Frankie to walk in "Let's Move Together Sheboygan County"

That's right! My mom signed us up to take part in the Arthritis Foundation, "Let's Move Together Sheboygan County" event for Saturday, May 9th. It is important even for little dogs in wheels to keep on moving and rolling... just like it is for people. So if you are in the area and can join us, that sure would be fun! If not, be sure to keep on movin' each and every day for good health!

Rolling Dog Ranch Donated Goal Almost Met!!

I've been on a real roll, and so far have raised $355 for Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary (a special place where disabled animals enjoy life on a Montana ranch) Mom and I hope to raise $500 for this well deserved animal sanctuary. If you know of anyone looking for a great gift for a child we would appreciate you sharing this post with them. $5.00 per book is being donated to Rolling Dog Ranch. This event ends April 30th. Thank you for your help!

Candid Canine Interview

A big high-five paw and slurp on the cheek to Chris Verstrate for this tail-waggin' written interview about my story. Arf-a-roo!!

The Doxie Pillow Sandwich

If I do say so myself, this is SO DOXIE! Check out this funny video.

More Frankie Friends

No matter where I go I seem to attract friends. Hmmm, could it be my wheels? My cute face? My spunky little personality? At any rate, I love all my friends! I have many friends in the neighborhood where I live and that makes my heart feel all mushy inside. A good kind of mushy. The other night two friends stopped over to say hi, so my mom asked if we could share their picture on my blog. Their parents granted permission so allow me to introduce Amber & Adi. Best friends who happen to love me. Awww, shucks. You girls are the best! Love you both too!

Facebook Frankie

Hey friends, check it out! I am now on Facebook. Wanna follow me? Come on, I may be fast on wheels, but I will wait for you. I promise! http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=93350378942&ref=nf

COCOA MULCH WARNING FOR ALL ANIMALS

Everyone please tell all your animal loving friends that cocoa mulch used in the garden is very deadly to animals, especially dogs. Please read more about this at http://ping.fm/0cUyU

Lilli is Five and Alive!

Meet special little Lilli! She recently celebrated her 5th birthday and was able to do so because of a special lady. Read more about lilli on my mom's blog!

Doing Regular Dog Things

Question submitted by Olivia, Age 9

Can you do most dog things, like swimming?

I can do most all dog things just like before I hurt myself. Swimming is a bit of a challenge, but with a little help from my mom, I can swim. She has to hold up my back end and I dog paddle my front paws and legs.
Even though I may not get to swim on my own, I'm glad for my mom's help. But what is really great is that I now visit lots of local schools and libraries, plus I volunteer as a thearpy dog... all things I didn't do before I got hurt. So having wheels has really opened up my world and I have so many friends... just like all my friends in Canada!! Arf-a-roo! I'm one lucky dog!!
PS: Be sure and read the post below about the other "walk 'n roll dog" named Frankie!!

A Popular Question

Question submitted by Emma, Age 9

How does Frankie sleep?

This is one of the most popular questions I get asked. I can actually sleep in my wheelchair. That is the advantage of being so short. I can lay the front part of my body down (like in the photo) and then my little butt sticks in the air. My mom always has to pat my butt when I do this. She thinks it is so cute. Oh brother!

At night mom takes me out of my wheels and I have a little crate I sleep in, which you can see in the photo above too. It is filled with lots of cozy blankie's to keep me warm.

And most of the time when we are home and I am in my mom's writing room with her, I snuggle in my little bed as you can see in the other photo. I LOVE TO NAP!!

Frankie, Wheels and Snow

Question submitted by Kristen, Age 9

How does Frankie get around in the deep snow?

Two words: I don't. One of the best things about having wheels is that I don't have to go outside in the winter anymore to "do my thing" (that means going potty, since mom trained me to go on the toilet). I never did like the cold and the snow... burrrr... just too cold for a dog with 4-inch legs and belly so close to the ground. Though when I did have to go outside and "do my thing" my papa always shoveled a path for me, so I could run out fast, pee & poo, and then run like the dickens back into the house!
And besides that I don't have snow tires for my wheels, so I am lucky and stay cozy and happy in front of the gas fireplace all winter long. I know it's rough, but someones gotta do it, so might as well be me.
PS: Be sure and check out the post below about my new friend with wheels with the same name as me!!

