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Student releases 'Shelter Tails' book

HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 years, 7 months AGO
by HILARY MATHESON
EDUCATION REPORTER Hilary Matheson covers education for the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on schools, students, and the policies that shape public education across Northwest Montana. Matheson regularly reports on school boards, district decisions and issues affecting teachers and families. Her work examines how funding, enrollment and state policy influence local school systems. She helps readers understand how education decisions affect students and communities throughout the region. IMPACT: Hilary’s work provides transparency and insight into the schools that serve thousands of local families. | December 14, 2015 6:00 AM

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.

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