A driver's toothache caused a "momentary loss of concentration" when a logging truck overturned, says his lawyer.

A vet check followed by some annual leave is in store for a police dog who spent a week missing in the bush. The 4-year-old German shepherd disappeared during training in the Tararua Range last Sunday, sparking a frantic search by police. Thames was found about 1pm Sunday afternoon by his handler Constable Mike Wakefield and experienced volunteer searcher John McCann.