Donna Smith Lawrence
Author Donna Lawrence has written an inspiring, motivational picture book about courage, devotion, and forgiveness. The book, Susie's Tale, is a heartwarming and heart wrenching account of Donna's relationship with an abandoned and abused puppy.Ultimately their victory-with the help of other supporters-was the unanimous passage of legislation to provide judges with the option of giving stiffer punishments to those who have abused animals to help prevent animal cruelty. Susie, the puppy that was found in a Greensboro park, recounts this tale. At the tender age of ten weeks, Susie had been beaten, burned, and left all alone to die. However, Susie's will to live had given her the strength to survive her ten-day ordeal in the park. One year earlier, Donna had been attacked brutally by a pit bull, and she had also managed to survive. Donna met Susie, got to know her, and helped care for her. After a long search for a permanent home for Susie, Donna and her husband Roy adopted her. Over time, Susie helped Donna learn to trust and respect dogs again. And Donna and Roy reassured Susie so that she could do the same. Their healing journey led them to the North Carolina capital on a quest that ended with the passage and signing of Susie's Law. Susie's Tale is an inspiration to people of all ages. Its message is one of love, hope, and forgiveness. It's also about getting a second chance at life and running full speed ahead with it. This true story reminds us that one person-or even one animal-can make a positive change in our world. This picture book has been written for children in first through third grades. The realistic artwork has been beautifully created by Jennifer Tipton Cappoen, who also designed the book and covers. 3
