by the rancher. Or whatever.

[@threeftr3349]

@@NiaLaLa_V I heard many farmers open their gates to give them a chance. I am sure many tried to save them, but the flooding and mudslides was so fast.

[@CassieDavis613]

bawlling not balling

[@PatrickMcmahon-iq5xl]

People are so softhearted its great but ppl need to wake up and be as emotional about what our goverment and wef are up to

[@jeanmetcalf1490]

Thanks for rescuing their furbaby, she's family too

[@Kiki-uu6pc]

Would not have needed rescuing if they were better owners.

[@DTS24-DJT24]

@@Kiki-uu6pc Yea, completely tragic and evil that these owners decided to go bananas and get a hold of some tools and then unleash one of the worst hurricanes of the century onto Florida which killed many and almost killed them and their pets 😡😡.

[@auntyshakira747]

Athena thanked all the rescue men with kisses. What a true angel❤

[@ronsamborski6230]

Angel, not angle! There is a difference.

[@twinstarr1438]

What a wonderful miracle for this family

[@Sami-i2q]

It is wonderful 😊 Though I noticed they didn't mention anything about the other pets they had..

[@tsisqua]

Thank you, NBC; for giving us some positivity at a time when it is most needed.

[@DTS24-DJT24]

Absolutely. I'm tired of seeing "Trump this, Kamala that, this that politics".

[@therealjd1503]

So happy to hear they got their dog back

[@Pazymaspaz]

Could NEVER leave my pets!

[@christinaw6264]

If I couldn’t take my pets, I would stay with them and pray.

[@MsPhillyG]

You and I both and I have 3 big dogs😢

[@russojones2975]

@@christinaw6264EXACTLY! 🙏🙌

[@vampythevampy1711]

@@christinaw6264I would too. ❤💯

[@brettcantrell8650]

this family is not a good pet owner. period.

[@jnakkash25]

I can’t imagine leaving my pets behind for ANY reason. I will always make room for my animals in the event we need to evacuate.

[@catara.]

Right?! There is no excuse to leave them! I have an evacuation plan for all kinds of disasters (been through the earthquake) and we live with a dog and 10 cats!

[@tillik1004]

They had pets, plural. I wonder how many drowned. Sad. People panic and rush out first, then go back, but then it's too late. I couldn't ever leave my pets behind. I'd never forgive myself.

[@mariahsart]

I think they had to make a choice that wasn't easy and not alot of time to do it. So glad that the dog is safe with them again.

[@brettcantrell8650]

exactly. they left the poor doggo behind...........so cruel

[@brettcantrell8650]

@@catara. exactly...........he should have taken the doggo with him..................

[@margaretstutts4362]

Water is so destructive. Thank you for saving her. It’s a beautiful thing to see. Athena saved herself.

[@kbc1883]

What a good girl! The fact that she stayed calm, survived, and was so cooperative when she got rescued is amazing. What asoul!

[@lizsays3324]

I'm not crying, you're crying...❤

[@southrock-eo1gr]

Yes I am !! That was a Beautiful reunion !! So happy for the family and Athena !!

[@janettamcgee8124]

I'm crying like a baby thinking how fortunate they are to have her back. The man said "animals". Poor Athena being stuck in a tree. I hope she and her family have better days.

[@5thribroarn304]

Yes, it's me... So happy Athena was rescued!!

[@pitbull113]

I can't imagine leaving my home without my pets.

[@Kristine-x6d]

Me too!!! These are not real animal lovers for sure!

[@seekingtruth1110]

@cindyl760 that dog looks in great shape to me.

[@sweetjellyasmr1]

SAME!!

[@DTS24-DJT24]

@@Kristine-x6d Rewatch the video. They only had enough room and time to evacuate themselves and their children. I personally would rescue myself & my own children over my pets, albeit a very hard decision.

[@Kristine-x6d]

@@DTS24-DJT24 nice try I still don't buy it sorry

[@janebuteyn2466]

Thia is so wonderful!! Thank you rescuing her and reuniting her with her family!! 💛🙏🏻

[@labrennawalker2219]

They might’ve lost their home, but they didn’t lose their puppy. This made me smile. God is good 🙏🏾😀

[@shaina2323]

It said they had pets plural so they did lose some

[@galadrielwoods2332]

They left her and everyone else behind to drown, so there’s that….In my opinion they do not deserve Athena.

