JOYCE PEJAKOVICH
Author, Retired Consumer Advocate
Growing up on a Kansas farm, Joyce Woodard Pejakovich spent her childhood surrounded by animals, both pets and livestock. As a mother to her own three children, she never raised an eyebrow at the dogs and occasional cat that were brought home, often without pre-approval. A grandmother to nine, all of whom love animals, she shared her home with her husband, Chaplain (Colonel) George Pejakovich, USA Retired, and their 65-pound standard poodle Jäger.
A note from FHP President Thea, Joyce's daughter: In August of 2021, my dear mother transitioned to the Other Side after a week of wonderful hospice care and love from her husband George, her family, and many friends. I miss her dearly, but am happy for her that she has reunited with her ancestral family and all her beloved animals. Her obituary can be found here.
In this heartwarming story of a Mayan dog from Belize, a retired, married couple, both former Army Colonels, rescues the broken dog. The wife, “Meme,” instantly believes God has given them the responsibility to care for the dog she names, “Frances the Angel Dog.” Her husband, “Papa” agrees, even though they are both very busy with their mission to build a school for the children of the Caribbean country.
As Frances the Angel dog grows strong as a result of the care and love from his new family, she discovers she has powers that reach far beyond healing her injured leg.
The Strawberry Festival is the first book in the Fables from the Farm Series, a collection inspired by the stories told to the author by her father when she was a little girl growing up on a rural Kansas farm in the 1940s and 50s.
Each chapter concludes with several questions for parents or grandparents to ask their little listeners. At the end of the book are recipes generously shared by the farmyard cooks that promise to be a sweet activity adults and children can do together.