Disabled Dachshund Becomes First Ever Cyber Therapy Dog with Companions for the Soul

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

Award-winning Author Barbara Techel and her paralyzed therapy dog, Frankie, have been chosen as the first ever cyber therapy dog team. They will appear via Skype to share their inspiring story of learning to see challenges in a positive way and encourage volunteerism despite obstacles we may face.

ELKHART LAKE, WI — Barbara Techel and her 11-year old wheelchair-bound dachshund will share their inspiring and uplifting story about how Frankie suffered a spinal injury, was custom-fitted for a wheelchair, persevered, and became a volunteer therapy dog through Barbara’s award-winning book series, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog.

They will be appearing via Skype in conjunction with Companions for the Soul(CFTS)who is hosting this first time event on May 31^st, 2011.  Barbara and Frankie will be sharing their story with Woodside Elementary School and their K-2 Literacy program. CFTS is a non-profit therapy dog organization based in California and is hosting this first time ever event. CFTS’s programs are targeted at enriching the lives of the handicapped, autistic and special needs children. When executive director, Ginger Mozzetti, discovered Frankie and Barbara through their website, and the work they are doing, she contacted Barbara to ask if Frankie would be their first ever cyber therapy dog and partner with CFTS.

Barbara will share Frankie’s story, a selected reading, and answer questions. And most importantly, Frankie will be there to promote both her books, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog and Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House to bring the children smiles and joy by being in her presence, as well as encourage the students to read and see their challenges in a positive way.

We all face challenges in life, but when we choose to be positive despite obstacles, we find that our challenges can often time lead to some of our most pivotal learning opportunities.  Frankie taught her owner, Barbara just that, and now Barbara finds great joy in helping others benefit from Frankie’s amazing attitude and valuable life lessons.

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog book series is a true collection told from Frankie’s viewpoint. The first book tells how Frankie overcame adversity and lives every day to the fullest despite her disability, while the second book in the series, tells how Frankie became a registered therapy dog and gives personal accounts of her visits to the residents of Libby’s House, a senior assisted facility where many residents have Alzheimer’s or dementia.

To learn about Barbara and Frankie visit http://www.joyfulpaws.com and to learn more about CFTS visithttp://www.companionsforthesoul.org.