Police Find an Adorable Dog Abandoned on the Side of a Massachusetts Road

Who would leave an adorable animal abandoned on the side of the road? That’s the question puzzling police and animal rescue authorities in Massachusetts as they try to solve the mystery of the so-called Hingham Dog.

On Monday, the Hingham Police department shared a series of photos on their Facebook page showing a dog abandoned on the side of one of the roads. The pooch was left inside a dog carrier. Along with the photo, the department added the following caption:

“This dog was found in this cage with blanket, leash, food, dog coat and toys on side of road near 158 Downer Ave. at 11:19am today. Had been there less then an hour. It had no microchip.”

The department’s initial Facebook post quickly went viral, garnering over 13,000 Facebook shares in just three days. In addition, hundreds of comments poured in — including numerous requests to adopt the pooch known simply as the Hingham Dog. Due to the flood of requests, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), who are caring for the animal, released a statement on their own Facebook page that the pup is unavailable for adoption at this time due to its being part of an “ongoing investigation.”

“The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is currently providing veterinary care, shelter, and kind attention for the Hingham Dog. An exam by ARL’s lead veterinarian concluded that the dog is approximately 2-years-old, is not neutered, and is in good health,” the ARL wrote. “Volunteers and staff have remarked at how sweet-natured the dog is… and how much he loves his little treats!”

While the Hingham dog isn’t available for adoption at this time, the organization does still have numerous animals, including dogs and cats, available for adoption on their site.

Anyone with information on the Hingham Dog or its owners should contact the Hingham Police Department at (781) 749-1212 or the ARL’s Law Enforcement Department at (617) 226-5610.