Dr Bob Cavey called on the Daylesford community last week to help him find his beloved British bulldog Wilbur after he ran away from a property near Saw Pit Gully Road.

Dr Cavey has just returned from an overseas trip and Wilbur was in the care of Dr Cavey’s father Ted, when he ran away last Sunday.

Dr Cavey and his father spent hours combing bushland for Wilbur and hand-delivered missing posters to people in the area.

Wilbur is the mascot for the Ultimate Vet Clinic in Narre Warren and visits local schools to help teach children about pet care. News of his disappearance spread quickly on social media.

Dr Cavey was out looking for Wilbur with Daylesford resident Lisa Brophy on Wednesday afternoon, and was about to call it a day when Ms Brophy spotted the dog in a prickle patch in a paddock.

“I tell you what, it’s one of the best feelings I’ve had to find him,” Dr Cavey said.

“It’s just absolutely unbelievable. He’s a really good dog. He’s a one in a million.”

Dr Cavey said he had delivered a missing poster to Ms Brophy on Wednesday when she offered to help with the search.

“People were so nice,” he said. “Thanks to everyone who helped.”

Ms Brophy spotted Wilbur as she was looking out the window of Dr Cavey’s car.

“He saw the car and ran up to the fence,” Ms Brophy said. “He was very excited. I think he’s just got terrified and didn’t know which way was home and he’s just sheltered there.

“He looks remarkably well, we couldn’t believe it.”

Dr Cavey couldn’t wipe the smile off his face and said he was looking forward to some sleep after restless nights worrying about his missing dog.