Hero Dog of the Year 2013

AHA honors Elle the therapy dog, a Pit Bull whose owner hopes will break dog breed stereotypes.

By Nikki Moustaki Everyone’s dog is their hero, but the American Humane Association sifts through the uber-canine-heroes in their annual Hero Dog Awards to crown the winner of all canine heroes. There are eight finalists, many of whom are rescue dogs, and one overall winner. For 2013, the hero of all dogs is a Pit Bull named Elle, pronounced Ellie, from Roanoke Rapids, NC.

"Elle was nominated in 2012 by her friend Meg on Facebook,” says Leah Brewer, Elle’s owner. "The competition provided a wonderful way to share her story and for her to make many new friends in the dog community. The entire voting campaign was helpful for people to learn more about Elle and the importance of her job as a therapy dog.”

It was an honor for Elle to win this award, but the ripple effect of her designation as "hero” will hopefully resonate through the kennels of shelters all over the nation. It is estimated that more than 90 percent of Pit Bulls who enter shelters are euthanized each year.

Pit Bulls especially are a misunderstood breed, subjected to discriminatory laws. Consider this, from DontBullyMyBreed.org:..Continue reading...
AHA Hero Dog of the Year Elle the Pit Bull with Leah Brewer and Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of AHA Photo: Michael Rueter