When Doug had been gone for more than an hour – far longer than usual – Burke knew something was wrong. Searches of the neighbourhood that night were unsuccessful, and the hunt has continued since.
Burke told RNZ she has exhausted all avenues, including a social media campaign, door-knocking neighbours and nearby businesses, and even enlisting a police dog to help track him down – all without success.
Doug has been part of the Northern Health School community since he was a puppy, working alongside Burke to support students who are unable to attend their regular schools because of illness, injury, or mental health challenges.
“He was a special little guy,” Burke says. “[He had an] innate way of sensing when a student needed comfort and would go and sit with them.”
Doug has also helped students overcome a fear of dogs and has worked alongside psychologists and other schools to support student transitions.
“More often than not, he was a reason that got many of our students through the door.”
Burke says it’s unlikely Doug wandered far on his own.
“He is a mummy’s boy, he wouldn’t go far and he’s got little legs and a little fat body, and I just can’t imagine him trying to get through some of the terrain that is up there [in the bush].”
She worries someone may have picked him up thinking he was abandoned, because she had just removed his collar.
“I’m hoping that if he has been picked up that he is being well looked after and that potentially they hear the story behind and do the right thing and bring him in.”
Burke is urging anyone with information or sightings to come forward, adding that any leads or social media shares are deeply appreciated.
– RNZ
