Durham deputy, rescued dog reunite permanently

Seven months after a Malamute named Marty was seized during an animal cruelty investigation in Durham, he was permanently reunited Friday with the deputy who helped rescue him.

Posted 4:03 p.m. Feb 26, 2016 — Updated 5:47 p.m. Feb 26, 2016

DURHAM, N.C. — Seven months after a Malamute named Marty was seized during an animal cruelty investigation in Durham, he was permanently reunited Friday with the deputy who helped rescue him.

Deputy Dakota Beck responded on July 21 to a complaint about two dogs running loose on Sybil Drive and noticed a strong smell of urine and feces coming from a nearby home. Beck heard barking inside the house and saw dogs with matted fur in pens in the backyard. Beck obtained a search warrant and found 31 dogs on the property, including Marty, a malnourished Malamute.

The homeowner, 53-year-old Sandra Dee Lehto, was charged with 28 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals in the case.

The Southwest Michigan Husky Club, an animal rescue group based in Athens, Mich., nursed Marty back to health and planned Friday to make the 12-hour trip back to Durham so Marty can reunite with Beck, who is adopting the dog.

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