Daniel the Beagle-Miracle Dog Fighting to End Pet Gas Chambers

I was shocked to learn that 30 states use gas chambers to kill dogs that are up for adoption at shelters, but are not adopted. I did not know this barbaric practice was in place. Daniel the beagle was one of those dogs put in a gas chamber with 17 other dogs. When the door was opened, Daniel walked out. His tail was wagging.

A vet explained that there could have been an air pocket that helped Daniel escape the gas. We can try and find a reason that makes sense to our human minds, but I believe without a doubt that something bigger was at work that Daniel walked away-- full of life-- with a very important mission and message to share.

I was delighted when I learned that Daniel was adopted by my friend Joe Dwyer. Joe is a man of deep compassion for animals-- Daniel and Joe were meant to have found each other-- no doubt what-so-ever in my mind.

Joe, Shelby and Daniel

I spoke with Joe today and his first and foremost concern is Daniel's well being- to ensure he gets to be a dog with lots of playing time, enjoying his new family, and plenty of down time to just be a dog. It is one of the biggest things I appreciate and admire about Joe- his devotion to our furry companions and their well being. Second, he knows Daniel is a miracle and the message to outlaw gas chambers is a very needed and important one. He and Daniel are working hard to put into place "Daniel's Law" in Pennsylvania that will end this awful practice.... and hopefully all other 30 states will follow.

You can help Joe and Daniel spread the word just like we are doing. Share on your blog if you have one, share on Facebook, Twitter, wherever you can. Awareness brings positive changes. Every little bit helps.

No dog should ever, ever have to die in this way. They are living, breathing beings that deserve so much more. As it says on his website, "Adoption is the answer." So share his story where you can... I can assure you Daniel's tail will wag for your efforts. And all the dogs that will be adopted because of Daniel's story will thank you with complete love and devotion to you till the end of their time here on earth.

I encourage you to watch Daniel, Joe and his wife, Gerilynn on the Anderson Cooper show this Friday at 3:00pm CST. 

Please also visit and friend Daniel on Facebook, and also check out his website where he will be sharing updates of his work to end pet gas chambers.

A Mini Me?

My mom's friend Julie and her 3-year old daughter stopped for lunch at our house recently. Look what they brought us!  How did they know we love dachshunds? I think a little elf told them.  ARF!

Reminder: Plaid Friday- Free Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Coloring & Paper Doll Activity Books

Do you know about Plaid Friday? I recently learned about it over at Bedlam Farm blog.

"The name Plaid Friday celebrates the diversity and creativity of independent businesses. Plaid Friday is the fun and enjoyable alternative to the big box store "Black Friday", and is designed to promote both local and independently owned businesses during the holidays.

Being a local author, as well as my husband owning his own small business, I love this new movement!  I also love supporting my local indie shops by shopping locally when I need a gift.

So here at Joyful Paw Prints Press we are embracing Plaid Friday with abundant joy and offering a fantastic special!

Beginning at 12:01am November 25th and running until midnight November 25th with any purchase of $25 or more from our books and products you will receive the following for free:

• NEW! Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Coloring and Paper Doll Activity Book
• You will also receive free from our current promotion a Frankie "Be PAWSitive" bracelet and Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Activity ebook (link to activity book will be emailed to you when we receive your order).

And to top it off we will give away FIVE of our New Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Coloring and Paper Doll Activity Books to those placing an order. So if you are the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, or 20th order you will not only get one free coloring book, but TWO! They make great stocking stuffers!

So be sure to head on over to our store for our selection of inspirational books, as well as our products page for lots of Frankie items sure to delight Frankie fans on your Christmas list.

Happy Thanksgiving

Deeply grateful for each and every one of you who follow along on my adventures.  Wishing you each a blessed Thanksgiving.

Give us thankful hearts.....
in this season of Thanksgiving.
May we be thankful for health and strength,
for sun and rain and peace.
Let us seize the day and the opportunity and strive for that greatness of spirit
that measures life not by its disappointments but by its possibilities, and let us ever remember that
true gratitude and appreciation
show itself neither in independence nor satisfaction but passes the gift joyfully on in larger and better form.

-W.E.B. DuBois

Plaid Friday, Free Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Coloring & Paper Doll Activity Books

A special announcement from Barbara Techel of Joyful Paw Prints Press (yup- that's my mom!)

Do you know about Plaid Friday? I recently learned about it over at Bedlam Farm blog.

"The name Plaid Friday celebrates the diversity and creativity of independent businesses. Plaid Friday is the fun and enjoyable alternative to the big box store "Black Friday", and is designed to promote both local and independently owned businesses during the holidays.

