HE’S back – very tired and hopefully wiser for his adventure.

Hopes were fading for Bertie the dachshund after he ran off last Sunday in Micheldever Woods, near Winchester.

But four days later the puppy was found on a farm at Northington and reunited with his owners Michael and Nicki Pudney, who own the city’s Enigma Hair Design salon.

A couple more nights in the open could have been fatal.

Dozens of dog lovers had helped the Pudneys search for Bertie, who is only nine months old.

The Pudneys say they have been bowled over by the number of family, friends and clients who have braved winter storms to search.

Michael said: “Bertie has now been found and returned to his home.

“He managed to walk four miles and had fallen into a farmer’s fire pit.

“We would like to thank everyone for all the time they have given to our little Bertie.”