Arlington Animal Control is urgently searching for the owner of a severely emaciated dog discovered abandoned in the cold late Wednesday evening. The animal, which was found near Walter Reed Drive, had to be euthanized due to its dire condition, according to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA).
The dog, later named “Walter” after the street where he was found, was in such a deteriorated state that immediate medical intervention was required. “The most shocking part was that he was skin and bones,” said Nohelia Argote, who made the grim discovery while walking her own dogs.
Argote described the experience as traumatic, noting that the real tragedy was the suffering Walter endured. “It was extremely heartbreaking, and I was really hoping that he could make it,” she said. The dog, identified by its brown and tan coat and cropped ears, was found lying on the sidewalk with visible injuries. Argote quickly covered him with her coat and called for assistance.
AWLA officials confirmed that Walter was severely underweight, covered in sores, and showing signs of extreme hypothermia. “He was extremely underweight, emaciated,” said Amy Schindler, Chief Operating Officer of AWLA. “He had some sores on his body.” Despite efforts to stabilize him at an emergency veterinary clinic, the severity of his condition led to the difficult decision to euthanize the animal to prevent further suffering.
“Upon examination, the vet concluded that the kindest option was euthanasia,” Schindler added.
Now, the AWLA is asking the public for help in tracing Walter’s owner. They are seeking any potential leads, including dashcam footage from nearby vehicles or eyewitness accounts of the dog’s condition before it was found. “We’re hoping someone will come forward with any information,” Schindler stated.
Argote, though heartbroken, fondly remembered Walter as a sweet and gentle animal. “He was such a good boy,” she said. “He was so sweet.”
Animal Control urges anyone with information to contact the AWLA, as they continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Walter’s abandonment.
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