Xena, Warrior Puppy, is Named ASPCA Dog of the Year

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals awarded a DeKalb County dog its highest national honor.

At its annual Humane Awards Luncheon in New York City, the ASPCA recognized special animals that made a positive and lasting impact during the past year. The 2013 “Dog of the Year” is Xena the Warrior Puppy.

On Sept. 15, 2012, a DeKalb animal control officer responded to a call reporting an extremely malnourished pit bull puppy abandoned in a DeKalb resident’s yard. The officer took the fragile puppy, on the verge of death, to the DeKalb Animal Shelter. Chrissy Kaczynski, one of the founders of Friends of DeKalb Animals, said she had never seen such a severe case of neglect. The puppy’s prognosis was bleak, but Kaczynski took her home, intending to make her last hours as comfortable as possible.

Remarkably, the puppy rebounded, prompting Chrissy to name her Xena the Warrior Puppy. Soon after, a Facebook page was created to help raise funds for Xena's treatment and chronicle her amazing recovery. Two months later, at a party in Xena’s honor, the puppy bonded with the Hickey family and their eight-year-old son, Jonny, who is autistic.

Before Xena came into his life, Jonny very rarely communicated with others, and sought comfort in solitary activities. But Jonny forged a miraculous connection with Xena that brought out Jonny’s playfulness, his singing voice, and verbal assessments of everything he sees and experiences.

Together, Jonny and Xena spread a message of compassion for both animals and those with autism throughout America and 89 countries, territories and provinces around the world.  Their efforts include a YouTube video to promote Autism Awareness Month as well as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. Xena has participated in the Atlanta Dog Jog and Atlanta Autism Speaks walk, appeared at fundraisers for FODA, and received a medal from the Georgia SPCA. Jonny and Xena‘s story has also been featured by numerous media outlets, after gaining attention from a profile by Jill Rappaport on “NBC Nightly News” and on Today.com.