Dog found by Gloriavale member after three weeks in bush

Diesel, reunited with owner Megan Bourke, after the dog spent three weeks lost in the West Coast bush. Photo / Greymouth Star

A family dog that became lost in the West Coast bush three weeks ago has been reunited with its Greymouth owners, skinny but glad to be home.

Diesel, a four-year-old boxer/hunterway-cross, went missing while owner Clint Bourke was collecting firewood in the Lake Hockstetter area.

A Grey District Council dog trap was set and eventually paid dividends.

"Somebody from the Gloriavale Christian Community called to tell us (Diesel) had been seen in the dog trap," Mrs Bourke said today.

"He is very skinny, but okay."

However, in a downside to the happy reunion the aluminium dog trap was stolen soon after Diesel had been retrieved.

"A friend went to collect the trap for us but when he got there it was gone.

"It belongs to the council and is free to use by anyone who needs it, and we were really grateful to have it on loan."