Updated 3.50pm: After spending seven nights lost in the bush, police dog Thames has been found safe and sound.
Four-year-old German Shepherd Thames went missing after a training exercise in the Tararua Range.
惭翱搁贰:听
His handler, Constable Mike Wakefield, has been part of the search team - and spent the last two days in the bush trying to find his companion.
Constable Wakefield's boss Senior Sergeant Mark Davidson is over the moon with the news.
"He would have felt some sense of responsibility and he'd be looking at himself and wondering what he did wrong, and what he could have done to prevent it, so this will be a great relief for him."
Early this afternoon fresh paw prints were spotted, and Thames was seen shortly afterward.
The dog is described as being hungry, but fine.
Constable Wakefield is believed to have given Thames a cuddle and tummy rub when they were reunited.
Wellington Police Dog squad head Senior Sergeant Mark Davidson says it's likely the pair will get a few days rest now.
"I would say he could have a fair amount of time at the moment, his handler has a whole lot of leave owing but dog handlers are hopeless, and they enjoy working more than anything."
The search party is making its way out of the bush with the dog now, a trek expected to take several hours.
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