Police dog Thames 'spoilt' with spa session, rejects mag deal

Thames at home with handler Mike Wakefield and family. Photo / Lynda Feringa

One week on, Thames feels the love as he gets nails done and enjoys toys and treats donated by fans

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.

Wakefield and many others spent a frantic week searching for Thames before he was found, hungry but otherwise unharmed, last Sunday.

Thames is close to the Wakefield sons Zach (in blue), 15, and Logan 13. Photo / Lynda Feringa

When the

Herald on Sunday

spoke to Wakefield on Friday, he and Thames were on their way to the dog's first professional 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 four or five kilograms during his week in the bush, so the treats were welcome, 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 Wakefield had 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", Wakefield said.

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

"Thames ran straight up to him and muzzled 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 can't wait to get back on the beat.