Kids summon the words to save animals—and learn along the way

Ruth bonds with a Whatcom Humane Society dog, finding inspiration for the story she’ll write to put his best paw forward. CARREEN MALONEY

Padding into the room right on schedule, Buddy the beagle-basset mix is completely oblivious to the significance of today’s meeting with the crack PR team helping to save him. While his promoters watch, he concentrates on sniffing his way around.

His lack of focus on his future won’t hurt his chances. He’s free to be himself—in fact, his expert backers will present his sniffing habit as an endearing quality.

Meet Buddy’s promoters: Mrs. Davis’ fifth-grade class. These 26 kids at Kendall Elementary are dedicated to finding the dog a responsible new home.

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