For the past year, 14-year-old Julia Wynne has been writing a book sharing stories of longing to belong and the bond between people and their adopted canine and feline companions.

The Stillwater Christian School eighth-grader interviewed several local families, compiling their stories and photos in “Shelter Tails: Stories of Friendship & Finding Forever Homes.”

The book is currently for sale with all proceeds benefiting the Flathead County Animal Shelter.

The book opens with a smiling dog named “Babe,” whose past is largely unknown, but one thing is clear to Wynne through her interview with Babe’s owner. She writes: “Ever since the beginning, Babe belonged to Rose.”

“All the animals were fit for their person,” Wynne said in a phone interview about the book.

Wynne said the book wasn’t part of a class project.

“I just really like to write a lot and wanted to do something on my own,” said Wynne, who also works for the school’s online newspaper. “Do something I really like while helping an organization that I care about.”

The book costs $10. Copies are available at Murdoch’s Ranch & Supply or Stillwater Christian School, both in Kalispell, and at Harvest Foods and ShowThyme in Bigfork.

For more information call 406-471-1177.