The Otago Daily Times understands Bill, a triplet, was born in Southland but his mother could not look after all three of her offspring.
Instead, Bill travelled to Arrowtown and had a holiday with a foster family in the village where he quickly became a four-legged celebrity and spring mascot, visiting schools and playgrounds and posing for photos.
The ODT understands Bill has now been returned to his family.
PHOTO: SMITH WARD
