Oscar the Bionic Cat

I have always loved kitties!  And wait till you meet, Oscar, who is extraoridarily special.  I'd love to meet him someday and give him a "high paw!"  Thank you to the wonderful human doctors and engineers who helped give Oscar a quality life.  Now check out Oscar's video as he takes his first inspirational steps.

A Day in the Life of Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog In Elkhart Lake

Reminder Free Teleseminar Tonight: The Rewards and Challenges of Living with Disabled Pets

Since my mom is going to share my story, I said she could post information about this super dooper teleseminar she will be doing.  So take it away, Mom!!....

Thank you, my dear little Frankie for allowing me to post this on your blog.  You're a good dog.

I'm very excited about this upcoming teleseminar (press release below) I will be taking part in! I've been following Ingrid King, author of Buckley's Story for quite sometime and had the honor of doing Garden of the Soul radio show with her talking about animals as spiritual teachers. We connected so easily because of our love for animals.


Mary Shafer, author of Almost Perfect Pets: Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them is someone I also greatly admire for all the positive work she is doing to bring a special light to animals with disabilities. Being connected with her brings me great joy.

This is going to be one VERY SPECIAL HOUR and I know the time is going to fly by way too fast. Hope you can join us!

Inspired and Inspiring: The Rewards and Challenges of Living with Disabled Pets

On Tuesday, May 11, at 8pm Eastern Daylight Time, we will host authors Mary Shafer and Barbara Techel for a free teleseminar titled Inspired and Inspiring – The Rewards and Challenges of Living with Disabled Pets.

Barbara Techel is the author of the multi-award-winning book Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog. When her dachshund, Frankie, suffered a spinal injury, Techel had her custom-fitted for a wheelchair. Frankie’s strong spirit had her back into the swing of life very soon, and Techel realized the beautiful opportunity she had to share Frankie’s story. Together, they give others who may be struggling with obstacles the hope and inspiration to be the best they can be. Techel’s newest book, Frankie, the Walk ’N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House, chronicles the twosome’s work as a therapy dog team at local hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice centers, spreading joy wherever they go.

Mary Shafer is a freelance writer, author and publisher of Word Forge Books, a small, independent publisher located near Philadelphia. She’s a member of the Cat Writers Association and is co-mom to four special needs cats. One of those cats, Idgie, is the subject of Shafer’s story in the company’s latest book, Almost Perfect: Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them.

Join us for what is sure to be an inspirational hour of discussing the challenges and rewards of living with disabled pets. You'll also get a chance to ask questions.

The seminar is free, but long distance phone charges may apply. To participate in the conference, dial 1-712-432-3100. When prompted, enter conference code 674470. Registration is not required, but if you'd like to be entered in the drawing of an autographed copy of Barbara and Mary's books, you'll need to pre-register by clicking here: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=0016ynqZbqgszFlq0ccP81zqg%3D%3D

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog is Having a Contest!

In celebration of Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog debuting in Cesar's Way magazine she is having a fun contest... but I can't tell you what it is about.  You'll have to head on over to her blog and check it out!

Helping Young Girls Overcome Fear of Dogs

It is summer again, which means Saturdays at Farmer's Market in Elkhart Lake!  Mom sets up a table with our books and we share our passion about animals with disabilities.

A nice lady named, Kristi stopped at our table at the first market last week.  She told my mom and me that two summers ago she bought my book for her niece Kayle (then 3) and Molly (then 5).  They were both very afraid of dogs... but after meeting me they are not afraid anymore!  Arf-a-roo!

Kristi sent my mom this very sweet picture of Kayle going through the Farmer's Market that summer reading my book.  It is very precious.

Photos from the Parade at Longfellow School

Tuesday I shared video coverage of my really, really exciting morning at Longfellow school being in Mrs. Hauck's 3rd grade classroom parade.  The WHOLE school was in the parade sharing signs and things they made to show what they learned for the year.  Mrs. Hauck's 3rd grade class chose me as their theme (I humbly blush) and what they learned from me... what a Fun-tastical morning it was.  See for yourself in the photos!

Book Review: Glamour Girl from the Stars

Any children's book that teaches self-acceptance is #1 to me!  Glamour Girl from the Stars sounds like it might not be about self-acceptance, but as PleeDee the alien from outer space will show you, she learns that no matter where you come from, we are each unique and special in our own way.  So I am very excited to share this book with you today through Carlton Scott's Virtual Book Tour.

I'm all about teaching kids to accept themselves no matter what, so when my mom read Glamour Girl from the Stars to me, I knew I had to share this book with all of you.  Especially girls, who seem to struggle just a bit harder with accpeting themselves for who they are.  And being a girl, in a doggie wheelchair, I know what that is all about... but we each have our challenges, so we must look past that and find the many good things about ourselves.

