Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog in Upcoming Book!

You can now pre-order this wonderful new book Animals and the Kids Who Love Them which features Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog and her special bond with a special needs little boy named Jackson.

Our heartfelt thanks to Linda and Allen Anderson for asking us to submit the story and to New World Library for accepting the story for what will no doubt be a touching book of stories.

Ordinary People Extraordinary Planet Interview with Ray Leonard

From Radio Host Ray Lenoard:  Man's Best Friend? Frankie is more than man's best friend, she brings peace and comfort to those who are dying. Barbara Techel and Frankie you both are doing the extraordinary!!!


Click here to hear one of my favorite interviews with one of the coolest radio hosts, Ray Leonard!


A very special thank you to Luann Travis, Volunteer Services Coordinator of Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for taking part in this interview and sharing the importance and value of therapy dogs.

Special Needs Pet Feature: Cagney

What is your pets name?

Cagney Brandon Ku’Ulako Holste J

How old is your pet?

He lived to be just a few months shy of 13 years old.

Where did you get your pet?

From a family in Hawaii whose two doxies had puppies

What is your pets physical challenge?

He had IVDD…lost the use of his back legs at age 6

What is your pets favorite thing to do?

Cagney LOVED laying on the patio in the sun…just tanning and looking around.

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?

Rawhide bones with the jerky on the outside

What do you love most about your pet?

That he was always so sweet and loving…even when he was in pain.

What has your pet most taught you?

That you really can do anything in the name of love.

Anything else you’d like to share?

When Cagney was 6 years old he lost the use of his back legs suddenly. One minute he was trotting behind me to the mail box outside our house and the next minute he was yelping in pain and I had no idea why. The following days, nights, & weeks were one long blur as Cagney had to stay at the Vet's Hospital for IVs and Xrays and all sorts of things. Sadly he did not regain the use of his legs and surgery was not an option due to the expense and the fact that the doctor only gave him a 50 - 50 chance for walking again. That never bothered Cagney though and didn't slow his pace one bit. In no time he was able to scoot all over the house using just his front legs to get from place to place. He could scoot faster than some dogs could run! I eventually got him his own set of wheels from "Doggone Wheels" and that afforded him the opportunity to go outside on the sidewalks, the patio, and even to the beach. Cagney was such a good boy and was always upbeat and happy....wanting to snuggle and give kisses or play with anyone he came into contact with. 

I cared for him and tended to his special needs, which was quite diffficult initially and heartbreaking at times....but I did it out of sheer love for that little angel. A lot of adjustments had to be made but he was worth every one of them! When I moved from Hawaii to Portland, OR in 2007 Cagney flew with me. It was his first time on a plane but he took it like a brave boy....even when the airline baggage handlers "lost" him at one point. About 2 hours after my flight landed I finally caught up with him going round and round on another baggage claim carousel. He was peering out of his cage as if to say, "This has been fun but I'd like to get off now, please." I was a complete wreck not knowing what had happened to him or where he was but as soon as I tracked him down and opened his kennel door he smothered me with kisses saying, "It's ok....there's nothing to worry about....I'm HERE!" 

For the next 2 years I continued to love & take care of that darling boy until, on the morning of March 31st, 2009, just as suddenly as he lost the use of his back legs, Cagney woke up and was unable to use his front legs. I took him to the Vet pretty much knowing what the outcome was going to be. There was nothing they could really do for him...and no "cure". So I had to make that VERY difficult decision and help him get to the Rainbow Bridge. I held him for so very long and just sobbed telling him I was so sorry for what I had to do....it was extremely hard and still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. But Cagney lived a very good life and brought lots of happiness to me. His "disability" taught me so very much and I thank the Lord that I had him and all the experiences that having him brought into my life.

Thank you so much, Chops, Cagney's dedicated Mom who took such good care of Cagney.  Your store resonated on so many levels for my mom and me... tears... laughter... love.  Thank you.  PS:  The picture of the two of you on the beach is absolutely priceless and needs no words as it speaks volumes.

