Dog's Harbour Bridge hijinks

A tiny dog dodged dozens of cars and crossed several lanes of traffic before being caught at the top of Auckland's Harbour Bridge in rush-hour traffic.

Police and animal control officers spent hours trying to discover where the terrier, named Milo, came from and found last night that it had run from St Marys Bay.

Milo, believed to be aged about 6, was being looked after by friends of her owner when she disappeared.

North Shore City Council animal control officer Phil Eagles said he was amazed that the dog, which was still trembling last night, had survived.

"She's well kept, she's clean and she smells good," Mr Eagles said.

"Her nails need clipping but she's in good nick ... She's lucky to be alive but obviously can't believe the fuss. I think she's totally confused. She's fantastic, she's no trouble at all."

Mr Eagles, a former police dog handler, said the dog's "traumatised" owner was relieved to be reunited with Milo last night, and did not wish to comment.

Police motorways traffic officer Maree Kahlenberg said Milo was found on the north-bound clip-on lanes.

Police pursuing Milo lost sight of her when she ran behind them on the bridge.

But a quick-thinking motorist stepped in and saved the day.

"A member of the public managed to open up their door and reach out and grab her - a mystery person in a white car," Ms Kahlenberg said.

"Funnily enough, it's the second dog I've found at the top of the Harbour Bridge."

The previous one was an English setter. "It looked like a bigger version of this little girl we found today."

Ms Kahlenberg has also seen a blue penguin rescued from the bridge.

"I thought, 'How the hell would a penguin get up here and nobody see it until it's right at the top of the bridge?"'

At least six motorists called police to report Milo's whereabouts, but her adventure caused no crashes.