A Pit Bull Mix Is The 2014 American Hero Dog

Pit bulls tend to fall in either the heroic or dangerous category when spoken of or heard about. The Inquisitr reported on a pit bull last month that saved a boy from a swarm of bees. These polar opposite titles are the popular opinion on either side of the aisle. It is possible that the American Humane Association might tilt the scales.

The Hollywood Reporter reports that a pit bull mix named Susie claimed this year’s American Hero Dog award.

“Susie, a pit bull mix that was nearly burned to death but lived to inspire tougher laws to punish animal abuses in North Carolina has been proclaimed the American Human Association’s 2014 American Hero Dog.”

The votes are gathered by the public and a celebrity panel, according to Santa Monica Mirror. Susie the pit bull mix was one of seven contestants running for this coveted prize. A labrador, a few service dogs, a police dog, and even another pit bull were Susie’s opponents in this competition.

Though, they all had unique and heart warming stories, it was Susie the pit bull mix that won over the judges and public. The pit bull mix was not always a star in the spot light, in fact her story began alone, abused in darkness.

According to Design & Trend, her story of despicable abuse was merely from licking her human siblings face. The result was unimaginable.

“Susie’s story begins back in 2009, when she was just a puppy. Her owner reacted violently toward her when the pit bull mix licked her child’s face. Susie’s owner began to beat her and even set her on fire. The puppy’s body got covered in third-degree burns, and her ears were burned off. “

The pit bull’s injuries extended to a broken jaw, teeth, and she was covered in maggots when she was found outside her home. In an ironic twist, it was the maggots that saved her life, and allowed her to be available to be adopted by Donna Smith Lawrence.

One of the most unique twists to Susie the pit bull and Donna’s story, is the fact that Donna was not a hardcore pit bull supporter. In fact, the year prior to Susie’s adoption, Mrs. Smith Lawrence had been attacked by an abused pit bull. She recounted her story to Today Pets.

“It snuck up behind me and grabbed me by the ankle and went into a full attack. He lunged at my throat, but I had grabbed my collar so when he grabbed on, he bit my hand.”

The experience sent her into a deep depression that resulted in a miscarriage, and a deep seeded fear of dogs in general. That all changed when she met her pit bull mix Susie, according to Today Pets.

“If Susie hadn’t come into my life, I don’t know that I ever would have gotten over the fear. I was drawn to her spirit — her love and affection for people when she should hate them, you know?”

It was Donna and her pit bull Susie that changed legislation in their state of North Carolina. In 2010, Governor Bev. Perdue signed Susie’s Law into effect to fight animal cruelty. The brave pit bull’s paw print co-signs the bill.

Perhaps, Susie and Donna will change the hearts and minds of others, in a variety of ways.

What are your thoughts? Leave comments below.

[ Image Via Susie’s Hope ]