Conor Byrne
December 12th, 2011
Ned Johnson, 7, and brother Merv, 5, of Humpty Doo with Rusty.
A pet dog who disappeared off the back of a truck 1000km from home has survived seven months in the Territory Outback before being reunited with his owners.
Five-year-old Merv Johnson from Humpty Doo thought his beloved Rusty, 4, had died when he was suddenly gone.
The red heeler had unclipped his leash and jumped off the tray of the family truck near Ti Tree on the Stuart Hwy - 1088km from home - during the trip back from hunting in Alice Springs last Easter.
Unaware, the Johnson family continued their journey home.
Rusty survived the harsh conditions under a demountable at an unmanned power station just outside Ti Tree.
Power and Water worker Bill Blain from Alice Springs found Rusty at the start of November and took him to the dog ranger, who identified his address.
Merv's dad, Matthew, 35, couldn't believe his ears when he got a phone call to say Rusty was alive.
"We had written him off," the carpenter said.
Merv's grandparents in Tennant Creek drove down to collect Rusty when they heard the news and Merv was in for a surprise reunion when he thought he was just going to visit the relatives.
"As soon as Rusty was out of the shed he ran straight up to Merv," Mr Johnson said.
"Merv was blown away, at first he couldn't talk. It definitely pays to microchip."
Mr Johnson said Rusty may have jumped off the tray to chase another dog.
"He'll get out of any knot you can tie," he said.
Source: http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2011/12/12/277831_ntnews.html
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