This is the moment a five-year-old pooch launched into a frenzy of excitement after his owner returned home after nearly a month away.

Owner James Kerslake, 46, who was born in Chelmsford, Essex, but raised in Auckland from the age of one, had flown back to New Zealand to spend Christmas with family.

It was his first visit in three years and because it's such a long journey, he stayed abroad nearly a month once flights and travel were included.

But while James was enjoying long-overdue family time, his mind was never far from home.

James, who lives in Cambridgeshire, said: "I'd missed him terribly. "

"I even took photos of him to New Zealand with me - and onboard the plane - and I carry a clump of his fur in a keyring. "

"My life basically revolves around him and making him happy."

Back in Cambridgeshire, Loki wasn't coping quite as well.

The Pomsky had undergone leg surgery in September, leaving him in the final month of recovery during James's absence.

Although he held it together during the first couple of weeks, by the end Loki had grown noticeably "salty and sad," according to James."

Because Loki wasn't allowed inside the arrivals hall - and because of his recovering leg - James and his flatmate Susan designed a surprise that would keep him on soft ground when the inevitable zoomies kicked off.

Susan picked James up from the airport and left Loki waiting at home.

When they arrived, Susan entered first while James sneaked into the garden.

Footage shows Loki trotting into view before suddenly freezing when he spots James through the window.

James said: "You can see the exact moment he recognised I was back."

"His excitement was barely contained."

"I was bursting with happiness. I'd missed him every day of my holiday. When I finally saw him, I was about as happy as he was."