A pair of dogs who went missing after a wasp attack in Waikato have been reunited with their owner — after being found by an “eagle-eyed” waka ama crew.
The two dogs from Huntly were walking with their owner alongside the Waikato River when they were set upon by wasps.
Panicked, the animals bolted to escape the swarm but became stranded on a sand bank.
Waahi Waka, a local waka ama group, spotted the dogs on the river and ferried them to safety in their boats.
They contacted animal control, which called for vet assistance to treat the dogs for wasp stings.
Because they were microchipped, the dogs were reunited with their owner soon after.
“Stories like this show the power of the community coming together to help animals,” Waikato District Council’s animal education and engagement officer Zoey Jackson said.
“We are so grateful to Waahi Waka for rescuing the dogs, who could have ended up in quite a predicament had they not been there.
Jackson also reminded pet owners to ensure their animals were microchipped.
“Unexpected situations can cause pets to get lost, and microchips are the best tool we have to make sure you can be reunited with your pet.”