[@BOOnME2gether]

Athena, "One who is wise". She represents strength, wisdom and courage. She is the symbol of all that is good during this very challenging time. Hope is a very powerful state of mind. ♥️🐶🙏♥️

[@ArizonaSquatch]

How about a tarot reading for the plebes? Lol

[@marthabest5131]

"Athena sitting there quietly" . I am so happy they have been reunited and what a great dog! At least something happy in all this loss.

[@jennychurchill2716]

What a beauty this dog is!!

[@jpjp455]

Am tearing up 😢😢!, thank you so much the beautiful K9 and the gents for helping this sweet fur baby reunited with her family !! ❤️❤️❤️

[@White_Oak_]

They said "pets" were left in the house. Where are the others?

[@angelikalindenau943]

😢

[@kcharles9153]

That was my exact thought!! 🤔

[@Jimbo635]

unfortunately probably dead. Athena was lucky to get stuck in the tree

[@Christina-cb7bb]

They probably drowned or got away and can't be found now.

[@5thribroarn304]

I believe it was mentioned here that the Family, sadly, saw their home washed away... What an awful tragedy. Athena being alive 20 feet up in a tree is truly a miracle.

[@PickleAllergy]

what a sweet dog, little tail wagging. I am so glad this family was reunited, they so needed something awesome like this to happen.

[@emily-nr8vg]

The dog saved the dog 😭😭😭

[@AudreyLMcFarland]

To lose everything.... and then your puppy is ok!!! Wow!! I am so sorry for their loss, and everyone's, and so happy they have their dog back! My thoughts and prayers to all

[@paulabennett3069]

So heartwarming! My heart goes out to all of you who lost family, possessions, pets, and homes. 💔💔

[@sandyaw3057]

What a precious girl Athena is! God Bless you and the fireman and Bloodhound!

[@LisaRucker-x8k]

Thank God they got out in Time.and They got their dog back.what a miracle!

[@maxinemcelroy8902]

Ohhhh my fluff, I watched as this beautiful dog was being rescued! You could just tell how grateful she was that people were helping her! I'm in happy tears seeing her back with her family. God bless all of those who rescued her and God bless her family 👑🙏💞✝️🐾

[@perkins1439]

That dog being that far up that tree shows how deep the water got thank God he survived

[@Patti-d2v]

Look at 1:37. Athena found safety in what looks like an eagle's nest! Smart dog!

[@trisha4626]

this is so beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!! im so happy they all have each other, and that sweet dog patiently waited in that tree for someone to help and it touched my heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CatalinaFOIA]

Awwww ❤❤ Thank goodness for the angels rescuing this dog.

[@smassey6848]

Bless her ❤ and those that saved her!

[@AnnieChristmas1928]

Thankful your Beautiful Family and Fur Baby are safe and united.

[@Janice-f9g]

Bless her heart, such a sweet precious girl.

[@713devereux]

I am so happy you were reunited with your dog and my so sorry for the loss of your home. The whole country is praying you and all that have been affected by this terrible flood. But for today it is wonderful to hear some good news.

[@TXplayneJayne]

Yes it is.

[@eternalhellfortyrants8561]

Sounds like they lost other pets that were in their house. Not so happy...

[@bmanscire]

That poor girl I’m glad she’s back with you guys Sorry for your loss too family. Much love

[@judydestefano7082]

What a story, so happy that sweet baby pitty survived and is back with her family.

[@k9maiden64]

I love this beautiful girl! It looks like she's just sitting in a nest, waiting for family to return home! Thank you, each and everyone of you who love animals and know they are family to most of us. Athena is proof positive Pit Bulls are not the monsters they have a reputations for being. It depends on how they are raised and Athena was raised by a truly loving, caring family who definitely treats her with love and compassion.

[@shendaraalshedir5403]

This brought tears to my eyes. Athena was so smart to get herself up high from the water. I watched her original rescue video, you can always count on firemen!👍🙂 Have a long happy healthy life now Athena, and help your kids heal from this. Good girl!🤗♥️☘️🐾🌈☮️🇨🇦

[@Renee-zp8bj]

Thats a pretty chill dog!

