Tears for dog touch rescue crew

Greg Raumati, Dayna Scott and Anita are thrilled to have Kotiro home. Picture / Kenny Rodger

A family dog lost during a walk 12 days ago has turned up safe and well after crossing a 3km to 4km stretch of water.

Kotiro (girl) ran off on January 14 at Weymouth, on the Manukau Harbour, during a walk with owner Greg Raumati, Dayna Scott and their daughter Anita, 6.

The 3-year-old labrador-shar pei cross was chasing birds and headed for the Puhinui Reserve across mudflats.

She became stranded on a sand island 200m to 300m offshore. As the light faded, Mr Raumati contacted police for help. The Coastguard responded but could not find Kotiro.

Papakura Rescue One skipper Cedric Charlton said it was difficult to give up the search.

"Big curly tears were congregating up in the corners of [Mr Raumati's] eyes. We got a bit sentimental ourselves and came back out the next morning ... to no avail unfortunately."

Mr Raumati took time off work and every night walked the coastline calling for Kotiro.

He had almost given up hope when Mr Charlton rang him on Tuesday night to say they had spotted a dog at Karaka Point - 3km to 4km across the Papakura Channel.

The Coastguard took Mr Raumati out and he swam to shore when the boat could not get close enough.

"She was crying hard-out, she wouldn't stop crying, wouldn't stop jumping up on me," said Mr Raumati. "I gave her big cuddles."

The dog had lost about a third of her body weight and had cut paws.