Susie the pit bull mix named “American Hero Dog” of 2014

A pit bull mix named Susie from High Point, North Carolina, has been named this year’s “American Hero Dog” at the 2014 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards.

Susie was only a puppy when her owner beat her savagely and set her on fire, leaving her for dead in a local park in Greensboro, North Carolina. She was rescued by a local animal shelter and nursed back to health, and then adopted by a woman named Donna Lawrence.

Donna herself had been the victim of a terrible dog attack that nearly killed her, and that left her without the ability to have children. Donna and Suzie helped each other heal from their physical and emotional wounds, triumphing over pain and fear to become voices for abused animals.

Together, they helped pass “Susie’s Law” in North Carolina, which calls for harsher penalties for convicted animal abusers. Susie also became the subject of the movie, “Susie’s Hope,” and working side by side, Donna and Susie continue to make the world a better place for others by visiting hospitals, schools, and nursing homes to inspire people never to give up.

During a nationwide search, 135 dogs from all across the country were nominated for the award and more than one and a half million votes were cast by the American public, culminating in the selection of eight extraordinary canine finalists, each of them winners in their own categories.

The sold-out, star-studded awards honoring America’s most courageous canines were hosted at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in September by television and film star James Denton and model and animal advocate Beth Stern. Presenters included presenters including Bruce Boxleitner, Lacey Chabert, Philippe and Ashlan Gorse Cousteau, Cristina Ferrare, Lori Loughlin, Bailee Madison, Kellie Martin, Marlee Matlin, Brandon McMillan, Larry Miller, Barbara Niven, Pauley Perrette, Charlotte Ross, Mark Steines, and Victoria Stilwell.

The event will be broadcast nationwide by Hallmark Channel on October 30 at 8 pm ET/PT, 7 pm Central. The program will air as part of Hallmark Channel’s Pet Project, the network’s cross-platform advocacy campaign designed to celebrate the joy and enrichment animals bring to our lives.

For more about Susie and the American Hero Dog awards, as well as complete list of finalists, visit the American humane Association website.

You can learn more about Susie on the Susie’s Hope Facebook page.