It was a couple of GSP (German Shorthaired Pointers), not GPS, that helped find Richard the Fox Terrier, missing in the Ida Burn hills for six days.

The five year-old foxie was chasing rabbits on New Year’s Day when owner Josh Johanson realised Richard (Richie) had disappeared. 

“We searched high and low for him every day, but with no luck,” said Josh.  

When friends heard the beloved companion and occasional working dog was missing, they jumped in to help.

Never give up hope. Relieved friends (from left) Nicky Dougherty, Tina Becker, Jo Dowling, Josh Johanson with Richard

Tina Becker, co-owner of Rocky Ridge farm, where Josh lives and works sometimes, said Richie was “part of the family”. 

It was Tina who first spotted him under a bush near the old Ida Burn coalpit, (about 2 km from where he went missing). 

“Josh had heard a faint bark and did an almighty whistle. Richie had heard it thank goodness and let out a yelp,” she said. 

“When I picked him up, he started howling really loudly.”

Tina admits to letting out equally loud screams, before scooping up the very skinny, dehydrated, but still tail-wagging, pooch.

The fortunate dog had survived over 28-degree heat and endured a thunderstorm and heavy rain during his week-long ordeal.

He is now recovering well, has regained most of the lost weight and not surprisingly, has been sticking very close to home. 

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