A former Whakatāne man whose dog went missing two years ago in suspicious circumstances is hoping that for Christmas this year he will get answers about what happened to his beloved Misss.

Garth Walker, 74, was in Whakatāne with a new friend for a few days in October 2022 when the pair separated; Mr Walker to do some business and his friend to do some supermarket shopping.

He said his friend was assaulted outside the supermarket, with the attacker taking off with his van.

Mr Walker did not know what happened to his Rhodesian Ridgeback-cross Misss – nicknamed Mischief and Houdini – but he has not seen her again. His friend has since returned to Nepal.

Misss would now be about seven and a half years old, loves people and at the time of her disappearance was wearing a blue collar.

Mr Walker thought it was possible that Misss was let loose when his van was stolen, except in that case he would have expected the council to pick her up, and he said she had not been through the pound.

The other explanation was that someone had taken her.

“I only want the dog back. I don’t want to cause any friction. I'm a passive person and I miss my dog badly,” he said.

“Before I die, and before she dies, I want her beside me so I am at ease, so I can sleep.

“I have made it the mission of my life. I'm like a dog with a bone.”

Mr Walker said his van was found gutted of all his personal belongings, including irreplaceable photos of his parents. There were 26 spare tyres in the back when it was found.

He was grateful that he still had his mother’s ashes.

Mr Walker said a man was charged for receiving the stolen vehicle, but he was not interested in speaking to him other than to ask one question.

“Could you please tell me where my dog is and if she’s okay?”

Mr Walker said if Misss had died, then he could move on – but he would like to know one way or the other.

He said anyone with information about his missing dog could contact him, no questions asked, on 021 2169 728.