Celebrating the return of Rupert

Thanks to  Juliette Parsons (left) Josh Thomas (centre) and Dudley Benson are reunited with dog...
Thanks to Juliette Parsons (left) Josh Thomas (centre) and Dudley Benson are reunited with dog Rupert yesterday. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

Missing dog Rupert has returned after going bush for 13 nights.

The 2-year-old fox terrier-Jack Russell cross got lost in the bush on a walk at Bethunes Gully on March 10.

Juliette Parsons, of Dunedin, said she heard about the missing dog and searched the gully on Monday night.

She walked about 40 minutes from the car park and searched across ''steep and slippery'' terrain for about 90 minutes, using her New Zealand Land Search and Rescue training, while calling the dog's name.

After she left the bush and returned to the track, Rupert ''miraculously'' appeared about 8pm, she said.

Dunedin Fringe Festival Josh Thomas, Rupert's co-owner, said it was ''amazing'' when Rupert was returned home.

''I could see a white tail wagging. It was an incredible moment.''

Rupert was ''gaunt'' and had lost 27% of his body weight, but had passed a vet's health check, Mr Thomas said.

Rupert went missing the day before the festival began and was found the day after the festival finished, Mr Thomas said.

''People have suggested he may not be a fan of the fringe.''

Rupert's disappearance was ''stressful and devastating'' for him and his partner, Dudley Benson.

The couple dropped leaflets in letterboxes, advertised in the newspaper and used social media to spread the word in a bid to find Rupert.

Mr Thomas wanted to thank the ''friends, whanau and strangers who rallied around'' and helped get Rupert home.

shawn.mcavinue@odt.co.nz

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