Faithful guide dog gets earthquake survivor home

Blair McConnell was led to safety by his guide dog, Kiwi. Photo / Supplied

Blind earthquake survivor Blair McConnell has his guide dog to thank for leading him to safety through the rubble.

The labrador-retriever cross named Kiwi led a shaken and disorientated Mr McConnell through fallen buildings along the banks of the River Avon, until a passing motorist stopped to help.

Mr McConnell had been at work at Telecom's Old Exchange Building in Hereford St. He was dealing with a customer on the phone when the quake struck, the Sunday Star Times reported.

He dived under his desk where Kiwi was already sheltering.

"I grabbed his harness and he was quite keen to get out," Mr McConnell said.

They had escaped out of the building into the middle of Hereford St when the second big aftershock hit.

Mr McConnell, who is almost completely blind, said he could hear lots of screaming.

But Kiwi remained calm, and led him to the riverside where a passing motorist came to their rescue.

They finally got home three hours later.

- NZPA