CALAIS – An investigation into the charred remains of a puppy found two weeks ago near abandoned railroad tracks north of downtown revealed that the dog was dead before it was placed in a box and burned.

Police learned the identity of the owner, who admitted it was his dog, Calais police Sgt. David Randall said Monday.

The dog apparently suffered from parvovirus and died in January. Dogs can get the virus when they come into contact with infected feces.

Police would not identify the owner, who realized he could not bury the dog because the ground was frozen. So he tried to cremate the remains himself, Randall said.

Last month, the city’s animal control officer, David Townsend, was walking near Midland Avenue when he spotted an oversized shoebox near the tracks that run parallel to the St. Croix River. The box was labeled “ceramic dinner set” and was wrapped with duct tape.

The box was partially burned, but there was no question that the remains inside were that of a puppy or a small dog.

Townsend took the remains to Calais police.

A veterinarian who examined the remains said it appeared that the dog was placed in the box after it was dead and then was burned. The vet was unable to determine how the dog died.

Calais police asked for help in the case, and Randall said media coverage helped in the investigation. Several people contacted police. Once the owner was found, authorities were able to learn how the dog died.

Information about the case was sent to the Washington County district attorney, but Randall said he did not believe any charges would be filed.

The sergeant said that others who might find themselves in a similar predicament should contact their local veterinarian or the city’s animal shelter, PAWS, to find out about proper disposal methods.