Hachi- A Dog's Tale

This is a must see movie for all dog lovers!!

Surf dog Ricochet helps special needs kids fetch waves 2010

Way to go Surf Dog Ricochet!!  So proud of all the work you do.  You are my hero!

Inspiring Two-Legged Rudy and his Inspiring Mom Jennifer Kenney!

Thank you to Life with Dogs where I read about this amazing dog! 

Happy Holidays from Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog!

Wishing each and everyone of you a joyful Christmas and a New Year filled with many moments of joy!  

We are so grateful that you follow us on our journey and look forward to another year of being positive, making a difference, and rolling on!

Dog Offers Milk and Cookies for Santa

Arf-a-roo!  I think I need to give this a try!

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House Nominated for Award!

It is with great excitement and honor that I annonuce my newest book, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House has been nominated for an award from Dog Writer's of America Association in the children's book category.  It is also in the running for the coveted Maxwell Medallion.

Thank you so much Dog Writer's of America Association for this great honor!

Meet Libby- the Inspiration Behind Libby's House, Senior Assisted Living

Today's guest book is from someone I truly love... yup, my mom!  Take it away, Mom!

Frankie and I have been volunteering at Libby's House for a little over two years now.  Each and every month we visit I leave with a renewed sense of what this thing called life is all about... and the visits remind me to enjoy each and every moment in life... especially the simple joys and moments.
Libby's House is named after the owner, Christine Thill's very special grandma, Libby.  Just recently at the age of 103, Libby moved into Libby's House and there she celebrated her 104th birthday in November.
Frankie and I had the honor of meeting Libby in November and I was so touched to meet, not only someone who is 104, but someone whose spirit is still shining so brightly you just want to be around her all the time.
So Frankie and I returned for a special photo opportunity in early December to get Frankie's photo with the very special Libby.  I felt my heart overwhelm with joy when Libby crossed her hands on her chest and said, "It was such an honor to have my photo with Frankie."  Tears instantly pooled in my eyes because to me it was such an honor for me to have Frankie's picture with her.

As we were leaving I picked up Frankie and held her near Libby so she could pet her again.  Libby put her hand on Frankie's back and said, "Frankie.... love."
 
It is moments like that with Libby and many others that I am so grateful for my therapy dog work with Frankie... so many blessings I have experienced.
To learn more about our visits to Libby's House you can check out my book titled, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House.

Hug-A-Dog Cuddler & Elmer Fuddette Flapjack Hat

December Pet Holidays to Celebrate

DECEMBER


• National Mutt Day, Dec. 2

• Cat Herder Day, Dec. 15

Holiday Specials from Joyful Paw Prints Press On-Line Store!

Original photo (without holiday embellishments) by Legacy Studios

Beginning TODAY through December 24th, 2010 check out our Holiday Specials in our online store (be sure to check out our book page, as well as product page)!!

• Free Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Activity ebook with every purchase
• Free Shipping on orders of $35.00 or more (will be shipped US Postal)
• Free Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog 3" round magnet

This holiday give a gift of inspiration to those you love- Frankie continually inspires those around her to be positive no matter what, and give back despite obstacles we face... so share the inspiration with those you love and feel free to share these holiday specials with those who might want to inspire the loved ones in their lives.

Our online bookstore contains Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog book series, as well as the book our story is featured in and recommended by Oprah's O Magazine, Dogs and the Women Who Love Them.

We also feature on our products page "I Love Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog" T-shirts, tote bags, pins, and magnets, as well as exclusive Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog 2-piece magnets and pins from Silly Dog Magnets.

And in the spirit of all that Frankie teaches others about giving back, remember that a portion of all proceeds from our online store are donated to various charities and organizations that care for animals with disabilities.

Happy Inspirational Shopping!

A Gift from the Heart

Well my papa really out did himself!  He surprised my mom for their 26th wedding anniversary by commissioning a painting of me and her writing studio.... she was super dooper surprised!!  To read the full story of this touching story please visit my mom's blog, Joyful Paws.


Artwork done by the talented Cassy Tully of Plymouth, Wisconsin and artwork framed by Gina's Custom Framing of Elkhart Lake, WI.

Special Give-Away for Blog Jog Day

Yup, even dogs can take part in Blog Jog Day! What do you mean you don't know what Blog Jog Day is! Well, let me tell you. It is a special day where many bloggers come together to share each others blogs. We have special contests, give-ways, and just plain fun.
So I have a special give-away for stopping by today... and stay tuned until the end of the post so you can move onto the next blog for some more dog-gone fun!

