In the new holiday adventure Dog Patrol: Operation Santa Paws, there’s one star who instantly captures hearts—and she walks on four paws. Athena, a majestic 12-year-old Cane Corso, leads the film with fierce loyalty, quick thinking, and the kind of quiet bravery that defines a true hero. When her human Samuel finds himself up against a cunning mob boss threatening Christmas, it’s Athena who takes charge, guiding him through danger and lighting up the story with her strength and spirit. Joined by Sheriff Jacobs—played by Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr.—Athena proves that sometimes the hero of the season is the dog who’s been by your side all along.
But Athena’s rise to movie stardom didn’t begin in Hollywood. It began at home—with a young filmmaker searching for direction, and a dog who would help him find it.
The Dog Who Changed Everything
Before she became an action star, Athena was simply Josh’s dog—his life companion, his grounding force, and the quiet anchor behind his entire filmmaking journey. Josh Webber, the co-writer and the director of the film, received Athena when she was just four months old, a surprise gift from a friend who felt a dog would be the perfect addition to his new house. “She was already giant at four months,” he laughed, “and I didn’t have much money at the time. Honestly, I wasn’t even responsible enough to take care of myself, let alone a dog.”
But that unexpected gift became the turning point of his life.
Athena grew up with Josh through his most formative years—twelve years of career wins, losses, risks, and transformation. “Athena has been with me on every set, during every project, in every high and low. She is my true-form Marley & Me dog,” he said. “She has been by my side for most of my filmmaking career, helping me grow both personally and professionally as I navigated the ups and downs of independent production. She inspired me in so many ways. She’s been there for every stage of my career.”
And one day, walking Athena at The Grove, everything changed.
“One day, while walking Athena at The Grove, people kept stopping us to take photos with her. Seeing the attention she drew sparked an idea: maybe she was the star I’d been looking for. That moment inspired me to write the story that became “Dog Patrol.”
Athena wasn’t just his dog—she was the muse behind the movie.
From Muse to Movie Star
Athena had experience on sets—commercials and short-form projects—but Dog Patrol marks her first feature film. Despite the scale of the production, Athena stepped into her role effortlessly.
“She’s always been an incredible dog—friendly, open to everyone. I knew what we could rely on,” Josh said. “She performed on key, every single time.”
Even without formal training, Athena understood her scenes intuitively. The only challenge? Time. Dog Patrol: Operation Santa Paws was conceptualized five years before filming, and during the action sequences, Josh noticed age beginning to catch up with her.
“She used to be so athletic,” he said. “But she was slowing down.”
In response, her role subtly evolved—a senior dog with the heart of a warrior. And with the magic of filmmaking, Athena became the action hero she deserved to be.
Enter Coco: The Unplanned Co-Star With Movie Magic
Every hero needs a partner—and Athena found hers in Coco, Josh’s three-year-old chocolate Doberman.
Coco plays a stray dog who helps Athena when she becomes lost. Their connection on screen is palpable, the kind of chemistry that can’t be faked. Ironically, their pairing almost didn’t happen.
Originally, the team planned to cast another dog for the role—but when that fell through, Coco stepped in at the last minute. And it was fate.
“Watching them together on screen felt magical. Their off-screen bond translated into perfect on-screen synergy.” Josh explained.
Coco, fast, athletic, and full of personality, became the ideal co-star. Together, the two dogs form a dynamic duo that brings both the humor and heart of the film to life.
Athena and Coco strike a pose in Martha Stewart bows at the Beverly Hills Lily Pond.
A Director, A Dog Dad, and a Holiday Movie with Heart
Josh isn’t just a filmmaker—he’s a lifelong dog dad. Along with Athena and Coco, he’s had Shih Tzus in the past, each one leaving a mark on his life.
“Dogs are like angels,” he said. “They make a house a home.”
Dog Patrol: Operation Santa Paws isn’t just a holiday adventure. It’s a tribute—to dogs, to the bond they create, and to the unexpected ways they change our lives.
At the center of it all is Athena: loyal companion, gentle giant, emotional anchor, and now, cinematic hero.
Twelve years by Josh’s side. One film inspired by a moment of clarity. And a legacy that will live on far beyond the credits.
This Christmas, Athena doesn’t just save the day—she captures the spotlight, the story, and every viewer’s heart.
Dog Patrol: Operation Santa Paws officially releases today, available to watch now on Prime Video.
Watch the trailer here.