Dog that was taken for a walk and never returned to a Boston animal rescue has been found

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More than a month ago, a potential adopter took Nick — a resident at the Animal Rescue League of Boston — for a walk … and never came back.

On Wednesday, however, they were happy to announce that the 3-year-old pit bull mix had been found, safe and healthy, and was back in their care.

Shelter officials had been offering a $1,000 reward for information that led to the pup’s return.

Mike DeFina, a spokesman for the Animal Rescue League, told Boston.com that the shelter learned of Nick’s whereabouts after a Dorchester man called the MSPCA call center and said he’d been taking care of a dog for a few weeks. A description of the pup led to the MSPCA contacting the Animal Rescue League’s law enforcement team, who went and picked up Nick around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

“He looks good, he’s healthy, he’s happy,” DeFina said of the grey and white pup. “Bottom line we’re just really grateful to have him back.”

ARL staffers said the man had gotten Nick “from a secondary person” and was unaware the dog had been stolen from the shelter when he called DeFina said, “We’re just happy that he was found and that this person did the right thing and made that phone call,” he said.

Although Nick will have to undergo some standard vetting, he appears to be very healthy and should be back up for adoption soon. Officials said the man would receive the reward, as Nick was very well taken care of.