UPDATE 9/26: Police say the couple's story about the dog being abandoned was a hoax. Read more.

The Attleboro, Massachusetts police department is looking for the owner of a dog that was reportedly found abandoned on the side of the road with a "free" sign attached to its cage.

Police said the dog was found near Bliss Dairy on Park Street.

Dog found abandoned in Attleboro

Police Chief Kyle Heagney said two people who said they found the Yorkshire Terrier puppy brought it to the 24-hour Seasons Corner Market on Washington St. at 1:40 a.m. on Monday. They said they didn't know what to do with it, and left the dog with the store employee. 

"Brought in a dog inside a cage with a bowl and a bed and told the clerk they found it on the side of the road," said Attleboro Police Lt. Leo Fontaine.

The clerk let a good Samaritan customer take the dog home, Heagney said. Later in the day, the store manager became concerned about the dog's well-being and called police.

"The investigating officer was then able to track down the good Samaritan, who ultimately turned the dog over to Attleboro Animal Control," the police chief said in a statement. "The dog was found to be in good health, appeared to be well-cared-for, and in no apparent distress."  

Dog found in crate with bed, blanket and dish inside

The dog is a 6-month old female that was not wearing a collar and has no microchip identifier, police said. It is now in the custody of Attleboro Animal Control.

The department shared photos of the crate the dog was found in, as well as a dog bed, blanket and food dish found inside. 

When asked about someone leaving a dog they don't want on the side of the road, Fontaine said, "I certainly don't suggest that. There is much better and safer means to do so."

Anyone who recognizes the dog or has any information is asked to call police at 508-222-1212.