If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email me through my website contact. Send a photo and I will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.

Frankie Wristbands Now Available!

Hot-diggity dog!  My special wristbands are now available!!

"Be PAWSitive and Keep on Rolling!" (paw print on either side!)

Only $2.00 each (plus shipping) and a portion of all proceeds will go to various charities and 

organizations that care for disable animals.

Be the FIRST of among your friends to have one and share my PAWSitive message!

Order yours TODAY! (be sure to scroll down half way on page)

John L. Hensey Students Meet Frankie & Favorite Author Via Skype

My mom (award-winning author, Barbara Techel) and I were so excited to meet with Mrs. Burd's early childhood class recently and I didn't even have to leave the comfort of my home... we were able to meet via the wonderful technology of Skype!  The full story is below from the Washington Times Reporter by Brandon Schatsick.

Photo by Washington Times

Students in Kim Burd’s class at John L. Hensey School were able to meet face-to-face with the author of one of their favorite books who lives in Wisconsin April 7; nevermind the fact that they met with more than 150 miles separating them.

Burd’s early childhood class recently finished reading “Frankie: The Walk ‘n Roll Dog” about a miniature dachshund who ruptured a disk in her back, becoming permanently paralyzed in that area. Frankie’s owner and author of the book, Barbara Techel found a dog cart for Frankie and decided to chronicle the every day life of a dog in said cart.

“It’s about a real animal with real challenges ... the message is about never giving up and you have to put your best paw forward,” Burd said. 

The class was able to meet with Techel and Frankie through the class’ new interactive board from PolyVision and a computer program called Skype. 

Burd said it was all thanks to a grant that allows schools to implement new technology in the classroom.

“I just got this technology in my room and for me to be able to learn that with the children ... they loved seeing everything very big on the wall,” Burd said of the projected Techel holding Frankie on the other end of the connection. “They wanted to go up and pet Frankie like she was actually there.” 

Frankie, a trained therapy dog, often accompanies Techel as they visit hospitals and schools to teach people about overcoming challenges. Although Techel couldn’t make it to Washington, Burd, who uses Techel’s website www.joyfulpaws.com for teaching assistance with the book, thought it would be worth a shot to see if the two of them could set up a Skype date.

“Isn’t this great?” Techel said to the class, referring to the Internet meeting. “With Frankie being in a wheelchair ... and Frankie’s almost 12 years old, for me to travel with her it’s not necessarily a good thing because I don’t want to over-stress her ... I’m so glad we can meet kids like you via Skype.”

“She provides (lesson plans, etc.) for teachers to use her book as a learning tool ... she’s made it very fun to want to do this as a teacher with the kids and all of the positive things you can teach them (through Frankie’s story),” Burd said. “(Meeting with her via Skype) was just the icing on the cake.”

During the meeting, kids asked questions about where Frankie sleeps (in bed with Techel and her husband), if his cart works in the grass (it works rather well actually, Techel said) and they showed her pictures they colored of Frankie..

Photo by Washington Times

“That looks like Frankie; you got the colors right and everything,” Techel said upon seeing them on her computer screen. 

Techel then had a fashion show with Frankie putting on a couple of her favorite hats including a cowgirl hat, biker helmet and floppy summer hat.

“We’ve done all kinds of neat things, but to be able to visit with someone like that and make it a lesson, was very powerful to see that.”

xxx

Teachers!  If you are interested in having me and my author Mom, Barbara Techel, visit your classroom via Skype check out our free downloadable Skype e-book to help you plan a visit with us!  We'd love to meet you and your students.

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Finalist in Midwest Book Awards

Hot-diggity dog! I'm so excited to announce that my newest book, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House has been chosen by Midwest Independent Publishers Association as a finalist in their 2011 Midwest Book Awards in the children's nonfiction children's book category.  Always an honor to be nominated and winner will be chosen on May 11, 2011. Wish me luck!

