Microchipped pup returns from far north adventure

Benji is one smart dog. He's lucky to be alive after being stolen and left to tough it out on the streets of Moerewa, more than 300km away from his Massey home.

Benji's tale started back in July when his owner Ruth Brown left him and his sister Lucy at her parents' Glen Eden home.

The two dogs managed to escape under the backyard fence.

Lucy thought better of the escapade and returned home but Benji had other ideas.

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A passing motorist had spotted the small runaway on State Highway 1 in Moerewa, picked him up and delivered him to the dog pound.

Whangarei Animal Control manager Keith Thompson says Benji was brought in looking dirty and dishevelled and without his collar.

He scanned the dog to see if it was microchipped and was surprised to find it was.

"It's the first time we've ever had a hit," Mr Thompson says.