A French Bulldog Who Loves the Vet Inspires an Aunt and Niece to Create a Children's Book
Most dogs absolutely hate walking through the vet's front door. Fresco does the opposite. The French Bulldog from St. Petersburg, FL is so happy at his checkups that his owner, Michelle Stuenkel, sometimes has trouble getting him to leave.
That cheerful attitude became the heart of Fresco Goes to the Vet, a new children's picture book written by Stuenkel and illustrated by her 19-year-old niece, Brianna Packard. The story uses Fresco's real-life enthusiasm to show young readers that going to the doctor doesn't have to be scary.
A Bucket List Goal Becomes a Family Project
Writing a book had long been on Stuenkel's bucket list. A marketing professional with more than 20 years of experience, she runs Your Media Squad, a digital marketing company serving small businesses. When she decided it was finally time to write her book, she knew exactly who she wanted to illustrate it.
Packard has always been a gifted artist. For the past several years she has painted pet portraits as a part-time gig, turning people's beloved animals into one-of-a-kind gifts. When her aunt asked whether she'd like to help bring Fresco to life on the page, she was all in.
A Summer of Long-Distance Teamwork
The pair spent the entire summer of 2026 collaborating, mostly from a distance, since Packard lived about 40 minutes away. Stuenkel wrote the story while Packard created every illustration in the book.
According to Stuenkel, the partnership couldn't have gone more smoothly. Packard was easy to work with and open to feedback whenever changes were needed, and the two never had a single disagreement throughout the project. Packard has since headed off to the University of Florida, but not before the two saw their book in print.
Learning Self-Publishing From the Ground Up
Stuenkel chose to self-publish, which meant learning every step of the process herself, from securing an ISBN to building a website, marketing the book, and shipping orders. She says she thoroughly enjoyed all of it.
The book launched successfully, and every preorder has already been shipped and delivered to readers. Buyers can choose a standard copy or one stamped with Fresco's own "pawograph," a signature-style paw print that has become a favorite with fans.
A Book That Gives Back
From the start, Stuenkel wanted the book to do more than make money. A portion of the proceeds, $1 from every book sold, goes to Humane World for Animals, a nonprofit working to fight animal cruelty across the United States and around the world.
For Stuenkel, it's a natural fit. A book inspired by one well-loved dog is now helping animals who haven't been as lucky.
Meet Fresco This Fall
Stuenkel is taking Fresco Goes to the Vet on the road! Come meet them, pick up a signed copy (with or without Fresco's pawograph), and say hi to Fresco.
Join them:
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Friday Night Market, October 23, 5:30–8:30pm, Hilton Carillon Park. It's also Fresco's birthday, so come celebrate with us! 🎂🐾
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Barktoberfest, October 25, Treasure Island
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Christmas Craft Show, November 29, 10am–4pm, OCC Roadhouse, Clearwater
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Deck the Halls Holiday Market, December 5, Junior Women's Club, St. Pete
Fresco Goes to the Vet is available now at frescothefrenchie.com, with or without Fresco's pawograph.
Media contact: Michelle Stuenkel, michelle@yourmediasquad.com, 321-314-9614