A Tauranga family are hoping members of the public will help them find something precious to them.
The Purchase family were driving on State Highway 2, near the Domain Rd roundabout in Papamoa on Sunday morning when their dog, Ash, fell off the back of their ute.
Sue Purchase said the dog was bought for her 16-year-old step-daughter Kate about two and a half years ago, to help her cope with the loss of her mother, who died in a car crash about five years ago.
"Ash was really special to us," Mrs Purchase said.
"We're all devastated. Kate has spent so much time with Ash.