Flyby Review: Susie's Hope

This month I had the privilege of reviewing the DVD Susie's Hope.  This movie, based on a true story, tells the powerful story of Donna Lawrence, who survived a vicious pit-bull attack, and Susie, a part-pit-bull who survived an attack by a human, who found healing in each other.  Susie's former master had beaten her, poured lighter fluid on her, and set her on fire.  Donna, with the help of her husband and her best friend, sought and achieved stricter punishments for animal abusers in the state of North Carolina.  The ensuing law was aptly named "Susie's Law." 

For the most part, I enjoyed Susie's Hope.  The story is compelling and emotional.  The actors did an excellent job of portraying their characters.  I liked the way parts of the action were shown through Susie's eyes.  Animal lovers are sure to enjoy finding this DVD in their stocking.  There were parts I found hard to swallow, and it is hard to say how much they were based on truth and how much was changed for dramatic effect.  There were places where it seemed our protagonist was placing the love of animals above her human relationships and her marriage.  Thankfully, her husband was a strong and compassionate man, but I had a hard time seeing the marriage take second place as if this behavior was condoned.  If this is the way it really happened, I do not say this in judgement of any of the characters.  I cannot imagine surviving the kind of attack that Donna Lawrence experienced, and I'm sure the road to healing was not an easy one.  I also say this as an avid dog lover myself with two excessively spoiled pooches of my own!

The film is not rated, but I would caution parents to view it first before sharing it with children.  I am allowing my children to see it, but the portrayal of the abuse Susie suffered and of Donna's attack - while not overly graphic in the movie - could be disturbing for children.  There was no excessive use of bad language or anything inappropriate in the movie, and the message that God gave us dominion over the animals with the expectation that we will be good stewards of what He has given us is a good one for any age.

Of course, you may enter here to win your own copy of the Susie's Hope DVD! Simply leave a comment here or on my Facebook page to enter the drawing, which will be held on Tuesday, December 16.  Tell me your favorite pet anecdote, or just say "hi"!

Here is some more information about Susie's Hope:

About the movie: Run time 105 minutes

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 thyey 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 and share the  Susie’s Hope  trailer  here !

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 and share Susie’s Hero Dog Award Video here!

This website  is a GREAT resource for all things Susie / Susie’s Hope related

Thanks for reading!

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): 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.”