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Wairarapa police dog Thames is still missing in the Mt Holdsworth area west of Carterton after becoming separated from his handler and Search and Rescue team members during a training exercise yesterday afternoon.
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Senior Sergeant Mark Davidson, officer in charge of Wellington Police District dog section, says the fitness and resilience of three-year-old Thames, a sable coloured German Shepherd, will help him cope with the conditions.
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¡°Searchers, including his handler, are combing tracks and gullies, and calling out for Thames.? We¡¯re hopeful he¡¯s making his way out.¡±
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The Wairarapa SAR team had nearly finished a day long training exercise yesterday in the Totara Creek ¨C Red Creek area when Thames, who has been an operational police dog since 2012, became separated from his handler.
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The team stayed in the bush overnight and were joined today by the Wellington Police SAR squad who had training planned for today.
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¡°There¡¯s some very experienced people out there and we¡¯ll keep looking to find the dog,¡± Senior Sergeant Davidson said.
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Police are also buoyed by the calls from dog walkers and other animal lovers who have offered their help.
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¡°We¡¯ve got some kind hearted people checking public access roads and keeping an eye out for Thames.? It¡¯s important however that only specialist searchers are checking the bush.¡±
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Trampers, outdoor enthusiasts and those living in the rural community are asked to let police know if they spot the missing dog.
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Attached photo shows Thames at his graduation in 2012.
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Ends
Media contact:? Senior Sergeant Mark Davidson, 021 190 9744 or Kaye Calder, Public Affairs, 021 192 2915
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