NZ School's Beloved Therapy Pug Doug Goes Missing

A therapy dog who spent six years helping vulnerable children attend school has vanished, leaving students and families heartbroken just before the new school year begins.

Doug the pug volunteers at Northern Health School in Russell, New Zealand, where he supports students aged 5 to 19 who cannot attend regular schools due to health challenges like cancer, mental health conditions, and injuries. His owner Monique Burke, a teacher at the school, says Doug has an uncanny ability to sense when children need him most.

"Doug's presence has been a gateway for some children to even attend school when they might otherwise feel too anxious," Burke explains. The gentle pug would sit quietly beside struggling students, lean against them for comfort, or join them on walks when they needed a break from the classroom.

Doug disappeared on January 13 after swimming at a local beach. Burke had removed his collar to let it dry, and despite being microchipped, no one has reported finding him. Security camera footage shows him heading toward home before the trail went cold.

The community has rallied around the search. Burke, friends, and family have combed through sheds, garages, bush tracks, and nearby properties. They've distributed flyers, knocked on doors throughout Russell, and contacted every local vet and shelter. Even a police dog handler joined the effort.

Sunny's Take

Doug's impact extends beyond the classroom walls. Northland psychologist Erika Ford worked with Doug to help children overcome dog phobias. "He helped young people do brave things," Ford says. "Almost always, fear turned into complete love for Doug."

The pug also made home visits to students too unwell to attend class and encouraged anxious kids to join field trips. His calm, loving presence turned scary moments into opportunities for growth.

Burke promises Doug will be welcomed home with no questions asked. She doesn't want to believe someone stole him but hopes anyone who found him and thought he needed help will bring him to a vet or shelter. "We would just love to have him back with us," she says. "It won't be the same without him."

Anyone who sees Doug is urged to contact police or take him to a nearby vet or animal shelter.