The Miracle of Susie the Puppy That Changed the Law

The Miracle of Susie
Book 3
Lower-Primary Picture Book

Author Donna Lawrence has once again written a motivational, inspiring picture book about forgiveness, courage, and devotion. The book, The Miracle of Susie, is a heartwarming tale of how an abused, burned, and abandoned puppy brought trust, healing, and forgiveness to Donna. And, in return, Donna and her husband Roy gave these back to Susie. Ultimately Susie, Donna, Susie's Team, and others encouraged North Carolina legislators to unanimously pass Susie's Law. This legislation helps prevent animal cruelty by allowing judges to hand down stiffer punishments to those who abuse animals.

Susie, the puppy found in a Greensboro park, once again tells this tale. At only ten weeks of age, Susie had been beaten, burned, and left alone to die in the miserable August heat. However, Susie wanted to live, and this drive enabled her to survive her ten-day, lonely ordeal in the park. One year earlier, Donna had been attacked by a pit bull. Like Susie, she had also managed to survive. She had, however, been left with recurrent nightmares and a never-before-known fear of dogs. When Donna met Susie, she knew that they were meant to be together. Ultimately Donna and her husband Roy adopted Susie. Over time, Susie showed Donna how to once again respect and trust dogs. In turn, Donna and Roy loved Susie and proved to her that she could do the same. Their journey of healing took them to North Carolina's capital, where their quest ended with the passage of Susie's Law.

The Miracle of Susie has been brought to life with stuffed animals representing Susie and Baby Girl. Jennifer Tipton Cappoen has created them in a lovingly realistic way. This story is inspiring to people of all ages. Love, hope, and forgiveness are the basis of its message. It also relates how to get a second chance at life and run full speed ahead with it. This true tale reminds us that one person-or even one animal-can positively change our world. This picture book has been written for children in preschool to first grade.