Earlier this December, what should have been a festive and joyous season turned into a heartbreaking ordeal for Brooke Capo Comer and her family. Their beloved dog, Athena, had wandered off from home, and despite their best efforts, she was nowhere to be found. The family tirelessly searched for her, enlisting the help of neighbors and spreading the word throughout their community. Though Athena was spotted a few times in the following days, she remained frightened and elusive, avoiding all attempts at rescue.
As Christmas drew closer, the Comers feared they might have to face the holiday without their cherished pup. Then, in the quiet early hours of Christmas Eve, the family’s doorbell rang, breaking the tense silence. When Brooke rushed to check, she couldn’t believe her eyes—there was Athena, safe and sound, waiting at the door.
“Since it was 2:30 AM, I tried to not wake up the kids, but they did wake up from the excitement,” Comer told Action News Jax. The relief and joy of having Athena home washed away the family’s worries, turning what could have been a somber holiday into one of the most memorable ever.
Grateful for the support of their neighbors, Comer shared her appreciation in a heartfelt post. “Thank you so much for all the help,” she wrote. “I can’t not thank this community enough for how you guys came together for us and Athena!! It truly melted my heart and I am forever grateful!!!”
Shortly after being released, he became overcome by rage and frustration and began violently wailing on his poor, trembling, frightened dog. It's clear that this man's violent tendencies didn't decrease after serving his time.
Athena is now back where she belongs, and the Comer family couldn’t be happier. For them, this past Christmas will always be remembered as the year their missing dog found her way home, bringing with her the best gift they could have hoped for.
Toledo, United States.