Abandoned Dog Recovering Months After Rescue In Malden

MALDEN, MA — A dog found sick and abandoned on the East Coast Greenway in Malden just over two months ago is showing signs of recovery, according to the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

One-year-old chihuahua Bailey has gained more than a pound and has “come out of his shell” in a foster home, the agency said on Thursday.

“(He) loves being around people, and has against a tremendous amount of confidence,” the Animal Rescue League said of Bailey.

READ: Malden Animal Cruelty Case Prompts Investigation

Bailey was found on July 25 when a passerby on the greenway bike trail spotted him huddled in a patch of bushes.

That person wrapped Bailey up in a blanket and took him to the Malden Police Department, where officers took next steps to get him into care.

The Animal Rescue League described Bailey as “emaciated” at the time of his rescue. He weighed just two pounds. He was “covered in scabs” and he had fur missing. Bailey also suffered from giardia, which is a parasitic illness often associated with unsanitary conditions, according to the Animal Rescue Leauge.

Bailey first went to an animal hospital in Charlestown before being transferred to the Animal Rescue League’s Boston-based Animal Care and Adoption Center.

There, he has begun to heal, according to Animal Rescue League officials.

Staff treated skin issues and put Bailey on a refeeding program focused on helping him regain weight slowly and safely. They then put him into foster care with the goal of providing a quiet, calmer environment for recovery.

The journey continues, officials said this week, but Bailey has seen his skin heal and some of his fur regrow.

Recent healing let Bailey make a return to Malden, visiting the Malden Police and the officers who cared for him in the moments after he was picked up.

Bailey bears the name of Malden Police Lieutenant Trish Bailey, who was on duty that day.

The Animal Rescue League said they are still investigating Bailey’s abandonment in collaboration with the Malden Police.

Anyone with information on the situation can call the Animal Rescue League at (617) 426-9170 x110 or email them at cruelty@arlboston.org. Individuals can also call the Malden Police at (781) 397-7171.

Bailey is not currently up for adoption. The Animal Rescue League said that Bailey's adoption status may change, though there is no immediate timeline available for that process.