Hellen is a hero because she helps to raise money for many dogs that are being supported by Rescues, created to help save dogs and provide them with a second chance at a better life. Her mission is to bring awareness to the community about the many dogs in shelters and the rescue groups that help them.

She attends many types of fundraisers and events designed to help dogs in distress or to get them adopted. When people listen to the amazing story of a dog who survived against all odds, it helps them realize how important rescue organizations are, and how expensive it is to rehabilitate a dog that has been neglected or abused like Hellen. She shows how extraordinary a rescued dog can be and how unwanted dogs given a second chance can bring unconditional love and much more into people’s lives.

Hellen’s duties do not end at the shelter. She also participates in Career Day. Hellen visits classrooms where she helps teach children animal safety, various animal related jobs, and pet care. Her story of survival and her loving spirit is an inspiration to all who meet her. However, the silent message she teaches is much stronger than this. She shows the children that despite her disability she is able to live a normal life and does not let anything stand in her way. In Hellen’s world she is not blind, only in our world.

Hellen inspires everyone who meets her and teaches them not to give up. She displays a playful and unbroken spirit. A spirit who after so much trial and tribulation belongs to one of the happiest dogs her owner Betty has the pleasure to know. She is courageous and brave and able to leap cold hearts in a single bound. Hellen is not only a hero, she is Angel Paws.

Congratulations, Hellen! America’s Top Dog Model ® 2011 Contest winner.