Susie's Hope Movie Review and Giveaway

I live in a Central Ohio city with a "breed ban".  I cannot adopt, rescue or register to own a dog with any sort of  "Pit Bull" designation in its breeding within city limits. It makes me sad.  The breed doesn't make the dog--to 100%--the dog's owners often make the dog.  I was excited when I was offered the opportunity to watch and review the movie, Susie's Hope.  What did I think about the inspirational story of abused pit bull mix, Susie, and her adopted owner, Donna?  Check out our review--and enter to win a copy of the Susie's Hope on dvd!


Quick Summary of Susie's Hope.  Based on the true story that successfully passed Susie’s Law in North Carolina, which seeks stricter punishment for animal abusers, Susie’s Hope brings to life the inspirational relationship between pit bull attack survivor Donna Lawrence and Susie, a pit bull-mix puppy found beaten, burned and left for dead. Recognizing reflect and abuse were to blame for the tragic attack that nearly claimed her life 10 months earlier, Donna resumes the battered animal and accepts her as family. Together, they learn to heal, love and forgive as they lead a historic effort to seek justice and protection, not only for Susie, but all animals. Starring Emmanuelle Vaguer (40 Days and 40 Nights), Burgess Jenkins (Remember The Titans) and Andrea Powell (Ender’s Game, The Twighlight: Breaking Dawn Saga: Part 2), Susie’s Hope is an incredible story of love, loss and redemption.

Watch the Susie’s Hope  trailer ..

Susie's Hope is heartbreaking and inspirational.  Just as all people are not bad--all animals are not bad.  Susie is a pit bull mix--forced to suffer horrible conditions and abandonment at the hands of her owners.   Donna was attacked by a pit bull--but, was not blinded by hate and fear.  She saw Susie, and adopted Susie, for what she was:  a dog in need of a loving owner.

Growing up, my grandpa brought home (rescued) a few Doberman Pinschers, Elkhounds, and other "mean" breed dogs from bad situations.  Chief...my Doberman when I was a toddler...was "rejected" by his owners because he refused to "be mean" and he was given to my grandfather in trade at some point.  His owners kicked him and abused him and treated him horribly in an effort to create a "vicous guard dog".   Chief wasn't vicious.  I rode him like a horse as a toddler.  Aside from not liking my cats very much--he was one of the best dogs I've ever had. I grew up accepting that animals were a lot like human--some were good--some were bad--but, each had a personality of its own....not a one size fits all group personality.

In spite of the circumstances dealt to Susie and Donna--both were able to overcome and heal--in body and spirit.  This movie certainly tugged at the heartstrings--but, it also inspired and warmed the heart at the same time.

Would I recommend Susie's Hope?  This is a wonderful movie--full of hope and inspiration.  While it is a family film, I know that my younger daughter would have been troubled by the story in parts--so I think it's important to view it first and make sure that it's right for younger children.  To watch Donna and Susie's stories join into something powerful and hopeful is a wonderful gift--and I certainly recommend this film to any animal lover--especially those dedicated to animal rescue and animal rights.

About Susie:

Susie was found nearly dead in Greenfield Park in Greensboro, North Carolina on August 20, 2009. Just a puppy, Susie had licked the face of her owner’s newborn baby. Her owner became violent—she was beaten so severely her jaw was broken. That wasn’t enough, though. She was then set on fire and left for dead. Incredibly and against all odds Susie survived. Donna Lawrence adopted her two months later. Susie is now a trained therapy dog and event won the American Humane Association’s American Hero Dog this year!

Check out Susie’s Hero Dog Award Video here!

Learn More About Susie's Hope

Enter to Win a DVD Copy of Susie's Hope

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”