From victim to hero: Dog once beaten and burned named top American Hero Dog

When Susie, a pit bull mix, was just a pup, her owner beat her, set her on fire, and left her for dead.

After being nursed back to health at a local animal shelter, the dog was adopted by Donna Lawrence, a victim of a horrific dog attack that nearly killed her.

The inseparable duo helped each recover physically and emotionally from their respective attacks, and together helped pass North Carolina’s “Susie’s Law,” a bill which made animal cruelty a low-level felony and authorizes up to ten months in jail for convicted animal abusers.

Susie’s paw print appeared beside the governor’s signature.

(The man convicted of setting Susie on fire was only sentenced to probation.)

“If Susie hadn’t come into my life, I don’t know that I ever would have gotten over the fear,” Lawrence said of recovering from the dog attack that left her unable to have children.

“I was drawn to her spirit – her love and affection for people when she should hate them, you know? She was living in the moment, not living in the past, happy … I thought, ‘If this puppy can forgive humans, I can forgive dogs.’”

Now a certified therapy dog, Susie and her owner frequently visit hospitals, schools and nursing homes, offering hope and inspiration to others.

Her story also inspired the movie, Susie’s Hope and a series of children’s books.

Last night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Susie and other heroic canines were honoured at the sold-out, star-studded American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards.

Out of the 135 dogs nomination from all around the country, Susie was named top Hero Dog for 2014.

"I’m just blown away," Donna Lawrence told TODAY.com after learning her dog had won. “There were so many amazing dogs with great stories. When they called Susie, I just wanted to cry.”

"The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards were created to honour some of the most extraordinary heroes the world has ever known, the very best of our ‘best friends’ – ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Association.

"These courageous canines have gone above and beyond the call of duty, saving lives on the battlefield, comforting the ill, aged and afflicted, bringing hope to those who have lost it and reminding us of the powerful, age-old bond between animals and people. Choosing a top dog is difficult because they are all so terrific, but we are proud to announce Susie as the top American Hero Dog for 2014. We hope that Susie’s story will inspire people to realize healing power of the human-animal bond."

Susie’s win earned $6,500 for her charity partner, Paws & Effect.

Read about the other seven heroic finalists here.

The award presentation will be broadcast on the Hallmark Channel on Oct. 30.