Pug 'gone wild' in a daring 13 day trek

Julie Peters is one happy camper after her missing pug Kensi returned from 13 days lost in the "wild”.

PUPPY LOVE: Julie Peters and Kensi after being reunited following the dogs little misadventure at Foxbar Falls. Picture: Contributed

JULIE Peters is one happy camper after her missing pug Kensi returned from 13 days lost in the "wild”.

The Gold Coast visitor was staying at Foxbar Falls campground when her baby pooch didn't return from a night wee.

Days of searching the vast bush failed to unearth any sign of the beloved pet until she miraculously appeared 10km away on Texas Road - still dressed in a pink harness.

Even more surprising was that the disappearing dog was in excellent health apart from losing a bit of weight.

"She was not dehydrated, there was no damage to her eyes even though pugs tend to get ulcers, there was no damage to her feet,” said Ms Peters.

"The vet thinks someone could have taken her in and looked after her because you would have thought she would have been in a worse condition.

"Her feet and nails were not worn so who knows? Only she knows and she's not telling.”

Ms Peters said returning to the Gold Coast without Kensi, who turned one on Saturday had been "the worst day of my life”.

To find out almost two weeks later that the pug had been found wandering the road was "complete disbelief”.

"I was absolutely delighted - that is an understatement. The chances of finding her after 13 days lost I thought was pretty slim,” she said.

Ms Peters still cannot work out how Kensi vanished in the few seconds she turned her back on the animal when its faulty leash unclipped.

"She never leaves my side; I could not understand. She's not a dog that wanders off,” she said.

"Her normal sort of adventure would be deciding 'Will I get off the couch to get my dinner or not?'

"Adventure is usually not in her disposition.”

Foxbar falls manager Brendon File said the property was 1800 acres of bush with no water between the campground and Texas Road.

Ms Peters thanked Stanthorpe people for not only their help searching for Kensi but their support and good wishes.

"I want to wholeheartedly thank the community - I'm just overwhelmed by the support.”

Originally published as Pug 'gone wild' in a daring 13 day trek