Susie's Hope Movie Review & DVD Giveaway

And GOD said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.      Genesis 1:26

The weather's frightful, the fire's delightful.  Cold nights in front of a warm fire are perfect for a family movie.  I especially like movies that bring us together and reinforce our beliefs that we can be positive change in a negative world.

We are a family of animal lovers.  We've had more than our share of dogs and cats throughout and have rescued many from certain death.  We've brought puppies into our family found on the side of the road, rescued kittens from flooding waters, and even nursed squirrels and baby birds back to life. My children have all exhibited a heart for animals in need and have shared their concern with others. Even the MainMost has a soft spot for animals --  though he'd never admit to it.  He asked for a warm blanket for the outside dogs after building them a shelter from the wind this weekend.  Deep inside, he's a softie, but he doesn't always want others to know.  

In the grand scheme of things, it's all about compassion.  My 13-year-old daughter is the most tender-hearted child and will probably run a rescue one day.  She loves animals and spends as much time as she can loving on them.   Compassion oozes from her every pore.  She would adopt and care for every animal around, if she could,  She is a rescuer and takes in all creatures great and small so our latest family movie, Susie's Hope, was the perfect movie to watch with her.   

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 neglect and abuse were to blame for the tragic attack that nearly claimed her life 10 months earlier, Donna rescues the battered animal and accepts her as family. Together, they learn to heal, love and forgive as they 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.

Knowing this was exactly the kind of movie my daughter would enjoy, we watched it the very first night it arrived in our mailbox for review.  Through love and loss, Donna and Susie's story exudes hope and forgiveness -- because every now and then we all need rescuing.  

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There are a few things to be aware of as you sit to watch this movie with your family.  Donna helps a neglected neighborhood dog and is attacked.  The attack is vicious and caused a bit of squirming at our house.  (I admit, I even closed my eyes briefly.)  This gave us opportunity to discuss caution when approaching animals that are strangers to us -- a good reminder for all.  As a result of the attack, Donna suffers a miscarriage.  This was heart-wrenching for us all, but very tastefully handled. in the movie.  When Donna finds Susie, the poor puppy has been severely abused.  The subsequent care is difficult to watch (scrubbing burned skin and removing maggots) but so very full of love.  It is heart-warming to watch as the puppy transforms from a lump of reject to a life of renewal.  What a poignant reminder of the transformation that takes place when JESUS enters our life and forgives our past as HE purposes our future.

Our family sat spellbound as we viewed the story of Susie and dared to HOPE that she would survive. I asked my daughter to share her thoughts on Susie's Hope with you and this is what she had to say:

After watching the movie, it made me think about how cruel people are to animals.  It is sad that our society does not take it seriously when they harm animals.  I want people to realize that animals are created by GOD and cared for.  I reccomend that everyone watch this movie.  I will be watching this movie again and again and remembering that GOD offers HOPE to us all . . . no matter what we've done or who we've been.  HE gives us purpose.

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 against all odds Susie survived.  Donna Lawrence adopted her two months later.  Susie is now a trained therapy dog and even won the American Humane Association’s American Hero Dog this year.  Congratulations, Susie.  We think you're just GRAND.

Our family enjoyed the inspiring story of Susie and Donna Lawrence.  Check out Susie’s Hero Dog Award Video and applaud HOPE.  You can even help spread the message of LOVE, HOPE, and FORGIVENESS through education by promoting the Susie's Hope Foundation.  Please do yourself a favor and watch the Susie’s Hope trailer then enter to win a copy of Susie's Hope for yourself.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"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.

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