Four-year-old, sable-colored German Shepherd Thames went missing in the Mt Holdsworth area west of Carterton, after becoming separated from handler Constable Mike Wakefield during a training exercise on May 3.
Three police teams searched for the missing dog in the Tararua Ranges last week.
One of the search team was his handler, Mike Wakefield, who resumed looking for the dog on May 10 and said he was encouraged to find signs of the dog.
“We found some fresh signs, a big footprint in the mud, that can only be described as Thames’ big boofy foot,” he said.
“I whistled and called but he ran off as if to say come this way before running back and giving me a big lick.
He wolfed down half of my salami which is a treat for him, I gave him a cuddle and we had a big play. I was just lost for words,” said Mike Wakefield.
Mike Wakefield said Thames was in good condition but would be checked out by a vet and both he and the dog would now have a few weeks break.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory at the Ultimate Fighting…
Millions of voters across the US chose to return Donald Trump to the White House…
Donald Trump declares victory in the US election as he addresses jubilant supporters in Florida.…
Stocks around the world are rising as Donald Trump appears to be on the cusp…
Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia and taken a lead over Kamala…
Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray…