(SMITHLAND, IA) When it comes science, Shelby Hagerdon is no slouch. But storytelling is where she really shines.
"He was long haired and fat, we didn't think anyone would get him," says Shelby. But the cat, Gilbert, was just Shelby's type, and she adopted him from the Humane Society. Together, they set out to help other animals find happy homes.
She put pen to paper, and using Gilbert as her inspiration she found a funding source for Operation Rescue.
"I wrote and illustrated the book, we published it," says Shelby.
And her agent - or, Dad - handled sales at a Pharmacy in Mapleton. After a book signing or two, The Christmas Kitty was a seasonal best–seller.
"Over two weeks we sold 54 books," says Shelby.
The book sales raised $135, all for the place that brought her and Gilbert together, the Siouxland Humane Society.
"I just told them I wanted it to just be spent the best way possible. I've always wanted cats and dogs and all animals to have good homes," says Shelby. And that's exactly what her book sales will pay for.
"Donations like Shelby's really help save lives, and save as many lives as we can every year," says Jerry Dominicak, Executive Director of the Siouxland Humane Society.
For every animal that comes to the shelter, the Humane Society spends about $100. That means Shelby helped unite one pet with a loving new owner and put food in the bowl of another, a task that not only earned her the title of author, but hero.
"That's just wonderful that they would think that I'm a hero because I was just trying to write a book for them to help them," says Shelby.
And a writers work is never done. Shelby is continuing her mission by writing another book to help the Humane Society, this time starring a puppy that looks a lot like Marley. Donning the same white coat and brown cap, Rusty is off on a brand new adventure. Although the story is a Shelby Hagerdon original, the message to her readers remains the same.
"I hope it will teach them to love and cherish animals like, not like on their breed or anything, but just to love their personality and then take care of them," says Shelby.
And now that The Puppy Who Saved Easter has hit the press, Shelby is drawing on her marketing skills.
"Well, now that I have a website I can sell them online and at the Meyer Family Pharmacy," says Shelby.
One copy of either book costs just five dollars, but helping this Hometown Hero save the lives of homeless pets might just be priceless.
Shelby Hagerdon is a KMEG 14 Hometown Hero, and with that second book, The Puppy Who Saved Easter, she hopes to raise $200 for the Humane Society. If you'd like to help her out, please visit www.shelbybooksandart.com. 50% of all proceeds go to help the Siouxland Humane Society, and Shelby says that it would be the perfect addition to any Easter basket.
