So I started a new game and did everything up to Ashbury. I get into town and the first thing I go to do is get the dog, but it was already dead! Is there something that triggers the dog being dead when you show up in Ashbury or does it have something to do with the UAP?
Apparently there is a time limit on how long you have to get him, although I have never found out what it is. I usually travel toAshbury the first time I get to Tarant to get Mutt. That way he is pretty close to my PC's level.
IIRC you have to save the dog the very first time you set foot in Ashbury AND you only have one hour (= Arcanum gametime) to do so.
The dog should only start being beat when you're about 2 sectors away from his location. So, it's best to travel right there when you get to Ashbury the first time. Don't worry, though, because it has nothing to do with traveling to any other places.