Congratulations to all the finalists and good luck!

Arts

Friendship: The Art of the Practice -- Tristan Publishing

The Prints of Warrington Colescott -- University of Wisconsin Press

The Saint John's Bible: Historical Books -- Liturgical Press

Biography/Memoir

A Lifetime Burning -- Borderland Books

Czechs Forever -- Penfield Books

John Paul Stevens -- Northern Illinois University Press

Business

Sacred Ground -- Beaver's Pond Press

Selling It Softly -- Grand Oaks Press

Children's Picture Book

Looking for Lucy -- Beaver's Pond Press

Stranger in the Woods: Snowflake Edition -- Carl R. Sams II Photography

Yafi's Family -- Amharic Kids Press

Children's Fiction

Ben and Lucy Play Pond Hockey -- Beaver's Pond Press

Henry! You're Late Again! -- Beaver's Pond Press

Military Life -- Elva Resa Publishing

Children's Non-Fiction

Be Fit, Be Strong, Be You -- Free Spirit Publishing

Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Therapy Dog -- Joyful Paws Prints Press, LLC

Pingpong Perry Experiences How a Book Is Made -- Picture Window Books/Capstone

Young Adult Fiction

Siberia John & The Mystery of the Amazing Zoo -- Three Towers Press/MavenMark Books

The Ugly Tree -- Comfort Publishing

Wilkinshire -- iUniverse

Coffee Table Books

Like an Old Friend -- Beaver's Pond Press

Whispers of the Ancients -- University of Michigan Press

Cookbooks

Café Indiana Cookbook -- University of Wisconsin Press

Cooking Ala Heart -- Appletree Press Inc.

Let's Cook -- Appletree Press, Inc.

Crafts/Hobbies

Amy Barickman's Vintage Notions -- Amy Barickman LLC

Quilting: The Basics and Beyond -- Landauer Publishing

Threads: The Basics and Beyond -- Landauer Publishing

Culture

Living in Two Worlds -- World Wisdom

Paris from the Heart -- Beaver's Pond Press

Whispers of the Ancients -- University of Michigan Press

Current Events

Men of a Single Book -- World Wisdom

Quick Cash -- Northern Illinois University Press

Family/Parenting

First the Broccoli, then the Ice Cream -- Two Fish Books

Heading Home with Your Newborn -- American Academy of Pediatrics

Yafi's Family -- Amharic Kids Press

General Fiction

Cranberry Red -- University of Wisconsin Press

The Peculiar Boars of Malloy -- Switchgrass Books/Northern Illinois University

Today's Special! Yes It Is -- Tristan Publishing

Genre Fiction

Deadly Reunion -- North Star Press

Death's Imperfect Witness -- North Star Press

Girl in the Gatehouse -- Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group

