Sometimes, life does turn out just like a movie. For one family, they even got their Christmas miracle on video.

For nine days, the Comer family from Florida endured heartbreak and uncertainty as they searched for their furry family member, a German Shepherd-Husky mix named Athena. But in a moment they never saw coming, Athena made her way back home on Christmas Eve, ringing the doorbell at 2:30 a.m.

The adventure began when Athena mysteriously escaped while the Comers were at church. Despite receiving a photo from a neighbor showing Athena outside their house, how she got loose remains unknown. During the next week, the family launched an all-out effort to find her.

German Shepherd mix Athena, who had been missing for nine days, rang her family’s doorbell on Christmas Eve. Photo from YouTube

Brooke Comer, Athena’s owner, said the family hung posters, scoured doorbell camera footage, and enlisted help from neighbors and people in nearby towns. Reports of Athena wandering through neighborhoods and appearing on security cameras provided hope that she was still safe. “I followed up on all the reported spottings. Many people saw Athena walking through different neighborhoods and that kept hope alive. I knew she was still alive,” Comer

With every sighting, my heart jumped,” Brooke said. “It was excitement, but then your heart’s crushed because we were always one step behind.”

Athena’s journey took her across a remarkable 20-mile loop, leaving the family exhausted but determined. As the days dragged on, the Comers’ four children grew increasingly heartbroken, holding onto hope for their furry friend’s return. Then, in the early hours of Christmas Eve, Brooke’s phone buzzed with a notification from their Ring doorbell camera. She opened the app and couldn’t believe her eyes. Athena was standing at the door, pawing and ringing the bell as if announcing her return.

Athena was a very happy dog when she returned to her family. Photo from Inside Edition

“It was about 2:30 a.m. where she was ringing on the doorbell and pawing on the door,” Brooke said. “This was Christmas Eve morning. I woke up from it and saw her on the ring camera.” Despite her efforts to keep the reunion quiet, Brooke’s children woke up to the excitement and joined in the joyful celebration. Athena, who had been missing for more than a week, was finally home in time for Christmas.

“She has not stopped whining or howling since she’s come home,” Brooke said. “She’s definitely found her voice now.” The family expressed how grateful they are to the sheer amount of strangers who came out to help search for Athena. Residents from nearby towns like Jacksonville and Saint Augustine offered their support, sharing sightings and assisting in the search efforts.

The family said Athena hadn’t been spayed or microchipped yet, but that was the very next plan for the adventurous pup.

Sources: Sunny Skyz | NY Post