Shawn Jack's dog, Chico, up for adoption at Cape Breton SPCA

The constant companion of Shawn Jack, a homeless man severely beaten and left for dead at his campsite behind a North Sydney grocery last July, is up for adoption at the Cape Breton SCPA.

Hannah McIlveen of the SPCA says Chico, a three-year-old pitbull mix, is a "very sweet dog, very gentle, very loving and extremely loyal. But unfortunately, that means he does suffer from some separation anxiety. He does not like being left alone. With his original owner, they were together 24/7."

Jack sustained terrible head injuries and was in a Halifax hospital for several months.

Chico spent some time at the Cape Breton SPCA after the attack. He was then fostered for a while by members of Jack's family and they brought him back to the SPCA this week.

McIlveen says the family can no longer care for Chico and Jack is not going to be able to take care him anytime soon.

"I think what he wanted was the most stable, permanent solution for the dog possible," said McIlveen.

'More love than you could shake a stick at'

McIlveen says Chico is gentle around cats and kids, but can be a bit jumpy.

"He does need to learn some manners, so we're saying he shouldn't go to a home with young kids because he might knock them over by accident," she said.

In a news release, the SCPA said Chico needs a "dedicated adopter" who has lots of free time and is willing to put in a bit of work in exchange for "more love than you could shake a stick at."

Adopters are chosen based on the best fit for the dog and the adopter, and not on a first come, first served basis.