Nala is a blue heeler, and Jock is a black huntaway cross.
Jackson confirmed this morning that the dogs had been found safe and well.
“After a long couple of days, the dogs have been picked up by a member of the public and are currently being treated at the vets – but are in good shape considering what they’ve been through,” she said in an online post.
“We have also located the truck and the police have arrested the guy.
Jock and Nala were in a ute that was stolen in Central Otago at the weekend. Photo / Supplied
“We couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome and are so beyond relieved.”
Jackson told the Herald more about the rescue of the dogs.
She said at about 1.30am police confirmed the ute had been found abandoned – but the dogs were nowhere to be found.
“They were out searching for most of the night, I think. Then at 6.30am we got a call from the police to say a member of the public had been driving and saw this guy with two dogs on a push bike.
“He seemed to be struggling, so he pulled over and offered the guy a ride. Once he got in the car, he recognised the dogs because they had been all over social media and everyone was talking about them.
“He threw the guy out of the truck and took the dogs straight to the Fairlie vets.”
Jackson said she was happy to know the dogs were being looked after and was excited to see them when Nolan got home.
He was due to arrive in Fairlie by 10.30am.
“I am going to New World after work to get the some treats and I’ll be pulling some venison out of the freezer for them,” Jackson said.
“We are just so relieved, we just can’t believe it – it’s the best outcome.
“It’s pretty rare in a situation like this ... to get the vehicle and the dogs back.
“We can’t thank people enough today – from the three people who dropped what they were doing to go out relentlessly searching, down to every single person who called the police to report sightings.
“We are so incredibly grateful.”
Jackson said it will be a big day as the couple pick up their ”babies”.
“Honestly, speechless this morning,” she said.
The couple had previously posted online asking the public to help find Nala, 5, and Jock, 9.