Health

Mental Health Naturally -- American Academy of Pediatrics

The Reluctant Donor -- Beaver's Pond Press

Yoga for Every Room in Your House -- Great Bear Press

History

Living in Two Worlds -- World Wisdom

Lost on the Lady Elgin -- In-Depth Editions

Sierra Summer, 1874 -- Pineneedle Press

How-To/Do-It-Yourself

Amy Barickman's Vintage Notions -- Amy Barickman LLC

Humor

Garage Logic -- Beaver's Pond Press

Hitchhiking After Dark -- Gale Force Press

The Athletic Benchley -- Glendower Media

Inspiration/Gift Book

Bringing Jon Home -- Beaver's Pond Press

I'm New at Being Old -- Temuna Press

Whispers of the Ancients -- University of Michigan Press

Midwest Regional Interest

H. H. Bennet, Photographer -- University of Minnesota Press

The Opposite of Cold -- University of Minnesota Press

Whispers of the Ancients -- University of Michigan Press

Nature

Amazing Hummingbirds -- Adventure Publications

Common Dragonflies of Northern Door County -- Stonehill Publishing

Nature Garden -- Forager's Harvest Press

Poetry

Beso the Donkey -- Michigan State University

Jackson, Jesse, and the Almost Free Lunch -- Beaver's Pond Press

The Wind Blows. The Ice Breaks -- Nodin Press

Recreation/Sports

A Grouse Hunter's Almanac -- University of Wisconsin Press

Live Happily Ever Active -- Jabberwocky Books

Raising Stanley: What It Takes to Claim Hockey's Ultimate Prize -- Triumph Books

Reference

2011 Saint Paul Almanac -- Arcata Press

A Handbook of Scandinavian Names -- University of Wisconsin Press

MFA in a Box -- Dream of Things

Religion/Philosophy

Circle of Catholic Women -- Juloya/Elva Resa Publishing

Kierkegaard -- Lutheran University Press/Kirk House

The Saint John's Bible: Historical Books -- Liturgical Press

Self-Help

Living with the Enemy -- Beaver's Pond Press

The Joyful Professor -- MavenMark Books/Henschel Haus

Yoga for Every Room in Your House -- Great Bear Press

Social Science

Spirits of Earth -- University of Wisconsin Press

Stalking Mary -- Beaver's Pond Press

Whispers of the Ancients -- University of Michigan Press

Travel

2011 Saint Paul Almanac -- Arcata Press

Lake Superior: The Ultimate Guide -- Lake Superior Port Cities, Inc.

Paris from the Heart -- Beaver's Pond Press

Illustration

An Illustrated Introduction to Taoism -- World Wisdom

Stranger in the Woods: Snowflake Edition -- Carl R. Sams II Photography

Whispers of the Ancients -- University of Michigan Press

Interior Layout

Live Happily Ever Active -- Jabberwocky Books

Living in Two Worlds -- World Wisdom

Sacred Ground -- Beaver's Pond Press

1-2 Color Cover

Legacy of Life -- MavenMark Books/Henschel Haus

The Butterfly Key -- Butterfly Publishing Press

3 or More Color Cover

An Illustrated Introduction to Taoism -- World Wisdom

Living in Two Worlds -- World Wisdom

Marilyn and Me -- Augusta Wind Press

Total Book Design

An Illustrated Introduction to Taoism -- World Wisdom

Living in Two Worlds -- World Wisdom

Wisconsin's Own -- Wisconsin Historical Society Press

No Dog Wheelchair is too Big or Too Small for Eddie's Wheels to Build

Ok, this is just too cute not to share!  Check out sweet little Riley- the recipient of  a dog cart from Eddie's Wheels which is officially now the smallest wheelchair they have built to date.  Go Riley!

Coming Soon! Frankie Coloring and Paper Doll Activity Book

I'm so excited to announce that a new Frankie product is just around the corner!  To be released June 2011: Frankie Coloring and Paper Doll Activity Book.


A PAWSitive Coloring and Paper Doll Activity Book based on the popular children's book by Barbara Gail Techel.


Back Cover: Remember, kids, what I always say: Always be positive, make a difference, and keep on rolling! Color along with the story of how I learned this lesson, and dress up my paper doll when you're done.

Stay tuned to my blog for release date, or sign up on my website to receive updates via email.

Special Needs Pet Feature: Otto

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 our 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?

Otto

How old is your pet?

About 7

Where did you get your pet?

I adopted Otto when he was 4, just after he lost his leg.  A man found him on the side of the road and turned him in to a local rescue.  Otto was at an Adoption Day at Petsmart and I fell in love, but my other dog, Baby, was going through a few surgeries at the time.  I told myself that if he was still available after Baby healed then it was meant to be.  And sure enough, a month later no one had adopted him, so I scooped him up!

What is your pets physical challenge?

Otto lost his back left leg after we think he was hit by a car.  They tried putting pins in it, but he just didn’t respond well to that so they took the leg off and he did great!

