Owner sought after dog found nearly starved to death in Lexington

Local News

A roughly two-year old pit bull terrier mix was brought into Angell Animal Medical Center after found emaciated in Lexington.

By Carson Lyle

January 14, 2026 | 6:34 PM

1 minute to read

MSPCA-Angell is asking for the public’s help identifying the owner of a two-year-old pit bull terrier mix who was found nearly starved to death on Saturday in Lexington, the animal protection organization said. 

“When this dog came in, she was unbelievably thin and too weak to stand up,” said Mike Keiley, vice president of the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division. “On the scale we use to measure a dog’s body weight, she had the lowest possible score–meaning she was as emaciated as she could be before passing.” 

During the dog’s initial intake, doctors found a gastrointestinal bleed that required a blood transfusion, which could ultimately lead to surgical intervention, as well as wounds on her feet and tail, the MSPCA said. 

“Her prognosis is guarded, but with continued around-the-clock care we’re hopeful that she’ll recover,” Keiley said. 

The dog, now named Dolly, is being closely monitored to ensure she does not develop complications from eating too much too quickly, said the non-profit. 

Dolly is expected to remain in the intensive care unit for at least one week. According to her caregivers, she is very sweet, the organization said.

“Right now, we’re very concerned with how she came to be in this terrible state and need help from the public to learn more,” Keiley said. 

MSPCA-Angell is investigating the circumstances that led to Dolly’s neglect and urges anyone who knows her owner to contact the MSPCA Law Enforcement Department at (617) 522-6008 or (800) 628-5808, or online, MSPCA said. 
Dolly’s care costs are expected to exceed $15,000.

Those who would like to donate can give at mspca.org/dolly, the organization said.