Meet Anne Jessee and Frankie B
Anne Jessee and her American Kennel Club therapy bulldog, Franklin, have been volunteering with Homeland Hospice for nearly a year.
Therapy dogs (like Franklin) go with their handlers (like Anne) and volunteer in different settings such as schools, or in this case, hospice programs. Spending time with pets has been known to help divert a patient’s attention away from their illness, increase happiness and reduce anxiety.
“It is important to me to give back and I enjoy volunteering my time to help others,” says Anne. “When someone is nearing the end of their life, their remaining days are precious and I feel privileged to be a part of making those days special.”
Homeland Hospice has offered pet therapy to hospice patients since they began serving the southcentral Pennsylvania region nearly a decade ago.
More about Anne
When Anne isn’t volunteering her time with Homeland, she can be found writing – as she is a recently published author. And who do you think her book features?
You guessed it! It is none other than Frankie Benjamin Jessee (Frankie B.), who Anne describes as “a typical bulldog with a not so typical life and not so typical friends.”
Anne began her love of writing in 8th grade and it is something she has always been passionate about. It wasn’t until recently that Anne decided to take the leap into book writing. “It was my husband who encouraged me to get published,” Anne says. “He and I both believe you need to find what you like to do and run with it.”
Frankie in the Farmyard
Anne’s book, Frankie in the Farmyard, unlocks the true beauty of a blended family and proves that, although we might look different on the outside, deep inside we all just want to be loved…like Frankie. To tell the story, Frankie takes you on a farmyard adventure with all of his farmyard friends.
“The message of the book is timeless,” Anne says. “Every child needs to know that they are loved. And who doesn’t like a dog?”
Frankie in the Farmyard is available on Amazon and also on Frankie’s website. You can also keep up with Frankie’s adventures by following him on Facebook.
To learn more about Homeland Hospice’s pet therapy program and how it can help you or a loved one, please contact us at 717.221.7890.
