SAUGUS — A foster dog who was stolen during a hike in Saugus on Wednesday has been found dead in a nearby pond, according to NYC Second Chance Rescue.

Mama Maisie, a rescue living with a foster family in Massachusetts, was taken at approximately 11 a.m. while on a hike near 25 Broadway in Saugus, close to the Lynnfield border.

The dog walker described the suspect as a Hispanic man, approximately 5’8″, with shoulder-length curly brown hair, and wearing dark clothing.

On Friday, NYCSR announced that Maisie had been found dead.

“We are devastated to announce the passing of Mama Maisie,” the organization said in a statement.

According to the rescue, Mama Maisie had survived a severe medical complication before entering its care. The organization said she had been discarded by a backyard breeder while suffering from sepsis and carrying deceased puppies. Veterinarians initially recommended euthanasia, but the rescue chose to pursue treatment.

“Against all odds, she survived,” the rescue said.

After recovering, Maisie was transported to Massachusetts, where she spent the last two months living with a foster family and other dogs.

The rescue described her as “goofy, silly, super friendly” and said she loved everyone she met.

“Despite everything she had been through, she never stopped trusting people,” the statement said. “She walked right up to the man who would ultimately cost her her life.”

The organization said members of its team traveled to Massachusetts overnight and paid for what it described as a full criminal necropsy in an effort to determine exactly what happened to the dog.

“Maisie deserves answers — and we WILL get them,” the rescue said.

The organization also alleged that Maisie had been targeted because of her breed.

“It is devastating that she was targeted for her breed by greedy monsters not once, but twice,” the statement said.

The rescue thanked the thousands of people who shared information and followed the search efforts over the past day, saying staff and volunteers were struggling with the loss while continuing to work with law enforcement.

“Tomorrow? We start the fight for justice,” the statement said. “For Maisie. For the truth. For accountability.”

The investigation into Mama Maisie’s death remains ongoing.