Lexington's Cary Library Hosts Award-Winning Authors

LEXINGTON, MA — On Saturday, at 2 p.m., co-authors Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes, and their service dog, Rescue, will visit the Cary Library to share their award-winning children's picture book Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship.

The heart-warming book is based on the real-life partnership between a young girl, Jessica, and her service dog, Rescue. The authors are survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing — the pair lost their legs in the attack. They will read the book aloud, share their story, take questions, and sign books for attendees — Rescue's 'pawtograph' is included with each copy. Rescue will demonstrate several ways he helps Jessica.

The book tells the story of the developing relationship between a young girl, Jessica, and her new service dog, Rescue. In the book, Jessica needs to learn to use prosthetics to walk and develop new ways to accommodate to all the changes in her life. Rescue is a young service dog who was originally trained as a Seeing Eye dog, and now is paired with Jessica to help in a different way. In the story, Rescue and Jessica share their worries about their new partnership, though they soon discover that together so much is possible. Through colorful, welcoming illustrations, readers follow Rescue assisting with various daily tasks: fetching things that are out of Jessica's reach, opening doors, barking when Jessica needs someone, and providing support in times that are new or scary. In turn, Jessica takes care of Rescue. Their partnership grows into a very special friendship where Rescue and Jessica bring comfort to each other.

"We are thrilled to have Jessica, Patrick, and Rescue come to Cary Library," says Cary Library Director of Youth Services Alissa Lauzon. "Their visit will be a great way for children and their grown-ups to learn about physical differences and the important role that service dogs provide. The book is a wonderful resource to introduce ways to understand physical disabilities, ask questions, and discover different ways people experience similar tasks."

Books will be available for purchase at the event. This free event will be held in the Library's Living Room on the main floor and is made possible by the generous support of the Cary Library Foundation.