Special Needs Pet Feature: Dumplin'

There are so many caring pet parents out there who take care of special needs pets. To bring more attention to these joyful animals, and extraordinary people, this is a new feature to my blog. If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email my mom through her website contact.  Send a photo and she will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.

What is your pets name?

Dumplin’

How old is your pet?

10

Where did you get your pet?

Waggytail Rescue in NYC (www.waggytailrescue.com)

What is your pets physical challenge?

Blindness.

What is your pets favorite thing to do?

Eat!

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?

Almost anything, but if I had to pick one thing I’d say Bully Sticks.

What do you love most about your pet?

She is just the absolute sweetest.  She always has the sweetest look in her eyes.  Her eyes make me melt every time.  Yes, even though she’s blind now they still do.  Ironic isn’t it?

What has your pet most taught you?

To be a trooper.  Don’t let anything stop you or get you down -- just keep on truckin’.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Dumplin’ became blind from SARDs (Sudden Acute Retinal Degeneration), which causes dogs to become blind within 5-10 days.  It is due to a thinning of the retina.  There is no know cause or cure.  I want to raise awareness about SARDs and funding for research (http://www.sardsresearch.org/).

Thank you so much for sharing Dumplin' with us!  What I love is that you are trying to bring more awareness to SARD's by sharing Dumplin' with us. 

Special Needs Pet Feature: Elke

There are so many caring pet parents out there who take care of special needs pets. To bring more attention to these joyful animals, and extraordinary people, this is a new feature to my blog. If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email my mom through her website contact.  Send a photo and we will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.

What is your pets name?
Elke
How old is your pet?
2.5 yrs
Where did you get your pet?
Fayette Co. Humane Society
What is your pet’s physical challenge?
Paralysis in rear legs.
What is your pets favorite thing to do?
She loves to get toys and scoot around the floor with them.  She also loves belly rubs in the morning, when she first wakes up.
What is your pet’s favorite thing to eat?
Well, she is on a frozen raw diet, which she loves.  And she also loves to get Bully bits to chew on.
What do you love most about your pet?
That she is a survivor. Elke was hit by a car and sustained a crushed pelvis and two broken vertebrae in her lumbar region.  She was determined to get better, and right now, she sees herself as a normal little dog.
What has your pet most taught you?
Patience and to never give up. Even when several vets told us to euthanize her, I just took one look into those eyes, and I knew she was not ready to give up.
Anything else you’d like to share? 
With all that Elke has been through, she is still a loving sweet girl.  And in her condition, she is still enjoying life.  She makes each day count, even when she is having a bad day and not feeling the best, she always has a kiss for me.  
Elke's mom, Dona serves on the board for Dachshund of North America as well as foster mom for many animals.  Please check out DRNA's website for pets needing a loving, forever home.
Thank you Elke for stopping by and a big thank you to your mom for all she does to help the animals!

A Turtle with Wheels!

Dachshund Poem

God made a little dachsie

to brighten up our day,

He took a bit of sunshine,

Laughter, love, and play.

And rolled it up in a sausage shape

just right for a hug, with bright eyes full of mischief

set in it's little mug.

With little paws a pattering,

to take it here and there -

and a cold wet nose - but He thought,

"Oh, what about the hair?

Shall I make it long and silky,

or wiry, that's so sweet, or make it simple, and have it smooth

and satiny and neat?

And what about the color -

how can I pick just one?

Shall it be black, or red or brown

or dappled, just for fun?"

He pondered while He made the world,

And all creatures great and small -

And then the answer came to Him -

"OF COURSE! I'll make them ALL!!"

So remember that a dachshund

is special, from above His coat of many colors

is a sign of God's great Love.

~By Julie Wrigley Smith

Not A Used Dog, At All by Carol Erickson

The Dog Writer's of America Association once again held their yearly prestigous awards banquet in New York on Feb. 13th, 2011.  While my author mom, Barbara Techel and I were nominated in the category of best children's book for Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House, along with author Carol Erickson and Carol Rauch, we did not attend this years event.  But we wanted to shout out a big congratulations to Carol Erickson for winning in the children's book category for Not a Used Dog, At All.

What a wonderful book to shine a positive light on animals in shelters and resuce.  We have no doubt this book will help many animals find loving homes.  Bravo, Carol!  Bravo!  All profits from this book will be donated to animal rescue and shelters groups

Spay Day Online Pet Photo Contest

Well, Mom did it again!  She entered my photo in the Spay Day 2011 Pet Contest.  Below is the photo she entered which was taken by professional photographer Trish Brunner of Legacy Studios.  You can help us by voting and each vote is a donation to help spay and neuter animals.  One vote is only $1.00 and we sincerely appreciate your support.  Click here to vote!  And feel free to pass on to friends and family too!  Arf-a-roo!  Giving back is so fun!

Special Needs Pet Feature: Skye

There are so many caring pet parents out there who take care of special needs pets. To bring more attention to these joyful animals, and extraordinary people, this is a new feature to my blog. If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email my mom through her website contact.  Send a photo and we will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.

What is your pets name?
Skye
How old is your pet?
3 ½  years
Where did you get your pet?
Rainbow Rescue in Prior Lake MN
What is your pets physical challenge?
She is blind. She was born blind
What is your pets favorite thing to do?
Eat and destroy frisbees
What is your pets favorite thing to eat?
Peanut Butter
What do you love most about your pet?
She doesn’t know she is blind and is fun to play with
What has your pet most taught you?
That disabilities are abilities and not to treat anyone differently
Anything else you’d like to share?
She is an animal ambassador for Minnesota Valley Humane Society is Burnsville MN. She attends book club where kids read to her that are below their grade level. She loves the attention and the kids can relate since she has a disability but it doesn’t slow her down.

