A Tale of Trust: Frankie’s Journey at St. Joseph’s Indian School

A remarkable story unfolded in the heart of South Dakota on the grounds of St. Joseph’s Indian School. It’s a tale of patience, perseverance and trust embodied in a stray dog.

The dog first appeared on campus early one morning, spotted by Jackie, an early riser and custodian at St. Joseph’s. Despite her attempts to approach it, the dog remained elusive, a testament to its past hardships.

Maija, an High School Services support staff member, joined Jackie in the mission to rescue the dog. Every morning, they would try to locate the dog, feed it and slowly gain its trust.

However, the dog remained wary. She had a long scar on her shoulder and an indentation on the side of her face — proof of past abuse. Her trust in humans, especially men, was understandably low.

But the team at St. Joseph’s didn’t give up. They prayed for Frankie, asked for intentions at Mass and continued their efforts.

“I regularly listen to a Catholic radio program and was reminded of something I knew but had forgotten: have patience, perseverance and pray with confidence,” said Jackie. “So that’s what we did.”

After two months of doing so, the dog began to trust them. On a 100-degree day, the dog finally accepted food from their hands, allowed a leash to be put on her and even hopped into a car to be taken to the vet for treatment.

St. Joseph’s students, who had also been observing the dog from afar, were so excited to hear the dog was receiving help.

“They asked us how it happened, and I told them patience, perseverance and praying with confidence,” said Jackie.

When a child asked what it meant to pray with confidence, another young student named Patrick chimed in.

“It means you pray like you know it’s already going to happen,” he said.

The dog, now named Frankie, is named after St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. She lives with Maija and is a part of St. Joseph’s Houseparents and Pets in (HAPI) Homes program. HAPI Homes dogs provide a sense of comfort and friendship for students battling anxiety, homesickness or other obstacles. The program also teaches students valuable skills in caring for animals.

Frankie’s story resonated with the Lakota children at St. Joseph’s. Some of them, like Frankie, have faced hardships and must learn to trust once they arrive at St. Joseph’s. Frankie’s journey has become a parallel story for the children, teaching them about faith, hope and the power of perseverance.

“The first student Frankie met was a little girl who was also fearful of people. Her mother was homeless and she’d experienced a lot of insecurity at home,” said Maija. “This little girl saw the dog receiving the help it needed and it was like something clicked. She could trust people here, too. For kids, sometimes that’s all it takes — a dog to teach an important lesson.”

Frankie found a home at St. Joseph’s, and more importantly, she found family. She visits the homes on campus, bringing joy and hope wherever she goes. Frankie’s story is a testament to the spirit of St. Joseph’s Indian School — a place of healing, growth and endless possibilities.

“Frankie’s story gives kids hope,” said Maija. “It reminds kids that we are here to help and that once they trust us and can let their guard down — even a little bit — wonderful things can happen through the power of prayer and perseverance.”

To learn more about HAPI Homes and other life-changing programs at St. Joseph’s Indian School, visit stjo.org today!