SPECIAL GIVE-AWAY

I am giving away a "I Love Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog" tote bag! Great to take shopping, groceries, carry books, knitting, etc. So how can you win it?

Tell me in 50 words or less the best thing you love about your pet? If you dont' have a pet tell me the best thing you love about pets or a pet that you know. One name will be drawn on Tuesday, Nov. 23rd to win the tote bag! (If your post does not have a way to lead me back to you, please leave a way for me to contact you if you win). Good luck!

Arf-a-roo!  Now head on over to Travel Diversions with Doreen!

Have You Hugged Your Dog Today?

An inspiring and uplifting event for the whole family!  Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog and her author mom, Barbara Techel will share their story at Waunakee Public Library.

When:  Thursday, November 11th, 2010
Time:  Program begins at 3:10pm
Where:  Waunakee Public Library, 710 South Street, Waunakee, WI

Friends Forever: Special Needs Boy and Special Needs Dog

It is a day my mom and  I will remember as pure joy for as long as I live...

Two years ago, a 3-year old little boy named Jackson was having a hard time accepting wearing a night brace on his leg because of a form of Cerebral Palsy he has. His mom found my book, "Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog" and read it to him.  Almost immediately he saw the connection and said, "I have to wear my brace like Frankie!" He now refers to his brace as his "Frankie brace."

He just turned five and his mom planned a birthday party for him. When she asked who he wanted to invite he said, "Barb and Frankie."  Now keep in mind, my mom and I met him when he was three, then again a year ago, but have only been with him twice. Jackson and I have this amazing connection.


Jackson lives near Barrington, IL which is roughly a 3-hour trip from our home in Elkhart Lake, but when a darling little 5-year old special little boy makes such a request, it is hard to say no.  Besides, how often does one turn five?!?!  The best part is his mom decided to make it a surprise... and indeed it was.

Jackson's mom, Dawn blind-folded him so he couldn't see me come in (decked out in a birthday hat I must add!).  When he and his mom knelt down, Dawn put Jackson's hand on my head and said, "Who is this?"  Jackson pet my head and said, "Frankie!"  He then could not get his blind-fold off fast enough to see me forever friend!


So in pictures and video the wonderful event...

Goodbye to Blind Callie of Rolling Dog Ranch

 

One of my favorite doxie's, blind Callie, of Rolling Dog Ranch went to dog heaven this week.  She will be greatly missed.  She was a very endearing dachshund and loved by so  many.

Though my mom and I are sad to hear of this news, we smiled once again watching the video of Callie "pretending" not to hear when it was time to go out for her nightly duty.  What a character she was!  Heaven just gained a sweet, funny, little dog!

Riddle's Song

November Pet Holidays to Celebrate

NOVEMBER


• National Pet Cancer Awareness Month

• Adopt a Senior Pet Month

• National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, Nov. 7-13

Happy Halloween!

 

Happy Halloweeine from Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog as "grandma dog."

Goodbye to My Friend, Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog

Today is a sad day.  My friend Sparkles went to the Rainbow Bridge, which is a place where all animals go to wait for their human and dog friends until it is their turn to join them.  I know she will be very happy there- playing and almost like a puppy again.  But I will miss her. 

I'll never forget when she visited me and my mom in Wisconsin this past April and she showed me the Elkhart Lake fire station and how the trucks worked.  It was fun going for a ride in the big red truck with Sparkles as the co-pilot!  I was also honored to share the fire safety message and helping those with disabilities and fire safety when we visited the elementary school in my hometown, and when we were the first dogs to Skype together to a school in Canada.

 Thank you for showing me the ropes at the fire station, Sparkles!

Sparkles' mom and my mom always thought it would be so pawsome if Sparkles and I were featured in a magazine together... what an honor to be in The American Dog magazine, winter 2010 issue with Sparkles.  My mom and I will forever treasure this.

Till I see you again, Sparkles, know I'll carry you in my heart always.  Thank you for being my dog-gone good friend.  Roll on!

Smile Pretty!

My mom insisted I have my picture taken with the book my story is featured in, which was just released, "Dogs and the Women Who Love Them." Hint:  I don't mind having my photo taken, but pretend I do.  That's the naughty side of me.
The stories in this book made my mom, laugh, cry and hug me even closer than she usually does!  We will have them available for sale on our website soon... your chance to get an autographed copy if you'd like!  Stay tuned...

Kid Tested and Approved!

Bookworm Gardens officially opened their garden gates this past weekend!  It was fun to see kids enjoying my dog house... though I'm unsure about them riding the "Frankie" statue of me.  I never did think of myself as a minature horse!  Arf!

