A foster French bulldog that vanished off a North Shore trail was found dead in Hawkes Pond on Thursday night, just a day after she was reportedly grabbed off a path along the Saugus–Lynnfield line. The dog had been walking off-leash with a group when a man allegedly scooped her up and ran. Saugus police have opened an investigation and are urging anyone who knows anything to come forward.
Walker recounts the snatching
Sofie Ellis-Esty, who runs a dog-walking business and was caring for the bulldog, told reporters she had the dog out with seven others when a man approached on the trail, petted the group, then suddenly picked up the Frenchie and bolted. Ellis-Esty said she chased him for about 20 minutes but could not catch up, according to NBC10 Boston.
Body recovered near where she was taken
Volunteers who went back to the area to set up a camera later discovered the dog’s body floating in the same stretch of water where she had been taken from the trail. Rescue organizers posted flyers along the paths while the search was still underway, according to Boston 25 News. The dog was identified as Maisie (also spelled Maise in some reports). The outlet reports that a $10,000 reward has been posted. Ellis-Esty said she felt horrific about what happened and that it felt like the blame fell on her.
Background and earlier coverage
Earlier reports described the bulldog as a foster dog rescued from Georgia that had already survived severe neglect. Initially, the owners offered a $5,000 reward for her return, according to CBS Boston. The station also shared a physical description of the man Ellis-Esty said she saw on the trail and reported that both Saugus and Lynnfield police canvassed the area after the snatching was reported.
How to help
Saugus police are leading the investigation and are asking anyone with information to call their non-emergency number or use the department’s anonymous tip line. The department lists its police business number as 781-941-1199 and an anonymous tip line at 781-231-4037, and reminds residents to call 911 for emergencies. Additional contact details and non-urgent submission options are available on the department’s official page: Saugus Police Department.
Neighbors on edge
The case has rattled local dog owners and hikers, especially following other recent incidents in the region where dead dogs have turned up along shorelines. In April, Boston 25 News reported that two dogs found in Weymouth were considered suspicious and that town officials asked the public for help identifying them. Volunteers and regular trail users say they are being extra cautious while police continue to follow leads.
