I was privileged to be a presenter with Bruce Boxleitner at Hallmark Channel USAs Hero Dog Awards which was taped last weekend at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The show will air Oct. 30th and you wont want to miss it! All of the Hero Dogs that were nominated had heart-breaking stories of survival that became extraordinary victories. As each dog and its owners came onstage, the audience literally both cried and laughed and gave them standing ovations. These dogs have changed not only their owners lives, but all they come in contact with. What lessons we can learn from their indomitable spirits and unconditional love. Congrats to all the award winners! But I have a special place in my heart for this dog: Xena the Warrior Puppy who won for Emerging Hero Dog. Bruce and I presented this award to Linda Hickey and her family, and the entire audience gasped as they saw watched the video showing Xenas fight to survive after being horribly abused and almost starved to death. But she was a Survivor! This sweet, loving Pit Bull was then adopted by the Hickey family, and the bond was instant between her and their autistic son, Jonny. They became inseparable, and each has healed the other. When Linda spoke upon receiving the award, I had a hard time holding back tears as I stood on stage next to her watching her son interact with the dog and the audience, even taking a bow to much cheering! Its obvious that the healing and growth Xena has brought him is incredible! Linda Hickeys passionate speech is one of the top three I have heard anywhere - by anyone - and I know you will feel the same way when you watch the awards show. She says she prayed for a miracle for her autistic son, but never knew it would be answered... let alone come in the form of a dog. But.... as we all know... dog spelled backwards is God. Thank you Hickey family for sharing your story, and for spreading the word that the misunderstood pit bull can make a great best friend, that autism does have hope, and that we should never give up five minutes before the miracle. God bless you Xena and Jonny! Your story is making a difference and will change many more lives. Be sure and set your DVR for the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards 2014, airing on Hallmark Channel Oct. 30th at 8pm ET/PT, 7C.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 20:54:27 +0000
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