Howl-leluja, DeKalb Public Library’s NIU Huskie has been found.

DeKalb Police discovered the abandoned mascot Sunday in Afton Forest Preserve, located roughly 20 minutes from its home at 309 Oak St.

Edith Craig, the library’s public relations coordinator, said the NIU Huskie was brought back in one piece, but not without some battle scars.

“The ears are chipped, three bolts are missing from the paws, probably from when they tried to get him off of the slab, and he has scratches on his body,” Craig said. “We hope the artist will come back to do some touching up.”

Although the dog will likely need to recover from its adventure, Craig said the library is just happy to have him home.

“We’re thrilled,” Craig said. “The next step is giving him an official name and deciding where to put him next.”

Craig said although police reviewed the surveillance footage from the night of the dog’s disappearance, the film only goes to the front of the neighboring property, not within the dog’s vicinity. Craig said the library is currently reviewing its need for updated security cameras.

The dog was recovered from the forest preserve during a routine walk through the area, Craig said. The Huskie rode back into town on the bed of a City of DeKalb truck.

As of Monday, DeKalb police have no leads on the identity of the dog-nappers.