What is your pets favorite thing to do?

Otto LOVES his squeaky stuffed animals.  He even takes them outside to go potty with him.

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?

The appendages of his stuffed toys – ears, legs, tails, etc.

What do you love most about your pet?

Otto is the most affectionate dog I have ever known.  He just wants to be with me either on my lap or at my feet.

What has your pet most taught you?

Otto has taught me that dogs really do understand things that we say.  I took him to an animal communicator, and he understood everything I asked him and even responded with childlike answers.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I recently took Otto to private lessons and he learned a lot of new things, one of which is “gentle”.  He tends to take treats from you rather aggressively and I wanted him to learn how not to do that.  I tell him “gentle” and he gives me a little lip curl (just to let me know he’s still a tough guy!) and takes the treat like a nice dog.

Otto you are quite the character and we are so happy you stopped by!

Five Years and Still Going Strong Living With IVDD

Today I share with you the special post my mom wrote about me on her blog.

Today marks the 5^th anniversary since my little Frankie “went down” as it is referred to when a dog can no longer walk and is diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).

And so began a mission I became so passionate about that I knew if I didn’t pursue it, I would regret it at the end of my life- my mission to educate others that animals with disabilities deserve a chance at living a quality life. From that mission, sprang another unexpected purpose which was to help children and adult’s see their challenges more positively because it was one of many lessons I learned from Frankie.

For me, the day that call came that Frankie went down, was one of the most devastating moments I ever had. I still recall very vividly in my mind trying to picture what Frankie’s life would look like not being able to use her hind legs.  I was 1,400 miles from home vacationing at my mom’s winter house with my husband, John when I received the call that spun my world upside down.

The surgeon gave me the news that Frankie had only a 10-30% chance of walking again even with surgery. After careful consideration, much crying, and consoling from John and my mom, I made the decision to proceed with the surgery.

Frankie when I brought her home after her surgery

You know how they say “life happens while you are busy making other plans?”  That is exactly what happened. My dream of having my new lab puppy become a therapy dog and writing about those experiences was all put on hold.  I was uncertain of my future because of the care I would need to now do for my handicapped dog. I was also angry and could not understand why this was happening when I had my whole life planned out, when my mom gently said to me, “Well maybe God meant for Frankie to be your therapy dog.”  That one line of wisdom has unfolded into countless blessings since that fateful day five years ago.

One of my greatest lessons learned from Frankie through her healing and recovery is that it does not pay to sit too long in pity for yourself or for your dog.  It is up to each of us to look for the good in the bad, find the lesson in a tough situation, and be open to a new path ahead. I realized one day that I had a choice. I could continue to be sad and negative, or I could choose to be happy and positive, and be open to the blessings that may reveal themselves.  Oh, how glad I am that I got that message and changed my attitude, because you see, once I did, everything fell right into place.

Photeo taken one year after Frankie's IVDD diagnoses- joyful and full of life rolling in the grass!

Frankie has also taught me patience, which I am still learning, and still need to be reminded of now and then. But I’m happy to say I seem to be catching on quite well to that lesson. My life is much calmer because of it. 

One of Frankie’s biggest teachings was to follow my heart and not be afraid. She has taught me to push past the fear.  Watching her fly about in her wheelchair, carefree and content, is a constant reminder to me to be who I am without worry what others think.  Frankie does not care that her back legs don’t work so well, nor does she mind being a dog in a wheelchair.

I still get incredibly sad when someone puts their pet to sleep because they can’t bear to see their pet “like that.”  I’ve gotten stronger in expressing to others that pets don’t take pity on themselves, and really it is not any different than if a human loses the loss of their limbs. The difference is that we humans have a much harder time accepting the reality of that loss, where pets accept, and move forward, and we would never give one thought to putting a human to sleep because they became paralyzed. So changing the mindset of others in the same way for animals is something I strive to do with compassion, patience, understanding, and love.

