PALERMO —Maine State Police are seeking public assistance in locating a dog that has been missing since his owner was discovered deceased outside of a home in Palermo, according to a media report released April 29.  

The deceased man, later identified as Robert Bruso, 56, of Palermo, was discovered during a welfare check April 19. 

Troopers arrived at the scene, a home on Boots and Saddle Road around 10:30 a.m., where Troopers located Bruso outside of the residence. 

Detectives from the Major Crimes Unit Central Office responded to the scene, and determined the circumstances of the death to be suspicious. The body of the deceased was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where an autopsy was performed.

Bruso's manner of death has been ruled homicide.

The cause of death is not being released at this time, and there is no known danger to the public, according to the release.

Bruso owned a golden retriever named Lenny, who State Police said has not been located.

Anyone with information about the location of Lenny, or who may have seen a golden retriever in the area of Route 3 near Boots and Saddle Road and/or Level Hill Road in Palermo, is asked to contact the Augusta Regional Communication Center at 207-624-7076.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com