As adventures go, it sounds like a shaggy dog’s tale. But a pet dog that was washed overboard and believed drowned has been found four months later – as a castaway on a remote Australian island.

Jan and Dave Griffith were devastated when they lost their beloved dog during a holiday sailing through stormy waters off Queensland last November.

But Sophie Tucker – named after a famous US entertainer – had in fact survived, enduring a long swim across shark-infested waters to an island, an incredible 6 miles.

It’s believed Sophie Tucker – an Australian cattle dog – survived on a diet of baby goats until spotted by patrolling rangers. She had become quite wild and wouldn’t let anyone go near her or touch her.

However, an emotional reunion followed after the Griffiths confirmed it was their pet. They met the rangers’ boat bringing Sophie Tucker to the mainland.

The animal began whimpering and banging her cage when she saw her owners and has since been quick to readjust back at home.

“We wish she could talk, we truly do,” said Mrs Griffiths. Optimist World