[@gb8518]

She was so happy to see her family. Thanks to the rescue Team and K9

[@Jp-eo8mx]

Dogs are the best I’m glad she’s rescued and reunited

[@jhmumma]

With all the destruction and tragedy that Helene brought, it's wonderful to see happiness. Bless the rescuers and others who cared for Athena.

[@wally1663]

Thank you, all of you brave souls. Please keep your spirits up. Not everyone in the country has forsaken you! We are SO proud to be Americans!!!

[@houseofdogzz5908]

What a beautiful dog and story. And of course she is a stunning sweet pittie! My favorite!

[@lbarmstrong1]

Somebody in my house MUST be cutting onions. Great story! Nice family.

[@DTS24-DJT24]

Same here!

[@stevewheeler6920]

So happy for them, Pets Are Family. So lucky.

[@RobB-z8o]

Pretty wild, and her name is ATHENA ,patiently waiting watching the water flow just beneath her if you think about it , and clinging onto whatever she could ...holding strong ...smart and strong .👍 incredible story..

[@Patti-d2v]

She found safety in a nest. She was safe. Most likely an Eagles nest! Look at 1:36. You will see she's in a nest!

[@chrisleblanc581]

Going though this is so devastating. I’m on my third rebuild in 25 years. Small blessings like this one is what keeps you going. Please people, always allows those fleeing storms to take their pets. They are our family. And not being able to take them means we choose to stay and face danger because most of us won’t abandon them.

[@chrisleblanc581]

I forgot to add. The real toll will manifest over the next 5 years or more. It’s just so stressful. Please do anything except turn to self medication to cope with the stress of everything. This will be a time you get to see the best and the worst of humanity. Revel when you see the best.

[@coalblooded]

If you stay with your pets, you're just risking the lives of first responders and rescue/medical personnel for your selfishness. Take your pet if you can, but if you can't find it and you have to leave now, leave doors and windows open so it can escape. I know things are different in different places, but emergency evacuation plans are beginning to include more help for the animals, so that people can evacuate with their pets and not be forced to leave them or stay and risk their and rescuers' lives. But in the meantime, you might need to figure out the best way to ensure your pet's safety in the event you have to leave them there (open doors, microchipping the animal, etc.). Additionally, maybe you could get involved with your community to lay out plans for animal evacuation in these emergencies.

[@ToLoveIsToLive89]

If this is the third rebuild in 25 years why stay? I don’t get it.

[@LeL-q9e]

Thanks to the first responders, including the bloodhound and thank god the family and their pet survived.

[@Roxie174]

Wonderful News!❤️ My thoughts and Prayers are with ALL. 🙏

[@lifesabitch8012]

Thank you, Capt. Zach Helvey for rescuing Athena and reuniting her with her family!!💯👆🐾🐕💞🪜👍💖🌟😘👏🥰

[@MajorBonMarita]

Thank You for sharing this heartwarming story and thanks to all helping the animals too!

[@starrystarrynight9822]

They seem like a real nice family--they are so fortunate they all still have each other including Athena 😀 Glad they took the time to put a positive story out here!

[@MarianaCastro-bk1ef]

That's Really Wonderful News ❤😂❤. Sweet Little Angel 😇💘

[@esantiago4612]

Athena was smart to climb up high good for u baby girl 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 thanking everyone poor baby 🙏🏽📿🐑

[@RamonaRayTodosSantosBCS]

I cried and cried. I’m so sorry you have lost your home. Dogs are forever.

[@rt3593]

Thank you for reuniting that pet with its family

[@dianneboyd7471]

One thing positive out of all this!! Thanks to the ones who rescued the dogs. We have not heard any news talking about what happened to any livestock, horses, anything of that nature. So sad to just not knowing about the outcome of it all.

[@shelley2553]

Ive been following Athenas rescue..she looks like our baby..cant tell you how much joy this brings knowing she survived, rescued and reunited with her family.. 😭 ❤❤❤

[@valkyrie1066]

Oh sweet doggo! ❤❤❤❤ what a SMART girl!

[@twilit]

what a great story that’s one lucky pup

[@robinblades600]

Omg she was so happy to see her family, thank you Zach! You have a new fur friend 💜💜💜

[@tammiea8552]

You ALWAYS take your pets with you!!!!! NEVER LEAVE THEM BEHIND.

