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\"He wolfed down half of my salami which is a treat for him, I gave him a cuddle and we had a big play,\" Wakefield said, according to the police statement. \"I was just lost for words.\"

Thames was \"hungry, and a bit skinnier in the haunches after a week of foraging,\" but \"fit enough\" to walk out to the road, the statement added.

\"We are absolutely delighted at the news and Mike is ecstatic,\" Senior Sergeant Mark Davidson of the Wellington Police Dog Section said.

Thames is now resting at home as he and Wakefield take a few weeks of annual leave.

\"It's great to have Thames come home,\" Wakefield said. \"I can't thank people enough.\"

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