Frankie's Dog House Finds Its Way to Bookworm Gardens

Today was a day I will hold as very special in my little heart forever.  My papa worked so hard putting together this fantastic dog house that will help represent me and my story in a fairytale place called Bookworm Gardens.  The gardens Grand Opening is this weekend!!

Mom took this video coverage of our JOYFUL morning!  You'll have to click on link below as I could not get the video to download onto the page.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcuQH5LaLLs

O Magazine Recommends Book Featuring Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog

NEWS

For Immediate Release

O Magazine Recommends Book Featuring Wisconsin Disabled Dog

Frankie the Walk ’N Roll Dog, along with award-winning author mom, Barbara Techel are featured in new book, “Dogs and the Women Who Love Them” by Linda and Allen Anderson.

Elkhart Lake, WI – In their new book Minneapolis authors show why seven out of ten, or 69% of women between the ages of 18 and 49 own a pet, and 89% of women spend as much or more on their pets despite the recession (Lifetime Networks FemniNation poll).

Allen and Linda Anderson’s new book Dogs and the Women Who Love Them: Extraordinary True Stories of Loyalty, Healing and Inspiration. (New World Library) with a forward by #1 New Your Times best-selling author Rory Freedman, demonstrates how dogs and women transform each other’s lives. Each case study in the book involves canine companions bringing out the best in their humans and vice versa. According to Linda Anderson, “when the nurturing nature of females meets the loyalty and affection of dogs, it’s a match made in heaven.”

O Magazine recommended Dogs and the Women Who Love Them, and it’s on the Oprah.com website. Betty White, Wendy Malick, Vanessa Williams, and American Humane Association, among others endorsed the book.  In this collection of true stories, women around the country, dogs serve as companions, listeners, canine children, matchmakers, creatures to rescue, and protectors.

Local resident of Elkhart Lake, Barbara Techel entered a contest sponsored by the Anderson’s in September 2009 when they were looking for stories for their new book.  Barbara says, “I remember reading about the contest and becoming very emotional.  I just knew I had to enter the contest because my dogs have helped change and shape my life for the better.”  Barbara placed 2^nd place and is so honored to be among the stories in the book.

Additional Highlights of the Book

·         Miguel, a Newfoundland-Labrador mix introduced an impoverished childe to Rosanne Nordstrom, a resourceful woman who became like a mother to him; their new family serves as Chicago’s version of the popular movie The Blind Side—plus a dog.

·         Beau, a rescued black Lab became a “co-founder” of Patriot PAWS, a Texas nonprofit that Lori Stevens started to train service dogs for disabled veterans; Beau was featured on NBC Nightly News, Late Night with David Letterman, and Animal Planet.

·         Major, an abused and neglected German shepherd, saved the life of national-award winning police dog trainer, Janet Koch Ballard while serving as her K-9 partner.

·         Dagnabit, a rescued pit bull was tortured while being trained for dogfights; his plight inspired Kim Dudek to found Dag’s house in New Orleans to rehabilitate and shelter special needs dogs.

Rory Freedman says, “This book will open your heart, warm your soul, and make you proud to be a dog-loving woman.”

Karen Holt, reviewer for O Magazine says about the book, “The rescuing works both ways… as canines who’ve suffered abuse, neglect, or misfortune seek and comfort humans who’ve endured the same.”

For more information about Linda and Allen visit website, www.angelanimals.net or  http://www.dogsandthewomenwholovethem.com/index.html for information about Barbara Techel and Frankie visit, www.joyfulpaws.com

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Wins Photo Contest with $100 Going to Charity of Her Choice

How cool is this?  Mom completely forgot she entered me in this contest, so imagine how surprised we were when we found out today that I won?  My Tail Hurts From Wagging So Much blog sponsored the contest and $100 will be donated to my charity of choice, which I picked Rolling Dog Ranch.  They take in and care for animals with special needs and I think they are dog-gone special.  Four cases of Blue Dog Bakery yummy treats will also be delivered to Rolling Dog Ranch.  Here's my winning photo:

I like to "help" my mom with planting flowers-- besides the fact I love riding in the wheelbarrow!

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Expands on Product Line

Joyful Paw Prints Press is happy to announce our expanded product line of Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog. Frankie has inspired thousands of children and adults since 2008 to be positive and make a difference with her award-winning children's book series, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog.


Just in time for the holiday shopping season for the fans of Frankie on your list, we now offer T-shirts, tote bags, buttons and pins! We also offer package specials, so be sure to check out our new products page today which is located under our store tab.

