A beloved family dog who escaped a car crash has been safely reunited with her family after a five day search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The family were travelling past Sheffield at junction 33 on the M1 on Saturday March 15 when at 6:45pm an alleged drunk driver collided into the car, hitting the boot and causing it to open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sadly, the family’s springer spaniel died at the scene. But Athena, rescue German Shepard jumped from the car. The third dog was unharmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Athena was previously fostered with Pawprints to Freedom and Rescue before being taken in by Mark and Michelle Storer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Charlotte Perrin, a member of the Pawprints to freedom rescue charity, said: “The family were so heartbroken it was so traumatic for everyone.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The search was carried out by the K9-RSQ team along with HARTSAR using drones and food to secure Athena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mrs Perrin described the difficult process of finding and safely securing missing dogs. She said it is a lot harder to find former street dogs, such as Athena, saying that it was important not to approach her so that professionals could form a plan to catch her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said Athena’s parents spent “every moment possible looking for her.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The South Yorkshire Police issued an appeal, asking the public to report any sightings of Athena and advising them not to approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The search lasted for five days until a local dog walker found Athena in a field on Wednesday morning and contacted the family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mrs Perrin said: ” Mark and Michelle are incredibly grateful to everyone involved for helping to bring her home safe and so relieved. “<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Athena is “very happy to be home and resting well,” with no major injuries following the accident. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mrs Perrin has asked for privacy for the family as they are now taking the time to grieve for their beloved dog who was tragically killed in the accident. <\/p>\n\n\n\n