Foster dog stolen during Saugus hike found dead in pond, rescue says

Mama Maisie, a French Bulldog mix being fostered in Saugus by New York City Second Chance Rescue, was reported stolen during a hike on Wednesday when witnesses say a man approached her and her caregiver, picked her up and ran off. The dog had been living with a local foster family at the time of the incident. After more than 24 hours of searching by law enforcement officers, rescue volunteers, neighbors and thousands of online supporters, Mama Maisie was located floating in Hawkes Pond at about 8 p.m. Thursday, the rescue announced. The organization said the dog was found near the area where witnesses reported she had been taken. NYC Second Chance Rescue explained that Mama Maisie had a difficult history: she was surrendered by a backyard breeder while suffering serious medical problems, including the loss of puppies and sepsis. Veterinarians had once recommended euthanasia, but the rescue elected to treat her and she recovered, later spending two months living with a pack of dogs in New Hampshire before moving to the Saugus foster home. The rescue said a necropsy will be performed to determine the cause of death, and it has released a sketch of a person of interest while offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to answers. The organization and its founder, Jennifer Brooks, described the loss as devastating and urged anyone who saw anything, no matter how small, to come forward. They also suggested Maisie may have been targeted because of her breed. The investigation is ongoing; the Saugus Police Department had not provided a report or responded to requests for comment as of Sunday night. The rescue said it would take a day to grieve and coordinate with law enforcement but intends to continue its work and pursue justice for Mama Maisie, while asking the public to report any relevant information to the authorities or the rescue.