In August, 2009, an eight-week old puppy was found in Greensboro after being beaten, set on fire and left to die. Though she suffered third-degree burns over 60 percent of her body and had a broken jaw and teeth, and was covered in maggots, “Susie” survived.

Please visit http://ncvaw.org/susie to learn more about “Susie’s Law,” which would mean tougher sentencing for those individuals convicted of animal abuse and how you can help advocate for tougher penalties for hideous acts such as this one.

You also can follow Susie’s Law on Facebook.

- Michelle Marckwardt

Noah, the eaglet born in captivity to Carolina Raptor Center resident raptors Derek and Savannah, has been perched high atop a hacking tower for several weeks getting ready to live in the wild. On Friday, May 9, Noah took flight for the first time. For more information and a quick video of the moment she took flight (they’ve determined Noah is actually female), please visit the http://www.wcnc.com/video/featured-videos/Eagle-Cam–Noah-takes-flight-93123849.html.

Noah has been fitted with a transmitter and raptor center has said there will be updates on her whereabouts later this week.

“Girdy” was found wandering through traffic in Kannapolis, N.C. on Sept. 10 and needs a permanent home. A young, adult female, she is being fostered by her rescuers and has her own website. Please visit http://Cavins.WebS.com/MeetGirdy.htm for more information on this beautiful dog.

The story of a Port St. Lucie, Fla., pit bull mix that was dragged nearly two miles behind a pickup truck Monday now has a Charlotte connection. Holly, who was named for the holiday season, will spend the next couple of months recovering from her injuries, but animal lovers will be able to follow her plight on the Facebook page started by Charlotte resident Ginger Sprinkle and two friends. Read the full story