Today I don’t grieve for the past of what have might have been.  Instead I celebrate the gift of that fateful day that opened me up, and through Frankie’s eyes I saw life in full bloom with opportunities and blessings growing in every direction. I don’t know how I will ever thank Frankie for all she has taught me, but giving her at least one thousand kisses and hugs a day, I have a feeling she just may know.

I love you my little dog on wheels… my ambassador of inspiration… my constant shining light as my reminder to see the world with compassion and love.  XO

Should your dog ever be diagnosed with IVDD or you know of a dog that has, please let others know about these wonderful resources:

Dodgerslist is an organization dedicated to helping people whose pets have been diagnosed with IVDD.  They have a DVD for only $3.00 that is a must to buy and educate yourself should your dog ever be faced with this diagnoses.  I encourage you to get it NOW and know your options, as there are many options to help your dog live a long, happy, and quality life.

Eddie’s Wheels is a dog wheelchair company that truly live their life’s work and mission.  Their motto is: We test our products on Animals – speaks to the over 20 years of sharing their lives with disabled pets.   They continue to take each order individually with careful attention to making sure the cart will serve each pet’s level of disability. Their well-trained and experienced staff still design and build each cart by hand with the dog’s name on it. They continue to be moved by the stories from their customers who tell them about their soul companions and feel privileged to be part of their lives.

And if Frankie could talk I have no doubt her motto is this to us:

Always be positive, make a difference, and keep on rolling!!

Out of the Mouths of Babes

I had a super fun time at Lakeshore Elementary School today and met K-5th graders who were very excited to meet and learn all about me.
My mom shows photos of me via PowerPoint before my IVDD diagnoses and after.  One of the photos of me that she shows is how I ride in the car in my doggie car seat.  I get strapped in, just like you would put your seat belt on.  Here's a photo of me in my doggie car seat:

So as the kids stood in line to get a close up glimpse of me after the presentation, one very curious little boy said to my mom, "Where does your husband sit?"  At first my mom did not understand his question.  Then all of a sudden sher realized what he meant and grinned and said, "Do you mean when Frankie rides in the doggie car seat?"  He shook his head with a very concerned look on his face.  My mom said, "Well, actually, my husband does sometimes sit in the back seat!"  And yup, it's true!  Even my mom's best friend had to sit in the back seat one time when I was in my doggie seat in the front.  What a life I have, huh?

Special Needs Pet Feature: Lily

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 our website contact. Send a photo and weI will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.

What is your pets name?

Lily Louise

How old is your pet?

About 7

Where did you get your pet?

Lily came from the litter of our next door neighbor’s dog.

What is your pets physical challenge?

Lily is deaf and epileptic since birth

What is your pets favorite thing to do?

Lily LOVES to lay outside when it’s very cold outside.  She is my winter dog!

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?

Rawhide sticks for sure.

What do you love most about your pet?

Lily is so smart.  She knows sign language!  It took practically no effort to teach her.  She came by it naturally.

What has your pet most taught you?

Lily has taught me a lot about pack dynamics.  We’ve had changes to the pack over the last couple years and she has handled it beautifully.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Lily is most certainly Alpha of our 3 dogs.  She also hates the UPS man.  For some reason she doesn’t mind FedEx, but Brown just sets her off!

Frankie Makes Visit to New Holstein Public Library

Tuesday, April 5th I made my 2nd appearance at New Holstein Public Library in Wisconsin and I was once again a big hit!

My favorite part is when my mom shares with the children how when I first got in my wheelchair and I didn't budge an inch. The kids really giggle when my mom says, "Run free Frankie, I know you can do it" and I stand still as a statue!  My mom then shows the children how I learned to 'walk 'n roll' in my wheelchair by throwing treats for me and I roll after them!  yum and fun!

Frankie is available to visit your school or library in-person if you are located in Wisconsin or she also can visit your school or library via Skype!