PleeDee, a.k.a. Glamour Girl travels to Rome, Italy, Asia and Africa, to name just a few stops she made, on her way to the Miss Universe pagent in the USA.  She thinks competing in this pagent will define who she is... to only realize it is not about size, color, or race that defines us.  It is what inside that counts. It is how we share our love with others and in order to do that, we must first love ourselves just as we are.

My favorite part was when my mom read me this in the book, "After traveling to and fro across outer space's unknown, PleeDee discovers her world is similar to our own.  When little girls live up to their potentioal wherever they are, they'll shine brightly with confidence no matter how near or far."

This book really does an excellent job at teaching us that to love ourselves for who we are means our hearts will be able to reach out to others and love them for who they are.  I also loved the fun, whimsical illustrations.

If I could make one wish, it would be for all of us to accept ourselves, especially girls.  Just imagine all the good we could do in the world if we did!  So that is my challenge to each of you... so start by reading this book with your Mom and Dad.  If there are things that make you sad about yourself, talk with them about it after reading this book... then each and everyday remember Glamour Girl (and me too!) and the lessons we have taught you... each morning wake up and look yourself in the mirror and say, "I love myself just the way

I am!" Arf-a-roo!

                                      

Scott has dedicated his life to working with children, both as a nurse and a mental health worker.  He has written and illustrated three picture books for children. As part of his commitment to supporting children's health, he donates 50 percent of all profits from his books to children's hospitals across the country.  He created his newest book, Glamour Girl from the Stars, to foster self acceptance in young girls.

To learn more about Carlton Scott and his books visit his website.

School's Out, but hear how Frankie leaves imprints on 3rd Graders Hearts

What a rockin' and rollin' good time I had this morning!..I got to be in a school parade!!  I'll let my mom explain in the video below.  Enjoy all the video clips too of Mrs. Hauck and her special 3rd grade students at Longfellow School.



Some of the kids are really quiet, but hang in there for some great responses!



Lining up for the parade!



The parade around the school!

Cesar's Way Magazine Features Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog

I'm so happy for my pal, Sparkles.. So happy in fact, I did wheelies in my wheelchair!! Her story of all the wonderful work she has done in helping keep kids safe from fires is in the wildly popular Cesar Milan's magazine in the July issue on newsstands soon. Be sure to get yourself a copy-- I can't believe all the good things that have happened for Sparkles (and me!) since we both met in April--as mom would say, "What divine timing it all was."  Ok, sure mom, not sure what that means... just arf-a-roo happy for Sparkles! 

Mom had the honor of receiving a sneak preview of this inspiring article. As I sat nestled in my periwinkle bed, my periwinkle star blankie covering me, Mom read me Sparkles story. Her voice cracked reading the last paragraph and she had to pause before going on... I licked her hand to say, "It's okay to cry Mommy." Mom said the story touched her so because of how hard Sparkles' and her mom have worked to keep kids safe-- they are passionate about their mission and it shows in all they do-- as well as the lives they have saved, which is outlined beautifully in the story written by writer, Rick Markham.

And the best part of all for families are the fire safety tips highlighted in the story! You'll want to cut them out, along with Sparkles awesome picture and paste to your refrigerator.

Congratulations, Sparkles! I wish you were here so I could hug you-- sending all our virtual love.

For more on this exciting story be sure to visit Sparkles the Fire Safety Blog.

Bookworm Gardens

This is an amzing project happening right in the county that I live in.  And it is my humbled honor that I will be a part of this garden (thank you to my sponsors, The Richardson Foundation & David and Lynda Richardson).  My papa will be constructing my dog house, which will be featured in the garden, along with a stone replica of a dachshund fitted in a Eddie's Wheels cart that we donated (and that Eddie's Wheels gave us a special price on).  Stay tuned for photos later this summer.

My papa is involved also with Sheboygan County Home Builder's and is heading up the Charlotte's Barn project being built at Bookworm Gardens.  I'm so proud of him for being a part of the volunteer efforts to make this garden a reality.  Here is a photo of the beginning process of the barn.  Maybe Charlotte will make a special appearnce to thank them for their hard work!

About Bookworm Gardens
Bookworm Gardens is a vibrant, playful children’s garden that enhances literature, the natural world, and the imagination. Located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin,the garden is adjacent to UW Sheboygan and is across from the UW Extention offices which house the Sheboygan County Master Gardeners. The 1.5 acre garden will offer the young and young at heart the opportunity for free, unstructured play in a beautiful and secure environment. Classes in horticulture, literature, art and cooking will be offered, as well as concerts, plays and special events.

Bookworm Gardens Mission statement
To enrich the mind, body and spirit of the young and young at heart through exploration in a garden environment based on children’s literature.

This will be free to the community and visitors to enjoy!  Stay tuned for updates as they become available!

June Pet Holidays to Celebrate

JUNE


• Adopt a Shelter Cat Month

• Take Your Dog To Work Day, June 25