news-record.com

Now you can.

Plush toys inspired by the formerly abused dog are on sale at Greensboro-based Toys & Co. and are selling “really well.”

“Maybe a little bit better than even we expected,” said Mark Holcomb, the operations manager and son of the owners. The toy costs $19.99.

Susie is a pit bull mix who was beaten, burned and abandoned as a puppy by her owner’s boyfriend. The attacker didn’t face prison because he was a first-time offender.

The dog’s story inspired a communitywide effort to fund her recovery and led to a push to increase the penalty for animal cruelty, even for first time offenders.

Gov. Bev Perdue signed that bill into law in June 2010 and completed her signature with Susie’s paw print. A copy of that law and Susie’s story comes attached to each plush dog.

The toy itself bears some of the same injuries Susie will have for life, including scars and mangled ears.

A part of the proceeds from sales will go to Susie’s Hope, a charity founded to combat animal abuse.

“This has been a year-and-a-half in the making,” said Holcomb of the toy that went on sale Tuesday.

Susie is the first original toy the company has produced, but there are plans for more in the works.

Sen. Don Vaughan, a Greensboro Democrat who helped push Susie’s Law through the legislature, said he was in the toy store on Wednesday with his daughter, who noticed the new item for sale.

“We bought 11 of them,” he said.

 - Mark Binker, staff writer

Meet Susie

What: Susie will be on hand to meet people buying her replica toy

Where: Toys & Co., Friendly Center, 3110 Northline Ave., Greensboro

When: 9 to 11 a.m. Friday

Information:  294-1114