Photo by Lisa Ward

When volunteers with NJ Aid for Animals found Sweet Pea abandoned in a garbage dump, she was missing an ear, had tears in her other ear and cuts all along the sides of her legs. The pit bull mix had been used as a bait dog in dog fights.

After a grueling recovery process, volunteers were concerned that Sweet Pea’s personality would be affected by the emotional trauma, but she quickly bounced back and is now New Jersey’s official face of Dog Fighting Awareness.

You can support Sweet Pea and other dogs healing from trauma on Sept. 8 during the NJ Aid for Animals and Sweet Pea Fund’s fundraiser at the Riverview Restaurant & Bar in Burlington. The event is $75 per person and is held from 6 to 11 pm.

The event will have live music, a complimentary glass of Domaine Chandon, a cash bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, dinner and a raffle. Guests can even win a $400 gift certificate from Lisa Ward Pet Photography, a “Who’s Your Daddy DNA” test kid for owner and dog, among many other prizes. Tickets are for sale on Eventbrite.com.