Heartbreaking News in the Search for Missing Ulster County Dog

2 Young Dogs Abandoned in Saugerties, New York

On the night before Halloween 2025, individuals were spotted abandoning 2 dogs in Saugerties.

Adam Saunders, the Town of Saugerties Dog Control Officer and co-owner of Ulster County Canines, explains that he received calls about the 2 dogs wandering on Livingston Street in the Village of Saugerties.

That night was particularly awful weather wise with heavy rains, high winds and low temperatures.

Around 7:30 pm that same night, Saunders arrived to the area where the 2 dogs were last spotted and was having a difficult time spotting the pups as their fur is dark in color.

1 of the 2 dogs later wandered onto a porch where Saunders was able to lasso her in and bring her to safety. Unfortunately at the time, they were unable to locate the second dog.

Rescued Dog Receives Medical Attention

The dog that was rescued, now named Hazel, underwent evaluation at a local veterinary office and was diagnosed with muscle atrophy.

READ MORE: Abandoned in the Rain, Saugerties Dog Officer Seeks Public’s Help

They also believe she spent her life in a a cage. Hazel was a bit unsteady on her feet, thin, and she "reeked of urine and feces."

Heartbreaking Turn in Missing Ulster County Dog Case

Trail cameras and drones were used in hopes of locating the second dogs with no luck.

In a heartbreaking update, Saunders shares details about the 2nd dog.

On Facebook Saunders explains that the there were credible sightings within the last 10 days on ring cameras and that the dog returned to the Village near where he was dumped.

It was learned that the dogs name was Zeek, his original owners were contact. They informed Saunders that Zeek was recently rehomed. The rehomed owners decided to dump Zeek and Hazel "near the residence they had been adopted from."

Zeek made his way onto the railroad tracks and began traveling north, out of town, only to be fatally hit by a train just before Malden.