Pit bull wins 'American Hero Dog' award

Elle, a pit bull from North Carolina, took top honors in the American Humane Association (AHA) “American Hero Dog” awards. The public cast more than a million votes to determine the eight finalists from a group of 141 dogs nominated for being “ordinary dogs doing extraordinary things.” Elle represented the therapy dog category sponsored by Zoetis and will be recognized along with the other finalists at 7 p.m. EST Oct. 30 on the Hallmark Channel.

According to a release by Zoetis, Elle’s accomplishments include teaching children about dog safety and starting the therapy dog reading program “Tail Wagging Tales” to help children enjoy books and improve their reading skills. She regularly visits an elementary school, a middle school and a retirement home. In addition to her accolades, Elle’s charity partner, Hand in Paw, will receive a $6,500 donation.

“We are pleased to partner with AHA to support the American Hero Dog awards and excited that this year’s top recipient came from the category sponsored by our company,” says J. Michael McFarland, DVM, DABVP and group director of Companion Animal Veterinary Operations for Zoetis, in the release. “All of us at Zoetis applaud Elle and the other seven finalists for their contribution to the health, happiness and welfare of their human families—and of their communities.”