Press Release Headlines

When a Pet Harms an Infant: The Other Side of a Tragic Story

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky., July 13, 2010 — Three-day-old A.J. had just gone down for a nap in his crib when a family pet, a Native American Dog named Dakota, snatched up the infant like a loaf of bread and quickly, silently, carried him outside and disappeared into dense woods.

His parents, downstairs preparing for their first day at home with their newborn, had no idea what had just happened.

Though seriously injured, A.J. survived. But the media frenzy that ensued threatened to tear A.J. from his home a second time. Now, in "Could It Happen To You? Baby AJ's story of being taken from his crib by the family dog, Dakota," A.J.'s father tells his side of the story – and explains how unforeseen tragic accidents can occur.

Michael G. Smith and his British wife, Chrissie, reveal intimate details about the experience, including a transcript of the never-before-released 9-1-1 call. They also share their feelings as new parents suddenly confronted not only with an infant that had to be brought back to life, but with multiple investigations by Child Services.

Smith describes what it was like to be questioned, interviewed repeatedly, investigated, cleared of wrongdoing, and then charged with neglect after asking that the dog be allowed to come home. Smith unwaveringly tells specifics on how the couple came to the decision to bring Dakota back into their lives and why they ultimately had to give her away.

The book includes photos from the Smiths' personal collection and updates on A.J. and Dakota.

"Could It Happen To You? Baby AJ's story of being taken from his crib by the family dog, Dakota"
By Michael G. Smith
Published by AuthorHouse
(C) 2010 Michael G. Smith
Paperback, 6×9
ISBN: 9781449058449
Retail price: $14.95
150 pages

About the author:

Michael G. Smith was born in Richmond, Ind. He graduated from Richmond High School, attended Devry University and received an associate's degree in computer science from Lexington Community College. His wife, Chrissie (A.J.'s mother), was born just outside of London, England. They now live in Nicholasville, Ky. Together, they own Technology Direct, a security and IT company, focusing on helping companies implement large-scale IT projects. They are raising A.J. and two sons from Michael's previous marriage. This is Smith's first book.

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com.

EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

Aimee Morgan
Tel: 317.536.3775
Fax: 317.536.3775
Email: Email
(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

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