Thursday, June 18, 2009

Email this article to a friend

Police searching for man usually seen with dog

HINGHAM, Mass. -- The Hingham Police Department launched a search Wednesday for a man who is usually seen with a St. Bernard dog.

The dog was found wandering near a lake in Hingham around 10 a.m. with his leash still attached. Those who found him called police because they said the dog's owner, who they often see walking the animal, was nowhere to be found.

Officers were told that the St. Bernard is always seen with a white male in his 70s.

"They were concerned because the dog was out there with his leash on and the man wasn't there. They had actually seen him earlier with the dog. So that's what made it alarming," said Lt. Michael Peraino, of the Hingham Police Department.

Authorities searched the lake and surrounding areas using K-9 units and the St. Bernard that was found, but have come up empty handed.

Officials thought the dog's microchip would help with a lead, but it brought them to a breeder in Nebraska and eventually to a West Roxbury pet shop that is now closed.

Police cannot be sure if the dog found is simply a stray or if the owner of the dog is lost and in need of assistance.

While several dogs have been abandoned in Hingham in the last year, police do not believe that is the case with this St. Bernard.

Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact the Hingham Police.

(Copyright (c) 2009 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)