Thames, a three-year-old German shepherd, vanished during a search and rescue operation in the Tararua Ranges of New Zealand. He was alone in the highlands for seven days and nights while the New Zealand Police searched frantically for their missing friend.
Thames was reunited with his owner, Constable Mike Wakefield, on Sunday after a six-person search and rescue team discovered a fresh pawprint in the mud and tracked him down. Thames, although being trained to be quiet, couldn’t contain his joy, jumping on and licking his handler, as seen in a video published by the New Zealand Police.
Wakefield was relieved as well. He adds in the video, “He’s pretty excited to see me,” as he holds Thames back from toppling him over. “I’m overjoyed to meet him.” In a statement, Wakefield added, “He wolfed down half of my salami, which is a treat for him.” “I cuddled him and we had a great time.” I couldn’t think of anything to say.”
