ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Verona Street Animal Society announced Vanessa, a pit bull mix from Ogden, won the inaugural Roc Top Dog award.

While Vanessa couldn't attend, her owner Jeremy Wolf accepted the honor.

"We've been a part of the VSAS for over six years now, and so glad that Vanessa's cause was able to raise awareness to this," said Wolf.

Vanessa wasn't there because Wolf says she is facing euthanasia in the town of Ogden after she was accused of biting a neighbor back in July. 

Wolf tells Spectrum News he is appealing to the Monroe County Court of Appeals to overturn the charges.

"This has been heart wrenching for myself, for my family, for all of the folks that are out here that have been involved in this since day one,” he said.

Three Heads Brewing also brewed a special ale in Vanessa's honor that will be sold at Wegmans and Three Heads Brewing.

Mary Jones, executive director of the Verona Street Animal Society, explained that the Roc Top Dog contest raised more $63,000, with Vanessa's team contributing $15,000 to that total. 

"The monies raised from this contest will go to support of Rochester animal services and supporting the pets and owners of our community," Jones explained.

Wolf says he is thankful the Verona Street Animal Society is helping him raise awareness about Vanessa's story and breed bias. He also alleges that the town euthanizes animals at a much higher rate than other nearby towns.

"This can happen to anyone's family pet so that is thing to remember here. What happened to Vanessa can happen to your dog at home and that is why we want change to happen," Wolf said.

Spectrum News has reached out to the Ogden Town Board for comment on the status on Vanessa’s case.

Court paperwork describing the incident in which Vanessa is alleged to have bitten a person can be read below: