Xena the Warrior Puppy was found near death in a Decatur yard, but recovered from horrible neglect to become the beloved companion of Jonny Hickey, a Johns Creek 9-year-old with autism.
An American Staffordshire terrier profiled in the Sunday Living & Arts section on Sept. 21, Xena was named the American Humane Association’s Emerging Hero Dog of the Year earlier this year, making her one of eight finalists for the organization’s overall American Hero Dog.
The winner of each category gathered over the weekend in Beverly Hills, Calif., for the awards ceremony, where a pit bull mix named Susie was crowned American Hero Dog for 2014.
As a puppy, Susie was beaten and burned by her abuser and left for dead in a Greensboro, N.C., park. She was adopted by Donna Lawrence, who had been the victim of a dog attack that nearly killed her.
They’ve helped each other heal, and Susie is now a therapy dog who visits hospitals, nursing homes and schools. Lawrence and Susie have helped pass “Susie’s Law” in North Carolina, legislation that provides harsher penalties for animal abusers. Their story was the basis for the 2013 movie “Susie’s Hope.”
Though Xena didn’t win, she looked like a star, and so did her best friend. Jonny, in his red bowtie and black hat, and Xena, in an embroidered red dress, walked the red carpet before the show, surrounded by photographers and reporters.
The ceremony will be telecast at 8 p.m. Oct. 30 on the Hallmark Channel.
For more information on all of this year's hero dogs, go to www.americanhumane.org. You'll find Xena online at www.facebook.com/xenaandjonny and Susie at www.facebook.com/susieshope.
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