Missing dog found 17 days after escape at Melbourne Airport

April 22 (UPI) -- A dog who went missing at the Melbourne Airport in Australia was reunited with his owner in Wales after a 17-day search.

The dog, named Milo, had been due to travel home to Swansea, Wales, with owner Jason Whatnall when the canine escaped from the custody of AeroPets Animal Transport.

A 17-day search of the area was launched, and there were multiple sightings reported, but Milo always fled before he could be caught.

"He's had a ball -- he was chasing rabbits, playing with the kangaroos around Tullamarine," Whatnall told 7News. "He had a massive adventure. Last little trip around Australia before jetting off to the U.K."

Animal rescuer Nigel Williamson shared video showing the moment Milo finally walked into a humane trap set up by a local charity group.

Whatnall said his reunion with Milo at Heathrow Airport was emotional for them both.

"He was squealing like a little cheeky boy he is -- he couldn't stop. It was great," Whatnall said.