By admin Foothills Humane Society in a new children’s book
Published 15:05 Thursday, October 17, 2024
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Author Bethany Snipes presents a copy of her children’s book, “The Rescue of One-Eyed Jack: A True Tale,” which tells the story of a one-eyed pig rescued by the Foothills Humane Society. (Photo: Storme Smith)
COLUMBUS — When the Foothills Humane Society rescued a one-eyed, one-eared pig named Jack, some might have thought it might have been the end of the story. Thanks to children’s author Bethany Snipes and illustrator Shaun Sinnet, Jack’s story was just beginning to be told. Their new children’s book, “Saving One-Eyed Jack: A True Story,” now shares this journey.
“I was told there was a stray pig wandering around when the dogs attacked it,” Snipes says. “The attack injured him and caused him to lose an ear and an eye. He then came into the care of the Foothills Humane Society, which is how he came to my attention.”
Snipes, who lives in Weaverville, volunteered at FHS when she lived in Tryon. She came across a post about Jack on social media, which prompted her to consider contacting Frog Song Farm Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization based in Hodges, South Carolina
Snipes contacted FHS with Frog Song and they agreed to take Jack. Shortly thereafter, FHS transported Jack to his new home in Hodges, where he lives with a few buddies.
After helping save Jack, something about his story stuck with Snipes, an aspiring writer and licensed clinical social worker. She saw many parallels in Jack’s journey that young children could relate to, especially those dealing with disabilities, foster care or displacement.
Although she had dreamed of writing self-help books in the past, she also wanted to write books for young readers.
“Every time I sat down to write, I thought of ideas for children’s books,” Snipes said.
Snipes wrote and self-published “The Rescue of One-Eyed Jack” and hired artist Shaun Sinnett to illustrate it. In the book, FHS and Frog Song play an important role in telling Jack’s story in a colorful, fun and kid-friendly way. She dedicated the book to her daughter Izzy, and she is already working on another book for children.
Snipes said: “I would like to thank Shaun for illustrating the book amazingly. Also thank Foothills and Frog Song and all the animal sanctuaries and shelters that do so much good and bring communities together to save animals.”
“The Rescue of One-Eyed Jack: A True Tale” is available on Amazon, and Snipes will be doing book signings in the future.