Bully for her! Elle the pit bull is 2013 American Hero Dog

[joeybee12]

Pit bulls have a reputation for being aggressive, but it's not unusual to find Elle, a 5-year-old pit bull, cuddling up to elementary school children for story time.

In fact, she does it regularly. Elle is a therapy dog at an elementary and a middle school in North Carolina. With help from her owner, Leah Brewer, 42, Elle started a reading program called “Tail Wagging Tales” to help students practice reading and strengthen confidence.

Students at Vaughan Elementary in Macon, N.C. and Chaloner Middle School in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., take turns sitting with Elle and reading out loud to her for 20 minutes. “She provides confidence for students and a comforting ear,” Brewer told TODAY.com. (No word yet on what her favorite book is.)

On Saturday, Elle's efforts earned her the honor of being named the 2013 American Hero Dog by the American Humane Association, beating out other finalists who had their own tales of heroism — like Carlos, an explosive detector dog (EDD) who worked in Iraq and Afghanistan, and John D, a rescue dog who uses his scenting capabilities to detect cancer in patients.

http://www.today.com/pets/bully-her-elle-pit-bull-2013-american-hero-dog-8C11332418

[joeybee12]

1. Kicking for that sweet face!!!

[roguevalley]

2. my next dog. Notice that her ears have been

cut. Dog bastards do that so there's less carnage and advantage in a dog fight. They do it usually with scissors. I love this dog. I love all dogs. God bless dogs and the people who love and save them.

[joeybee12]

5. I hate that too...

Leave them the way they are naturally.

[AtomicKitten]

3. Congratulations beautiful girl!

[Rhiannon12866]

4. K&R! What a beautiful and heroic dog - well deserved!

[Abq_Sarah]

6. What a gorgeous girl!