Christopher Ameruoso's
Paw Print Magazine

Christopher Ameruoso has done it all when it comes to photography, boasting over 40 magazine covers to his credit with more than 1000 celebrities photographed. Ameruoso has been sought by the rich and famous for years, renowned for his artistic perspective and stark clear shooting eye.

Paw print is a quarterly magazine that allows you entrance to a heady world full of stars and their beloved pets, just as Christopher has been allowed entrance to record this elite footage. It’s a world forbidden to most of us. When was the last time you got to hang out with Nicolette Sheridan and her dog? With 73 state of the art pages filled with full color glossy photographs, entertainment and animal awareness issues,

 

Issue 2 Volume 2 April - June 2007

When Heroes Are The Pits - Kristine Crawford/Christopher Ameruoso

Hero Pit Bull - Dakota Out To Prove Detractors Wrong

Given the pit bull terrier's media-fueled infamous reputation - which animal experts feel is statistically wrong - its difficult for us to think of pit bulls as having the capacity for heroism. But Dakota is out to prove the breed's detractors wrong. Dakota, a 10-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier, is a world-famous search-and-rescue (SAR) dog who has been deployed on more than 200 missions, including high-profile searches for Laci Peterson and the remains of the Space Shuttle Columbia astronauts. Throughout her career Dakota has made multiple finds, both of the living and also the deceased, which helps bring closure to victims' families.

She has received numerous awards, including a certificate of appreciation from the FBI, and Dakota also has been featured in multiple media outlets, including Animal Planet and National Geographic.

In addition to her SAR missions, Dakota also visits local hospitals and communty events across the country. Watching Dakota work is remarkable - and she loves to work. At a recent "For Pits' Sake Safety Around Dogs" demonstration, where 200 children learned life-saving skills for interacting with dogs, Dakota's tail wagged with emotion, and she was exquisitely aware of everyone around her. The perfectly mannered Dakota even took a moment to sit with each child as they learned how to pet her.

Similarly, Dakota inspires physically and mentally challenged children, encouraging them to overcome their personal obstacles or work past their disabilities. Through her interactions at nationwide events, Dakota briefly makes disabled children forget about thei disabilities, and the affection she displays for children who are victims of abuse starts them on the path toward learning to love again. Dakota touches people's hearts and she does it without ever saying a word. Sometimes it seems clear that we can learn more from our dogs than we can ever teach them.