The 10-year-old dog went missing from her owner’s home in Wagga Wagga more than four years ago.

She was found by a good samaritan on Dandaloo Road and taken to the Narromine Veterinary Clinic on January 30.

At first Minnie could not be identified despite having a microchip.

She was eventually identified as Minnie, beloved pet of a Wagga Wagga pensioner, by Narromine Shire Council environmental ranger Ewen Jones.

“The older gentleman was thrilled when I called about Minnie’s appearance,” Mr Jones said.

“He called out to the family ‘They’ve found Minnie’ when I told him.

“I think he was stunned she turned up after being missing for four years.”

Minnie was looking and feeling a little worse for wear when she was first found but her spirits have lifted in the weeks since being found, according to Mr Jones.

“She’s fine now,” he said. “She is living at the pound while she waits to go home.”

Minnie will be transported from Dubbo to Wagga Wagga next Tuesday to be reunited with her long-lost owner.

“Her owner is an invalid pensioner so he couldn’t get up here to pick her up,” Mr Jones said.

“We’re ensuring she gets home safely via road transport.”

Mr Jones said Minnie’s rescue was a reminder that stray dogs could have owners looking for them.

“If you find a dog please take it to the vet or the pound before you decide to keep it,” he said. “Often it is someone’s loved pet and a microchip check could reunite the animal with its family.

“There is a $550 fine for failing to take a found animal to the pound or vet.”

keely.bell@ruralpress.com