Another "walk 'n roll dog" named Frankie

Can you believe it? Another dog with wheels like me, named Frankie? This Frankie is a boy though. Maybe we could get married? Wouldn't that be great??!! To read his full story, be sure and check out my mom's blog.

A Tribute to Our Friend, "Daniel"

Today, I hand the keyboard over to my mom to share our tribute to a very special man. I will miss you Daniel, you always made this little dog feel so special and quite loved. I know you are with the angels, and most definitely the furry angels. We will meet again someday. Read my mom's tribute here.

Frankie Activity Book Coming Soon!!

Okay, time to announce my fun activity book which should be available in June 2009. I have to take fewer naps to be sure and get this done for all of you!
Our friend, Joy, over at Books Go Beyond Reading wrote about my new activity book, so be sure and check it out. Thank you, Joy!! You are the best!!

I'm Stuffed!

No squeaker in any toy shall remain intact with me, Frankie, the squeaker slaying beast extraordinare around! Besides the extra stuffing makes quite a nice addition to my bed for my afternoon nap. Zzzzzzz....

Helping disabled animals, while teaching your child compassion and tolerance through Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog, http://ping.fm/dIMTM

Wishing all of you a blessed Easter!

Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog to Help Out the Ranch

I am doing wheelie's with excitement because I am donating a portion of my book sales to a awe-inspiring ranch in Montana for the month of April. It is called the Rolling Dog Ranch and they take in disabled animals. Mom and Dad to these animals is Steve and Alyane. They left high paying corporate jobs to follow their hearts... and give back to animals in need. Now that makes a dog want to wag their tail till it falls right off!
So if you can help all you have to do is purchase my book, which makes a great gift to teach children (and adults alike) that overcoming adversity is really easy with a paws-i-tive attitude. And it can really teach your child compassion. How great is that? Check out Rolling Dog Ranch today to see how you can help.

Frankie Inspires Another Story!

For more stories written by the kids in Canada that were inspired by me and the doggie diva outfits they made for me, check out the website their teacher put together. The kids in Canada continually inspire me and my mom to want to do even more!!!

Frankie's Toys

Question submitted by Shayan, Age 9

What are Frankie's favorite toys?

My all time favorite toy is my grizzly bear, as you can see in the picture above. He has been with me a very long time and protects me. I also have a little sheep that has a ball inside his tummy. And I really love my Jack toy. Each side has a squeaker... and I LOOOOOOVE squeakers!! As you can see, the Jack is very well worn out. My mom says she is going to buy me lots more Jacks with the $50 gift certificate I won for cutest picture (the one of me in a hot dog costume). YIPPEE!!!

Frankie Navagating her Wheels

Question submitted by Katie and Selena, Age 9

Does Frankie get stuck sometimes because of her wheels in small places?

Boy-oh-boy, did I ever at the beginning when I first got my wheels! Whew! I would get stuck all the time on the sofa, the chair, the bed, and going around corners. Sometimes I couldn't get unstuck, so I'd whimper and my mom would come rescue me. About a week after I had my wheels I learned how to back up. Well, then I learned that trick would also work when I got stuck! So if I got stuck, I would simply back up (kind of like putting the car in reverse), then put my wheels back in drive and away I'd go again! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Frankie's Hospital Visits

Question submitted by Erika, Age 9





How many times has Frankie made people in the hospital feel better?

I have lost count! Not only do I help the sick people feel better, but I also have made the staff feel better. They work hard and seeing me makes them feel less stress and puts a big smile on their faces. One day I was asked to visit ALL of the nurses and doctors who work at the hospital. They had a contest about which department could raise the most money for a worthwhile organization. The department that won was able to choose which therapy dog they wanted a visit from as their prize. They picked me and I was so honored!! I had my picture taken with every department (like the one above). It was so much fun! One of my favorite things to do when I visit the hospital is to first visit any kids that may be there. It is sometimes hard for little kids to understand why they have to be at the hospital. When they see me come rolling in the room they are no longer scared and they smile and giggle. I love leaving a copy of my book with them so they can read all about me... and that makes my heart feel all warm and fuzzy inside.