A 5-year-old pit bull mix that scared away a San Jose woman's attacker has been honored by the Animal Miracle Foundation as its Hero Dog of 2008.

The 25-pound mutt, named Maya, "is a testament to the fact that the pit bull breed can be hero dogs just like any other breed," Colleen Paige, founder of the group, said in a statement.

Based in Washington. The foundation is a nonprofit that works to improve public awareness about pet and wildlife issues. It sponsors National Dog Day on Aug. 26 and National Mutt Day on Dec. 2 to highlight the high number of dogs in shelters that need homes.

Angela Marcelino, who adopted Maya from her local Humane Society when the dog was 3 months old, said she was attacked at her front door one morning in June. 

"I opened my front door and was about to walk inside when I saw someone's shadow out of the corner of my eye," Marcelino recounts on the Animal Miracle Foundation’s web site. "I turned my head just as a man pushed me inside."

Marcelino said the man was choking her when she shouted the words, “Maya, get him.” While the attacker tried to fight the dog off, Marcelino struggled free, and the man walked out.

Later, police procured a drop of blood above Maya's right eye and tested it for DNA, which led to the arrest of Anthony Easley. His preliminary hearing is pending. Marcelino's entire account can be read here.