Bravo Skye for helping kids read!  You are truly a beautiful ambassador and we are so happy you stopped by to share your story.

A Glimpse Inside a Chance for Bliss

Useful Dog Tricks

Arf-a-roo!  This is one talented dog!  Way to go Jesse!

Joe Dwyer & Therapy Dog Shelby Fighting Agains Bullying in Schools

Talk 2 the Animals Radio Will Talk with Us about Frankie's Disabled Animal Rescue & Resource Page

Tune in Tuesday, February 8th at 8:00pm CST as Janet Roper, host of Talk 2 the Animals will talk with me and Frankie about our latest efforts to expand on our mission to help animals with disabled pets.

Award-winning author Barbara Techel and her dog Frankie known as the "Walk 'N Roll Dog" have been dedicated to bringing a positive face to disabled animals, especially those diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) since 2007.

They share their message of hope with schools, libraries and organizations in Wisconsin and as well as via Skype.  Frankie is also a certified therapy dog bringing joy to the sick, dying and lonely.
Though Barbara is not involved with rescue, she wanted to expand on her and Frankie’s mission by trying to help more animals with special needs.  So she created Frankie’s Disabled Animal Rescue and Resource page which can be found on Facebook,http://www.facebook.com/frankiesdisabledanimalandresuce.  This page is for any rescuers or humane societies, or anyone involved in finding homes for pets with special needs, to feel free to post photos and stories of special needs pets  needing homes.

Help us spread the word by letting your local humane societies and rescuers know this page is there for them to share photos and stories of special needs pets they may have that need to find forever and loving homes. Together we can make a difference!

Special Needs Pet Feature: Rainbow Diamond

There are so many caring pet parents out there who take care of special needs pets. To bring more attention to these joyful animals, and extraordinary people, this is a new feature to my blog. If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email my mom through her  website contact.  Send a photo and she will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.

What is your pets name?  

Rainbow Diamond.

How old is your pet?  

We think she is between 3-5 years old.

Where did you get your pet?  

Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas. She was rescued in a puppymill raid. We were her foster parents. Now, she is a permanent member of our family.

What is your pets physical challenge?  

Rainbow came into Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas with 27 fractures in her back and a disintegrating spine. She was paralyzed. Miraculously, her fractures healed and her bones regenerated. She can walk now, and is starting to be able to move her tail.

What is your pets favorite thing to do?

She loves to run around in the back yard! She is super fast! She also enjoys yelling at the local wildlife and neighbors.

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?

Roast chicken!!! We even have a special recipe called Yummy in Rainbow’s Tummy Roast Chicken! It is in the notes on RBD’s FB page if you want it.

What do you love most about your pet?

I love it that Rainbow is very goofy. She makes me laugh every day.

What has your pet most taught you?

Believe in miracles because they happen all the time. No one thought Rainbow would live, no one thought she would ever walk or be pain free. Now she is alive, walking, and pain free. Never give up hope!

Anything else you’d like to share? 

Rainbow is on the Bissell Spot Bot Box. She also has a fun and family friendly live webchat on Thursday nights at 7pm at http://www.momtv.com/rainbows-rescue-romp

Thank you, Rainbow for stopping by and sharing your story!  You are an inspiration and all your hard work, along with your parents, and all they do to help pets is so admirable.

Super Bowl Super Dog Sunday Blog Hop- GO PACKERS says Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog!

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog LOVES the Packers!!  She also loves to make patients smile when she visits Aurora Memorial Hospital the first Friday of each month.  Friday, Feb. 4th was the perfect day to show off her team spirit!  GO PACKERS!!!!!

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog is the star of two award winning children's books and has helped thousands of children (as well as adults!) see their challenges in a positive way since 2007.  She is also an ambassador of inspiration and has brought positive awareness to animals with disabilities and the joy they bring to the lives of others.

She visits schools and libraries locally in Wisconsin, as well as classrooms across the country via Skype. She also brings joy to many as a therapy dog regularly visiting a local hospital, a senior assisted living facility, and local hospice community.  To learn more about Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame Companion Dog please visit our website where you will find a heart warming video of her.

 

For more fun Superbowl Dogs ready for the big day, check out All Things Dog Blog  today!

Valentine Special on Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Book Series

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog book series is great for the young and old in your life to give the gift of love, hope, and inspiration.  In honor of the day devoted to love, Valentine's Day, we are running a special on our book series.
Regularly $14.95, they are now $10.00 each along with shipping reduced to half!  But hurry, this offer will end Feb. 14th, 2011, but the gift of Frankie's stories will live on in the hearts of your loved ones for a long time to come.
PS:  Even if you don't give as a Valentine gift, Frankie books make great birthday gifts or for upcoming holidays such as Easter so this is a great time to stock up!  Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House also makes a great gift for the elderly in your lives.

Each copy ordered will be autographed by author Barbara Techel and pawtographed by Frankie!

Order your copies today!


A true, inspirational story about a dachshund whose life started out just like any other dog walking on all four paws until a spinal injury leaves her paralyzed. Frankie is custom-fitted for a wheelchair and learns to keep on rolling. Her zest for life will have you cheering and she will give you hope that all things are possible. Frankie will leave an everlasting and loving paw print on your heart. A book for all ages to teach overcoming challenges and also compassion for the physically challenged.

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog keeps rolling along in her doggie wheelchair. This paralyzed dachshund' unabashed healing, exuberant spirit, and spunky personality is a blessed gift to everyone she befriends. In this true, inspirational story, Frankie tells how she became a registered therapy dog and shares her visits to Libby's House, a senior facility where many residents have Alzheimer's or dementia. Frankie teaches us that patience, listening, and understanding opens our hearts to what matters most-love.

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Recommends Eddie's Wheels Dog Carts