'Family Guy' countdown to 'Brian Griffin's special announcement' a HOAX! Deceased dog will NOT return from the dead as 'Christmas Miracle' around December 6?

Beloved pet dog Brian Griffin died on the shocking Nov. 24 episode of "Family Guy" - and fans are totally freaking out about it:

'Family Guy' considering Brian Griffin spin-off after tragic death? Fans NOT happy beloved TV dog is dead, Seth MacFarlane ready to bring Brian back in new series?

Family Guy shocker - Brian Griffin dead! Hilariously beloved TV dog hit by car, Twitter fans mourn animated death with 'RIP' tweets [VIDEO]

Brian Griffin's death shocks 'Family Guy' viewers, fans protest grisly passing with Facebook petition: Proof that TV dog is dead, not coming back, welcome Tony Sirico as Vinnie 

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However, there's still a slight glimmer of hope that Brian might return from the dead around Christmastime... MAYBE.

Fans should check out the new website Brian's Announcement, but don't get too excited just yet...

The mysterious website provides a live countdown to when Brian will make a "special announcement" (on December 6, 2013, to be exact):

Unfortunately, this entire thing is just another hoax. Fox has nothing to do with it. In fact, 20th Century Fox Television just released this statement on Tuesday (Nov. 26):

“The producers have confirmed that the ‘special announcement from Brian’ website is a hoax and was not created by anyone connected to the show, studio or network."

Maybe Brian's death was a stunt set-up by the wise guy producers over at "Family Guy" - maybe Seth MacFarlene was just messing around and the martini-swinging pup will come back as a "Christmas miracle." Who knows... but what IS for certain is that this countdown is NOT real. Fans shouldn't expect anything once Dec. 6 rolls around.