Emaciated Dog That Died In Arlington Prompts Plea For Help

ARLINGTON, VA — Authorities are asking for the public's help finding the owner of an emaciated dog that died just hours after he was found near the Walter Reed Community Center in Arlington.

According to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, the dog was found near the center shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday. Authorities said the brown and tan dog had cropped ears and was in critical condition when he was found near South Walter Reed Drive. He was wearing a metal chain collar, but authorities said he had no identification tags or microchip.

The dog, whom AWLA staff nicknamed Walter, was taken to an emergency veterinary clinic, where veterinarians determined he was covered in sores and suffering from severe hypothermia.

Walter died later that night, authorities said.

In collaboration with Arlington County Parks and Recreation and the Arlington County Police Department, the AWLA issued a callout on social media asking for the public's help identifying the dog and his owner.

"If you recognize this dog, have any video footage from the area around the time of the incident, or have any information in regards to this situation, please contact AWLA’s Animal Control team at 703-931-9241 or animalcontrol@awla.org," authorities wrote.