'Absolutely devastated' couple offer $5000 reward for dog missing in Mount Maunganui

An "absolutely devastated" couple from Hamilton took the week off work to search for their beloved dog Bessie after she went missing in Mount Maunganui.

Jon and Lynley Webb are still looking, have offered a $5000 reward and are desperate to get their 16-year-old miniature black poodle back.

They were staying with friends near Mount Maunganui Golf Club when Bessie ran away last Sunday.

"We just dearly would love to have our little Bessie home. Dead or alive, to be honest," an emotional Jon Webb told the Bay of Plenty Times last night.

"We love her dearly," he said twice, between tears.

"We don't have children. She was sort of like our child, you know. And she's been just a lovely little loving dog."

He said he and his wife were coping "shockingly".

Bessie has been sighted twice, the first time by ASB Baypark Stadium and the second time walking down a hill by the Mangatawa Papamoa Blocks development, heading back towards the Mangatawa Bridge and Sandhurst Drive exit.

"We've been incredibly close. We just miss her every time," Mr Webb said.

He said Bessie is very fit and is in incredible nick.

She had a black jacket on, which had a chequered collar.

Mr Webb said they looked everywhere for her last week and over the weekend and put posters up from Te Puke back to the Mount.

"If you see her, ring our numbers because she is really shy of people and we don't want her running on to the road. Ring us and we will come immediately."

People can call: 0274 929921 or 021 903937.