It’s been nearly 1 ½ years since Athena, a pit bull mix, was left outside Bobbi and the Strays animal rescue in Freeport. Athena was on death’s door, severely malnourished and covered in sores. She is now thriving, but those who love her have a holiday wish: that she finally finds her forever home in time for Christmas.

Richard Flynn cares for Athena at the rescue. He says the ideal person for her would be someone who’s active and able to work with her daily and “teach her how to be a good dog.” He said she never got to learn how even to be a dog. Flynn says she’s estimated to be between four and five years old. She is a bundle of energy. The ideal household for her, he said, would be one without young children.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said Athena’s case was one of the worst animal crime cases she’s seen. She said she knows there’s someone out there who is a “perfect match” for Athena.