Teachers: download our free ebook to help plan an in-person or skype visit.
Librarians: download our free ebook to help plan an in-person or skype visit.

Spring Arrives at Eddie's Wheels and Mascots take a Stroll

Love this from Eddie's Wheels and what they had to say about their mascots Willa, Webster and Sweet Pea and pets with wheelchairs out for a stroll after a long winter.

"Just because you need wheels to get anyplace doesn’t stop a dog from being a dog.  This is a long video, taken yesterday, when the snow had finally receded enough to let the dogs find the yard again.   Here they are celebrating , sniffing and being dogs.   These are our dog family.  Willa and Webster in their front wheel cart, and Sweet Pea, our paralyzed pitbull, enjoying the coming of spring."

As you can see from the video dogs live in each moment, enjoying what is before them, not worrying whether they have wheels for legs or not... life is meant to be joyful and with all the fresh new smells of spring this should always give you hope that anything is possible... and take your cue from Willa, Webster, and Sweet Pea that life is indeed grand.

Frankie the Therapy Dog Visits Memorial Hospital

Getting ready for a visit!

My mom and I love it when it is therapy dog day!  The 1st Friday of the month we visit Memorial Medical Center, the 3rd Monday of the month we visit Libby's House, Senior Assisted Living, and the 2nd Tuesday of the month we visit Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.

Therapy Dog work is sooooo rewarding!  It never fails that when I roll into a room or a facility there are many smiles... and that makes this dog feel awfully special.

If you'd like to be a therapy dog team with your dog there are many great organizations you can get your training from:

Therapy Dogs, Inc.

Therapy Dogs International

Delta Society

We highly recommend getting the training and having your dog as a certified therapy dog, then just popping into places for a visit. Many facilities require that you are a trained team, though there are some that don't. But being certified means you are professional, as well as you are covered under their liability insurance in the event something should happen.

Poncho the Dachshund Gets Stuck in Sweatshirt

It was bound to happen!  We doxie's LOVE to burrow and sometimes we burrow in somewhere with no return, and as you will see in this video, we need a little help from our human friends to get us unstuck!  Oh, Poncho, you silly dog... and I'll bet you do it again, now won't you?  We just can't help but to burrow!

Special Needs Pet Feature: Fionna McSnuggles

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?

Fiona McSnuggles   

How old is your pet?

Approximately five years old

Where did you get your pet?

She was adopted from the Shelby County Animal Shelter in Shelbyville, KY

What is your pet’s physical challenge?

She has no eyes. They were removed a little over a year ago since they were painful and non operational.

What is your pet’s favorite thing to do?

Snuggle time with anyone that will pick her up.

What is your pet’s favorite thing to eat?

She isn’t very food motivated but likes soft treats best.

What do you love most about your pet?

The way she walks around wagging her tail, being a happy dog all the time.

What has your pet most taught you?

Nothing is impossible if you want it. She has no fear and will climb and jump all over the furniture.

Anything else you’d like to share?

She is a great example of making the best out of a bad situation. We were afraid that she would be nippy or fearful since she’s blind but she’s the happiest little dog and just wants to be loved. She’s a doll baby and so loving.  When she was originally examined by the vet in KY, the shelter was told that she had incurable cancer that would soon take her life. They took her home to live with them but she got better. When we adopted her, we still thought she had cancer since there was no follow up X-ray. My vet called with the great news-no cancer! As a matter of fact, she was incredibly healthy. My vet thinks is was severe pneumonia that was just mis-diagnosed. Lucky for her that the shelter had such a compassionate director who gave her a chance and a No Kill group that paid for her surgeries. She’s a shining example of how No Kill shelters save lives and how life is what you make of it.

Please note that Fionna McSnuggles is also a registered therapy dog providing love and joy to the elderly and patients at hospitals.  No doubt in my mind that Fionna snuggles right into the hearts of those she meets!