An Omokoroa family whose dog had been missing have found their beloved pet, but unfortunately it's not the outcome they were hoping for.

On Monday, Stephen Prebble found their Airedale terrier Bonnie, she had curled up under a hedge and died on their property.

Last week, SunLive reported that Bonnie had been missing since May 19 and because her disappearance was so unusual, the family thought she may have been stolen.

Stephen says they searched their property multiple times, but Bonnie was covered in fallen leaves so they didn't spot her at first.

He wanted to share the news about Bonnie to put people's minds at ease, because she hadn't been taken.

Stephen says her absence has had a big impact on the family.

The six-year-old dog was a huge part of the Prebble Family and Stephen says he, his wife Karmenne and their four children are all really feeling the loss.

Karmenne says the family are now grieving, but they are grateful for all the support they have had from the community.

'We've just had so much support from all over, especially through social media. It's been absolutely phenomenal,” says a teary Karmenne.

'It shows you how much people love and adore animals.”