[@Vee6969]

Exactly..how big was the dog that they had to leave her behind...' like family ' .lol

[@ducksinarowpatience]

Exactly.

[@krissysweet25]

They said “pet’s” so it sounds like they had more than one…. So they might of not had enough room to get all of them out at once. You have no idea how fast those flood waters rise because they do rise really fast.

[@gelflingfay]

Don't pretend to know their situation.

[@krissysweet25]

@@gelflingfay I don’t have to pretend to know the situation… I live in an area that been really affected by this hurricane. I suffered far far less damage then they did but I do know how fast those waters rise. Ppl in my county had fire department knocking on their doors at midnight to get out because of one of the dams that gave away. To get the ppl out of there.

[@Misha19441]

Thank God, what a blessing

[@mtbalagbag]

I'm so glad the dog was alive and reunited with family and a little bit funny how they found the dog.. and just waiting on the top of the tree... I love dogs they're so sweet...

[@Yellowrose8]

Beautiful family reunited with their fur baby! Love, love!❤❤

[@dustydawson8977]

Awsum heartwarming story, I could imagine mine up there, lots of people just dont understand that these dogs are such big babies, they are so lovable, and they love there human family immensely, half or more are scared of there own shadow, but they have a lot of love to give

[@bkk7705]

Thank you all for saving pup and doing the job that needs to be done !

[@gdhaney136]

That pup was so excited to tell her family about the adventure she had!! Thanks for some good news.

[@esantiago4612]

Poor baby thank God she's ok 🙏🏽📿🐑🐾😘❤️

[@fufufluffmuffin]

That littler girl saw her dad cry. She looked so moved by it.

[@CinderellyCinderelly-v3i]

❤❤❤OMG I have goosebumps.

[@ktinxx]

Now that they got their dog back, this fate-stricken family needs a new home for the five of them - that will be harder to come by... I wish them all the support they can get! 😢🍀

[@maryproust5330]

That’s such a lovely story! It’s so great that with your huge loss you had one miracle. Wishing you the very best from Cape Town, South Africa.

[@cathy2773]

After watching the many videos of destruction caused by this hurricane. The unimaginable damage and loss of life is horrific. So much devasation. I am so sorry that so many are suffering from this storm. And then to see this beautiful reunion for this family and their sweet dog, priceless. Thank you for sharing their story. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@lunabear4195]

So happy for you Athena and your family! Stay safe!

[@mischa6688]

I couldn’t imagine losing my dogs ina devastating way. Happy tears.

[@AzaleaLala]

I'm not crying. It's so wonderful to see a happy story come out of this. That man's face said it all.

[@JaRule6]

OMG what a beautiful doggy ❤

[@PaulaValentine-pi6jp]

After all the devastation, this truly did my heart some good. ❤ Thanks for sharing!!❤

[@sallyprzybil2404]

You could tell by her reaction that she loves her family very much! Sweet story!

[@ZooZoo293]

"She's the light at the end of our tunnel". OK, now I'm bawling. This is how animals should be treated. ❤

[@HoneyBadgerTexas]

My like👍👍 is for the family who got Athena back right away instead of leaving her in the dog shelter. God Bless this family. Praying for their fast financial and emotional recovery for all of them. God Bless the rescue crew 🐶🐾🐾❤

[@joannsilva4715]

A ray of hope! ❤ So fortunate they found her!

[@Kamilla-y8z]

Ty for the support we love Athena so much

[@wendy3992]

What a heart saving rescue❤❤

[@Earthy-Artist]

So happy for Athena and her family! And so sorry about their other pets which were lost.

[@mstsp9546]

Great story. Bloodhounds are amazing.

[@Eds518]

Such a smart girl ❤

[@kbrown5218]

Amazing! Great dog survival story! 👏So sorry tho this family lost their home😢

[@philoctetes_wordsworth]

I am so glad that worked out well! Athena is beautiful, and terribly sweet.🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🥰✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨💫🌟⭐️

[@voyagehome5810]

Thank you for this beautiful story! ❤

[@dianahaselbah9372]

That guy needs a movie contract. Love him.

[@flowerseva]

Awe so sweet - the gratitude is so great!!