Emaciated Dog Found In Lexington Dies Amid Animal Cruelty Investigation

LEXINGTON, MA — The 2-year-old pitbull mix found in Lexington this week and brought to Angell Animal Medical Center as "emaciated as she could be before passing" was euthanized on Friday morning after her condition deteriorated on Thursday night.

The MSPCA-Angell said the dog, which they named Dolly, was given lifesaving care for nearly a week before the latest medical setback that left her oxygen dependent with significant concerns about her long-term outlook.

"Medical staff had to make the extremely difficult decision to humanely euthanize her," an MSPCA spokesperson told Patch. "She crossed the rainbow bridge today, surrounded by people who cared deeply for her and showered her with love, ice cream, and peanut butter."

The MSPCA's law enforcement team is still seeking the public's help for information on how Dolly ended up at such a low weight. Anyone with information is asked to contact 617-522-6008, 800-628-5808, or the online tip line here.

The MSPCA said Dolly was brought in during the early morning hours of Jan. 10 by someone who claimed to have found her outside in Lexington. Indications were that the dog may have also lived in Boston.

Mike Keiley, vice president of the MSPCA-Angell's Animal Protection Division, said Dolly came to the medical center "too weak to stand up" and that she was "in desperate need of medical care."

Keiley said she also had wounds on her legs and tail.

Dolly was placed on a measured refeeding plan after suffering seizures upon her arrival. She also has a gastrointestinal bleed that required a blood transfusion.

Despite her condition, those tending to her said she was sweet and affectionate.

"Despite only being with us for a short period of time, Dolly made a huge impact on our staff," the spokesperson said.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)