Intrepid Thames a pampered pooch

SAFE AND SOUND: Thames at home with his family - handler Mike Wakefield, wife Stacey and sons Zach (left), 15, and Logan, 13.

What a difference a week makes.

A week ago intrepid police dog Thames was entering his eighth day lost in the unforgiving bush of the Tararua Ranges, with no food, shelter or company.

This week he's dining on pigs' ears and dried liver, soaking up the attention of his many new fans and sporting a shiny coat thanks to a "pampering" session at a Masterton pet salon.

The 4-year-old german shepherd made national headlines when he disappeared while training with his handler, constable Mike Wakefield. Mr Wakefield and many others spent a frantic week searching for Thames before he was found, hungry but otherwise unharmed, last Sunday.

When the Herald on Sunday spoke to Mr Wakefield on Friday, he and Thames were heading to the dog's first grooming appointment.

"He's getting a nice bath, a nice blow dry and his nails done," he said. Thames also received donated toys and dog treats.

Thames lost about 4kg during his week in the bush, so the treats were welcome, Mr Wakefield said.

"He's getting spoilt. He doesn't usually get a lot of treats but I've had a few gifts from people so he's been getting them.

"It's pretty cool."

Thames has been all over print, radio and television media in the past week, but Mr Wakefield has drawn the line at an offer from a women's magazine.

Thames has also been getting plenty of attention at home, where he is particularly close to the Wakefields' sons Zach, 15, and Logan, 13. The reunion between Thames and his children was "pretty special", Mr Wakefield said.

Logan was greeted first, after running ahead of his brother.

"Thames ran straight up to him and nuzzled right into him and they had a bit of a play.

"I wish I'd got some photos because that was pretty special," he said.

Thames was put on two weeks' leave to recover from his ordeal, but handler and dog cannot wait to get back on the beat.