Dog remained with dead owner in Australian bush for five weeks

A silky terrier who remained by the side of his dead master in the Western Australian bush for almost five weeks has been found alive and is being cared for by his owner's friends.

In the ultimate act of loyalty, the dog called Mitzi, was found alive next to the body of a man police believe is missing Bridgetown bushwalker Wayne Cornelius Coughlan. Mr Coughlan, 64, was reported missing on May 4 after a friend visited his home and could not find him. One of his dogs, a Jack Russell named Chester, was found on Peninsular Road, Bridgetown, five days later.

Police said a pig hunter discovered Mr Coughlan's body on Thursday night about 6km north of where he was last seen. Mitzi has been reunited with Chester and is being cared for by friends. "All of the circumstances indicate the deceased is the missing man from Bridgetown - Wayne Coughlan, however formal identification will need to be completed - most likely by DNA analysis which may take a number of weeks,'' spokeswoman Susan Usher said.

"The body was located approximately 6km north of where Mr Coughlan was last seen. Mitzi is being cared for by friends and has been reunited with (the Jack Russell) Chester.'' Police don't believe foul play was involved in the man's death.