A portion of proceeds will be donated to various charities and organizations that help animals with special needs.

Joyful Paw Prints Press:  Leaving loving paw prints on the hearts of readers through story.  Quality books and related gifts that celebrate the beautiful lessons our beloved pets teach us.

Oprah Recommends Book "Dogs and the Women Who Love Them"

Oh boy!  Oh boy!  Such exciting news!  So you are likely wondering ok, so what's the big deal about Oprah and the book she recommended?  Oh boy!  Oh boy!  Well....pant, pant, pant... it means she read my story, because it is in Dogs and the Women Who Love Them!!  Hot-diggity dog!
My mom won 2nd place in a contest sponosored by best selling authors Linda and Allen Anderson when they were looking stories for this book.  The title of our story in the book is "The Blessings of a Wheelchair-Bound Dachshund."  We are so happy for Linda and Allen also for this endorsement becasue they truly deserve it for all the work they do to help animals.
So I hope you will check it out- it will be in bookstores early November, but you can also pre-order on Amazon today.

Meet Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog at LaDeDa Books & Beans

LaDeDa Books To Host Book Signing with Award-Winning Duo Barbara Techel and Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog


Barbara Techel and her 11-year-old wheelchair-bound dachshund to share their rewarding volunteer therapy dog work through newest book in the series, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Visits Libby’s House.

LaDeDa Books & Beans is sponsoring a book signing with the award-winning duo to be held on Saturday, October 9th at 10:30am at 1624 York Avenue, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Before the book signing, Barbara will give a brief talk, selected reading and answer questions. And most importantly, Frankie will be there and promised to bring you smiles and joy by being in her loving presence.

We all face challenges in life, but dealing them is much easier when there’s support and understanding from significant others—even animals. Frankie is a dachshund who is paralyzed in her hind quarters as a result of an injury. But, she does not allow her physical challenges to limit her purpose or her gift of healing to others. Custom-fitted for a doggie wheelchair (dog cart), Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog uses her disability to bring a message of hope and encouragement to young and old.

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House is a true story told from a therapy dog’s viewpoint. This, the second book in the series, tells how Frankie became a registered therapy dog and gives several personal accounts of her visits to the residents of Libby’s House, a senior facility where many residents have Alzheimer’s or dementia www.libbyshouse.com.

Frankie’s human mom and the book’s author, Barbara Techel, hoped for years to have a therapy dog and share the love that only a dog can bring. She wanted the dog to visit people who may not have animal contact on a regular basis.

“When Frankie was fitted for a doggie wheelchair, I wrote the first book and started taking her to local schools to entertain children,” says Barbara. “I realized Frankie would make a great therapy dog for adults as well as children. The fact that she is in a wheelchair makes her a bit more unique as she helps people in nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice identify on a deeper level. She has a challenge like many of them.”

Visiting Libby’s House once a month opened Barbara’s heart and eyes to realizing that people may not always understand what the elderly are going through, and all they want is someone to listen and spend time with them.

“I especially want children to not fear seniors who face the challenges brought on by aging,” says Ms. Techel. “I hope to encourage children to spend and cherish time with their own grandparents. I hope children will realize the beauty and wisdom in the elderly.”

“All one needs to do is see the expression in the eyes of those Frankie touches to know she is tangible love,” says Christine Thill, owner and RN administrator of Libby’s House where Frankie volunteers. “When the body fails, the spirit soars! Frankie’s visits along with Barb’s gentle nature are a true blessing to Libby’s House.”

Because she is bringing positive awareness to animals with disabilities through her therapy dog work, Frankie was inducted into the Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame as Companion Dog in 2009. This little dog teaches us that patience, listening, and understanding opens our hearts to what matters most—love.

Through Frankie’s example, Barbara hopes to encourage anyone facing a challenge.

Having a disability does not mean we don’t have gifts to offer. Each of us can give back to the world in our own, unique way. Frankie’s volunteer work is a great way to prompt others to get involved in their own communities and find a way to be of service. Barbara says the rewards are beyond anything she could have ever imagined.

Even though she and Frankie visit Libby’s House once a month, Barbara still enjoys sharing with children the messages in her books. In fact, she has found a new way to share Frankie’s story via Skype an Author Network whose mission is to provide K-12 teachers and librarians with a way to connect authors, books, and young readers through virtual classroom visits. See www.tinyurl.com/SkypeBarbara to learn more.

Children are invited to follow Frankie, The Walk ‘N Roll Dog’s adventures on Frankie's Blog:  Adults will find more information about caring for special needs animals on Barbara’s blog.

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