Microchip helps reunite Possum with his family

The dog that had been stolen from his family and 'best mate' who is recovering from a spinal injury has been found and returned home with help from a microchip.

Five-year-old miniature fox terrier Possum was found yesterday on State Highway One near the Tongariro National Trout Centre, south of Turangi. He was taken to the Turangi pound by a motorist before a member of Taupo District Council's compliance team brought him to Taupo to be collected by his owner.

Possum was inside Wayne Stachurski's Nissan Navara ute when it was stolen from Mount Maunganui on September 8 and no sightings of the dog had been reported until he was found yesterday.

Taupo District Council compliance officer Ray Dunbar said Possum was fitted with a microchip that led him to be reunited with his family.

"Once Possum was dropped off at the Turangi pound we were able to scan him for a microchip and get Mr Stachurski's details off the National Dog Database from the information on the chip."

Mr Stachurski travelled from his home in Thames last night to be reunited with his dog, who was extremely happy to see him.

"Possum is a big softy, he's just a lovely little dog that everyone adores so I was starting to think we might not see him again. I'm over the moon to have him back again as it's been quite sad without him at home for the past couple of weeks."

The theft of Mr Stachurski's car with Possum inside gained significant media attention due to news that the family's 17-year-old neighbour Keenan Alexander had lost his best mate. Keenan suffered a spinal injury during a rugby game on August 6 and remains in rehabilitation.

Mr Stachurski hopes to visit Keenan with Possum soon.

"Possum used to spend a lot of time with Keenan, often falling asleep on his bed or staying there while we were away so they've built up a strong friendship. I'm hoping to take Possum up to see him in Auckland as soon as I can."

Mr Dunbar said Possum's tale showed why it's wise to think about microchipping pets.

"This is a great example of why it's a really good idea to microchip your animals. While Possum had a lot of media attention to help get him home, most animals aren't that lucky if they're stolen or go missing. Microchipping is a small and simple procedure and means that if your animal does go missing, we have a much better chance of getting them back to their owner."

Taupo District Council provides a microchipping service for dogs for a small fee, or microchipping can be completed by your vet.