‘A glimmer of hope’: Murfreesboro K9 helps rescue dog stranded atop tree in East TN

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — Amid the devastation from catastrophic flooding in East Tennessee, a K9 with the Murfreesboro Police Department reportedly played a crucial role in the rescue of another furry companion.

K9 Kari and her handler, officer Angela Alexander, were assisting a search team from the Kingsport Fire Department Wednesday, Oct. 2 in locating flood casualties when officials said Kari suddenly began “barking uncontrollably.”

The 5-year-old bloodhound then led the team to a tree near the Nolichucky River, where a dog was spotted perched high in the branches on top of a pile of debris. Authorities estimated that the tree was nearly 20 feet tall.

Having no other way to reach the dog, firefighters found a ladder that had been washed away by flood waters and propped it up against the tree.

The dog was then rescued from the branches, given some food and turned over to animal control. On Thursday, Oct. 3, Murfreesboro Police said the dog was eventually reunited with its owner, largely thanks to Kari, who led them to the stranded animal.

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In a news release, authorities called it a “glimmer of hope” amid Hurricane Helene’s destruction.

“The funny thing about Kari is she is not fond of other dogs but this time it was different,” Alexander said. “I’m so proud of her helping to find something good in all the devastation caused by the flooding.”

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