AVON – The dog with a dark past whose prospects were once looking grim indeed has come back stronger and is now looking for a perfect forever home.

The pit bull, now named ‘Walter,’ was found starved and covered in skin sores in April 2015 on the side of the road in Avon after apparently escaping from his owners, who were not feeding him properly. Because of his past of abuse, he has some behavioral issues that at one time nearly cost him his life.

“I’ll be up front and say I want the right home, and will only allow a suitable adopter to care for him,” said John Paul O’Hearn, owner of Christopher Robins Pet Care in Avon, who took Walter under his wing when he was scheduled to be put down due to behavioral issues. “I am in no hurry to get rid of Walter. He seems to have quite a lot of anxiety, and can’t be around other animals or kids under 12. He tends to mouth and I know that can be intimidating, especially because he is a pit bull and a fairly good-sized one.”

O’Hearn said that after considering all of Walter’s needs, he and his staff have come up with a fairly specific picture of the perfect owner. He will visit with a prospective owner and check their home to make sure it is a perfect fit.

“Honestly, we were brainstorming and I think a trucker would be perfect for him,” said O’Hearn. “His anxiety goes down when he’s in the car and he stays calm for longer after being in the car. He would be away from other dogs. He would only be around one or two people, and could build a strong personal connection with them, which is what he needs.”

Walter is currently housed at Christopher Robins at 415 Rochester Street, away from other dogs. However, O’Hearn said that the facility cannot meet the potential for his overall long-term rehabilitation and well-being.

Anyone who would like to apply to own Walter can contact Christopher Robins here to receive an application.

“He is a great dog with lots of love to give,” said O’Hearn. “Walter has an ideal forever home out there somewhere.”