North Carolina rescue group named 'Animaltarian of the Year' honor, $5,000

Southeast German Shepherd Rescue was awarded $5,000 Tuesday afternoon after taking home the crown in the 2015 Animaltarian of the Year contest.

The rescue's Phoenix Dog Program was started to help German shepherds with birth defects or dogs that have had limbs amputated or have other developmental problems associated with genetic and degenerative disorders. The program, formed in 2013, has rescued and rehabilitated more than 50 dogs so far.

SGSR received more than 100,000 votes during the contest, which is hosted by Raleigh-based PetPartners, a pet insurance company.