UPDATE: A three-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier named Athena has captured hearts after embarking on a solo bus adventure in Sydney. The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, as Athena was spotted riding the 477 bus from Sans Souci to Kogarah Station, delighting passengers along the 4 km journey.
Witnesses were both amused and surprised to see the confident pup riding alone for more than 15 minutes. “She seemed very familiar with the area, like she’d done that route with her owner before,” a spokesperson from the Sydney Dogs & Cat Home (SDCH) told Yahoo News. “She was very confident.”
Athena’s adventure took a turn when she exited the bus and made her way to the train station, where staff intervened, noting that she clearly “hadn’t paid for travel.” Local authorities were alerted, leading to her being taken to the SDCH shelter. “She was full of joy and excitement in her little parker [jacket],” the spokesperson added, highlighting her adorable demeanor.
Athena’s microchip details were not up-to-date, but SDCH was able to locate her owners, who are currently overseas. A relative was caring for her during their absence when Athena managed to slip away. “She’s clearly loved and looked after,” the spokesperson remarked.
The shelter confirmed that plans are in place for Athena to be collected by her owner’s relative on Thursday, October 5, 2023. “Athena’s just gone for a little adventure,” the spokesperson said, capturing the spirit of the beloved dog.
Her unexpected journey has not only brought smiles to those involved but also shines a light on the adventurous nature of pets. With her joyful personality, Athena has become a local sensation, reminding everyone of the bond between pets and their owners.
Stay tuned for updates as Athena prepares to reunite with her family. If you have a story tip, email: [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube for more engaging content.
