Shih Tzu abandoned at Boston-area gas station, found near dumpster – NBC Boston

A 6-month-old Shih Tzu found abandoned and in poor condition at a Boston-area gas station is receiving care at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

The dog, now named Arthur, was brought to the Animal Rescue League Animal Care and Adoption Center over the weekend by someone who said he stopped at a Mobil gas station in the area of Boston and found the dog near a dumpster. The dog was in a cat carrier and was severely matted, covered in urine and feces, and had a splint on his left front leg from a previous injury. He had no access to food or water.

Arthur was also emaciated and ravenously searching for food upon arriving at the Animal Rescue League. He did not have a microchip or identification tag, and X-rays revealed a broken toe, which could be a chronic injury.

He has since been treated and is now on a refeeding plan to ensure slow and safe weight gain, the agency said.

The Animal Rescue League said its goal is to give Arthur the care he needs and then make him available for adoption once he is healthy enough. They said there is no timeline for when he might be ready for adoption.

ARL Law Enforcement is seeking the public's help in identifying the origin of the dog. Anyone with information is asked to call 617-426-9170, ext. 20.110 or email [email protected].

“ARL understands the difficulties of owning a pet, however, the organization reminds the public that abandoning an animal is never an option. Not only is abandoning an animal illegal, but Arthur could still have been more injured or even starve if he had not been discovered,” the agency said in a statement. “If you are unable to care for an animal, please contact ARL or your local animal control office or shelter to surrender the animal.”