The six Maltese dogs and their owners, Oxford couple Bruce and Rose Anderson, had to make alternative travel plans to get home yesterday after their campervan was stolen on Monday night.
It was later found burnt out at Blackhead Quarry.
Both Dunedin police and Fire Safety are investigating the incident.
It was one of many they had made with the dogs between the far north and Balclutha in recent years.
Mrs Anderson said they left the campervan in Kitchener St near the helicopter pad at 7.15pm on Monday and went into town in their car for a meal with the dogs.
"After that, we got some groceries and took the dogs for a quick widdle before heading back to the campervan.
"When we got back, all that was left was some broken glass."
The couple called the police to report their second home missing, and were asked if they wanted the good news first, or the bad news.
"They said the good news is, we've found your vehicle. The bad news is ...
"We just can't believe it," she said.
"We love Dunedin, but this has left a bad taste in our mouths."
The Andersons were thankful the dogs were not in the campervan at the time.
"You can replace a campervan, but you can't replace the dogs.
"They were lucky Peanut wasn't in the van. He would have had a good go at them.
"He's only a little fellow, but he really goes for things."
The campervan was insured, she said.
Senior Sergeant Craig Brown, of Dunedin, said the incident was unusual.
"We do have vehicles taken and burnt out by joy-riders, but we don't have campervans or buses taken that often."
