Police: Dyed, Clothed Shih Tzu Found Wandering in State College

UPDATED @ 10:15 a.m. June 23: A number of StateCollege.com readers have inquired about whether the dye job on the Shih Tzu amounted to animal cruelty.

Lori Sowash, a State College borough health officer, relayed that a State College veterinarian saw the dog Tuesday and said the dye job was not harmful.

‘It appeared to be just a spray-on type of dye like you see some of our creative students wear,’ Sowash wrote in an e-mail message. ‘The owners were very kind to the dog and extremely happy to have gotten the dog back.

‘I guess you have to think like a teenage college student to know why someone would dye their dog, but apparently in California or New York City, it’s the ‘in’ thing to do,’ she noted.

Earlier coverage is posted below.

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UPDATED @ 3:39 p.m. June 22: The lost Shih Tzu, named Miata, has been returned successfully to her owners, State College borough health officer Lori Sowash said. They live on the 500 block of South Allen Street.

‘They are very, very relieved to get the dog back — and, yes, they did dye it pink,’ Sowash said.

She said a passer-by on West College Avenue initially mistook the lost dog for a stuffed animal Tuesday morning.

When he realized it wasn’t a toy, Sowash said, he held onto the dog and called the police.

Sowash took the dog to a local animal clinic, where her owners were already waiting for her, Sowash said.

A borough-provided photo of the dog is posted to the right.

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Earlier coverage, posted @ 3:22 p.m. June 22:

A Shih Tzu dog that had been dyed hot pink was found wandering about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday in State College, borough police said.

Police said the lost dog, also sporting a camouflage-style bandana, was picked up at 532 W. College Ave.

The dog was taken into custody as authorities tried to locate its owner, police said.

It wasn’t immediately clear Wednesday whether the dog has been returned.