About Me

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Barbara Techel is the author of the multi-award winning Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog book series. When her dachshund, Frankie, suffered a spinal injury, Barbara had her custom-fitted for a wheelchair. Frankie persevered, and Barbara realized the beautiful opportunity she had to share Frankie and give others hope and inspiration to be the best they can be. Along with sharing Frankie’s story with children, Barbara and Frankie routinely volunteer as a therapy dog team at a local hospital, senior assisted facility, and hospice community, spreading joy wherever they go.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Frankie's Bathroom Habits


Question submitted by Nikita, age 11
When Frankie goes to the washroom does she keep her wheels on?
That is a very good question, Nikita! First, no I don't keep my wheels on. I need help from my mom to go to the bathroom. Being paralyzed means I can't feel when I have to go. Mom has to help me go potty 5-6 times a day. This is called, "expressing my bladder." She feels for my bladder, gently squeezes and I go right into the toilet. It is kinda fun! And this way I don't have to go out in the cold and the snow! When I am done sometimes she puts my wheels on, most times not. When I am at home I can scoot and hop around pretty good. My wheels help me to go faster!

8 comments:

Brandon - The dog with a blog said...

Cute!
I don't think I would be able to be held, I can get kind of heavy!!

Frankie

chelsea + apple said...

wow I'z never really thought bout hows Frankie goes potty!!

Mai mommy wishes I'z use toilet!!

<3 Apple

Bugbug said...

Dear Frankie..From the grade 4's. It is so nice that your mom can help you go to the bathroom!

Bugbug said...

The grade 5's from Canada were wondering if it is easier for you to scoot on carpet or is the floor easier? Does it hurt your back paws at all when you move like this?

Barbara Techel said...

Thanks for all the great comments everyone!
Grade 5: It is easier for me to scoot on tile or wood floor. But it is easier for me to get up on my hind legs and hop like a rabbit on my back legs when I am on carpet. I think cause I get a better grip. :)
The smooth floor helps with not getting a sore rump though.
Alot of times my mom picks me up though and carries me places. I love her. WOOF!
Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog

Roxie, Sammy, Andy and Shermie said...

Frankie,

We just found you by the comment you left at "who's your dachshund". You are quite an inspiration. We are three dachshunds who run and jump and play but we don't have any wheel. Mom is worried that one day one or more of us might need them. Reading this blog has really helped her feel okay about the possibility. She hopes we never need wheels but, if we do, she knows we will still enjoy life as much as you do.

Roxie, Sammy & Andy

Bludog said...

You may be interested in seeing the website and blog of Rolling Dog Ranch. This is a shelter in Montana that takes in blind, deaf and disabled animals including horses, dogs and cats. They have several Dachshunds who have mobility/paralysis issues and several larger breed dogs who are "wobblers." It's a very uplifting site, and I really look forward to their daily blogpost.

Site:
http://www.rollingdogranch.org/

Blog:
http://blog.rollingdogranch.org/

Barbara Techel said...

Roxie, Sammy and Andy: I'm so glad your mom found my blog and she feels better about things. Yup, we doxie's can lead a GREAT life even if in wheels! ARF-A-ROO!

Bludog: Thanks for the mention of Rolling Dog Ranch! They are awesome! We follow them too. My mom and I will be a guest post on their blog in April and will be donating a portion of our book sales for the month of April to them. They do wonderful work and we are grateful.

Frankie