Pit Bull Mix Susie Named American Hero Dog

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Her past was filled with pain, but thanks to the love of a forever pet parent a Pit Bull mix named Susie has not only triumphed over her own tragic beginnings, she has helped to create a better tomorrow for both people and pets. On September 27th the kind-hearted canine was honored for her efforts during a star-studded evening of dogged devotion– the American Humane Association‘s 2014 Hero Dog Awards.

Together with her loving human Donna Lawrence, who was once the victim of a violent dog attack, Susie– who as a puppy had endured a brutal beating before she was set on fire and left for dead– made changes in North Carolina’s animal abuse laws, and today in her role as a therapy dog the pretty Pittie mix visits hospitals, nursing homes and schools to inspire others to never give up hope.

While Susie garnered the top prize at the awards ceremony, which was held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, other four-legged finalists were also commended for their courage, including:

• Arson Dog category winner Kai, a six-year-old former shelter dog with the San Antonio Fire Department who has take part in more than 200 arson investigations.
• Emerging Dog Hero category winner Xena, a Pit Bull who not only defied death, but who now enriches the life of an autistic child.
• Guiding/Hearing Dog winner Xxon, who helped to give Air Force Sergeant Michael Malarsi a new vision for his life after losing his sight in an explosion in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
• Law Enforcement Dogs winner Kota, who fought through his injury to help his fellow officers apprehend a burglar.
• Military Dogs winner Chaney, an eight-year-old Lab who saved countless lives as an IED detection dog, and who today volunteers for Retrieving Freedom, Inc. a non-profit organization which trains service dogs for disabled veterans and children with autism.
• Search and Rescue Dogs winner Bretagne, who worked at the World Trade Center after 9/11, helped after Hurricane Rita in 2005, and today is a search and rescue dog ambassador, visiting elementary schools to aid first grade students as they learn to read.
• Service Dogs category winner JJ Krawczyk, a former shelter dog who safeguards a young girl stricken with a rare condition called Masocytosis by alerting the child’s parents when the girl’s life is in danger.

Each of the eight finalists received $1,500 for their chosen American Humane Association charity partner. By being dubbed American Hero Dog, Susie won an additional $5,000 for her charity, Paws & Effect. Fans of Fidos and famous faces can tune in to watch the touching tributes to all the dogs when the American Human Association’s 2014 Hero Dog Awards air on The Hallmark Channel on October 30th at 8 p.m. ET. Those with a passion for compassion can also learn more about the life of American Hero Dog Susie by reading Susie’s Miracle.

Photo Credit: PRNewsFoto/American Humane Association