LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- Two years after animal photographer Greg Murray’s debut book, “Peanut Butter Dogs,” scratched the nation’s itch to laugh at dogs, the Lakewood resident returns with a new project that’s close to his heart.

“‘Peanut Butter Dogs’ was amazing,” said Murray, a 2000 St. Ignatius High School graduate. “I couldn’t be happier with how that went. I never thought I’d have a book out, especially of dogs eating peanut butter. Not long after, I was already thinking about what would be next.

“My publisher knew how much I love pit bull-type dogs and how hard I was fighting with all of the other people in Lakewood to end the (breed specific legislation) ban here. We both agreed that the next book had to be pit bull-related and also not just be a photo book, but telling stories too.”

After traveling most weekends last year photographing pit bulls from all over North America, Murray is ready to release his new book “Pit Bull Heroes,” which spotlights 49 underdog canines that beat the odds and became heroes in their families, neighborhoods and communities.

“The dogs all have unique stories and are really amazing,” said Murray, who was voted Cleveland Hot List’s Best Pet Photographer in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

One of the dogs highlighted in the book is Chad, which was found on a street corner and now serves as the first pit bull in the pet therapy program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. There’s also Apollo, which finished first in his police training and now sniffs out narcotics at his full-time job in Washington State.

“Dog fighting is still an issue in this world,” Murray said. “Something that was important to me for this book was that I always wanted to meet and photograph a Michael Vick survivor.

“I ended up going to Utah and photographing Meryl, who is one of the few Michael Vick (dogfighting) surviving dogs left. The book has a section on how to recognize and report dog fighting.”

Roughly a quarter of the dogs profiled in “Pit Bull Heroes” come from Northeast Ohio, including Charlie. The pit bull’s story rallied the Lakewood community and led to the city ending its breed-specific legislation laws.

“Charlie is, of course, a big part of the book,” Murray said. “His story is featured, but there is still a lot of work to do with existing bans and restrictions. They’re definitely falling at a much faster pace than they’re being instituted, but there are still a lot of cities that have them.

“There’s a whole section in the back of the book that talks about my experience in Lakewood and how we got rid of the ban here. It has a dozen or so tips on how you can help end BSL where you live.”

Charlie’s owner Jennifer Scott said she was super excited her famous pit bull is in Murray’s latest book.

“While we don’t consider Charlie to be a hero -- he’s just part of the family -- we're certainly happy Greg thinks so,” Scott said. “What an honor that Charlie is featured.

“We’re so grateful to Greg not only for the help and support he gave us, but for all his advocacy for dogs everywhere.”

The photographer stressed the new book is much more than just being pro-pit bull.

“It’s pro-respecting animals and recognizing that all dogs are individuals regardless of the way they look,” Murray said. “I hope this book makes people smile and builds more empathy throughout the world.”

The author said Gibbs Smith Publishing will be donating $1 per pre-order of “Pit Bull Heroes” made prior to Sept. 3 to pit bull focused rescues/organizations mentioned in the book.

Up next for Murray is a combined book signing and Neighborhood Pets Outreach and Resource Center fundraiser scheduled from 4 to 9 p.m. Sept. 7 at Forest City Shuffleboard.

Also available at the event will be 2020 “Pit Bull Heroes” calendar featuring 13 dogs from the book. A portion of the proceeds will go to the aforementioned nonprofit, which is a Friends of the Cleveland Kennel program.

Considering Murray has published a book about dogs and peanut butter followed by pit bulls, perhaps his next project should be pit bulls and peanut butter?

“That’s funny,” Murray laughed. “I think I’m done with the peanut butter stuff, but you never know. I’m pretty confident there will be a third book, and it’s definitely going to be rescue focused.

“Going forward, all of my books will only feature rescue dogs because it’s so important to promote them and for people to get dogs from shelters.”

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