Being a local author, as well as my husband owning his own small business, I love this new movement!  I also love supporting my local indie shops by shopping locally when I need a gift.

So here at Joyful Paw Prints Press we are embracing Plaid Friday with abundant joy and offering a fantastic special!

Beginning at 12:01am November 25th and running until midnight November 25th with any purchase of $25 or more from our books and products you will receive the following for free:

• NEW! Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Coloring and Paper Doll Activity Book
• You will also receive free from our current promotion a Frankie "Be PAWSitive" bracelet and Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Activity ebook (link to activity book will be emailed to you when we receive your order).

And to top it off we will give away FIVE of our New Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Coloring and Paper Doll Activity Books to those placing an order. So if you are the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, or 20th order you will not only get one free coloring book, but TWO! They make great stocking stuffers!

So be sure to head on over to our store for our selection of inspirational books, as well as our products page for lots of Frankie items sure to delight Frankie fans on your Christmas list.

Frankie Surprises Young Boy for his 11th Birthday

Last Saturday Frankie and I surprised a very special young boy named Brandon for his 11th birthday. I had visited his school the year before. Brandon's mom called my mom awhile back and asked if there was any way we could stop by and surprise Brandon for his birthday party. She told us that Brandon talks about me all the time. I was quite flattered. ARF!

So last Saturday, Mom and I drove to Fond du Lac which is about 30 minutes from where we live. Brandon and his friends were out in the backyard playing. Brandon's mom, Tricia instructed us to go into the garage where tables and snacks were set up for the boys.

One of the mom's yelled out the back garage service door that it was time to come into the garage. She said, "Brandon, your surprise is here!"  Keeping the door closed most of the way until all the boys were outside it, my mom and I waited patiently.

The door then opened and Brandon was in front of all his friends. His mom said, "Surprise, Brandon!  Look whose here!" Brandon was looking up and all over... and ahem, I happen to be quite short, so he wasn't looking down. My mom pointed to the ground and said, "Brandon, look down."

When Brandon looked down and saw me his mouth opened wide and his eyes grew big as saucers!  He ran right over to me, stooped down and started to pet me. He didn't really say anything, but I could see he was surprised. He then sat down on the garage stoop. His mom said, "Brandon, do you have tears in your eyes?" He said, "I'm so happy Frankie is here!"

I'm telling Brandon a secret... but it's a secret so it's only between Brandon and me!

So this was a gift for Brandon for his birthday, but I have to say.... my little doggie heart grew three times its size in that moment realizing how thrilled Brandon was to have me there.

His friends were all very cool and fun- everyone taking turns petting me. It was the best!  Brandon told my mom two times how much he likes the book about me. Awww gosh, that made us blush!

Brandon didn't want me to leave, but after about 45 minutes it was time for a well deserved doggie nap for me. Brandon said to my mom, "Can I walk her to your car?"  My mom said, "Of course you can. And you can even put Frankie in her doggie car seat for me."

Brandon did just that and then hugged me and hugged me. What a wonderful young man. He is going to make a great doggie care taker some day- I just know it.

You can follow me on Facebook where I share updates and specials on my books and products. Or follow me on Twitter too!
Also please check out my Disabled Animal Rescue page on Facebook. This is my way of helping animals with special needs find their forever homes. Please feel free to share special needs pets that need homes on this special page.

Special Needs Pet Feature: Kaylee

What is your pet's name?

Kaylee

How old is your pet?

Kaylee is about 7 years old. 

Where did you get your pet?

We adopted Kaylee from Remember Me Ranch Rescue, Baraboo, WI in June of 2011, where she had been since February 2011 

What is your pet's physical challenge?

Kaylee was hit by a car about three years ago, and her previous owners failed to seek medical treatment.  She has a spinal cord injury at her thoraco-lumbar junction resulting in severe sensory deficits and muscle wasting in her rear legs.  Her X-rays show subluxation of the left hip which could either be from the car accident, or possibly hip dysplasia.   She isn’t always quite sure where that left leg is! Happily, after a few months of rehab, her prognosis is much better than we ever expected. At the rehab clinic, Kaylee walks perfectly on an underwater treadmill and gets laser treatments to reduce inflammation and pain. She also has lots of exercises and stretches at home to build strength and decrease her sensory deficits. She has gone from crawling 90% of the time to walking 90% of the time in just four months. 

What is your pet's favorite thing to do?

Kaylee’s favorite thing is to be involved with anything her family is doing. She is delighted to go on car rides when we run errands, be in the yard while I’m gardening, or just curl up and watch TV.  It must have broken her heart to be cast outside and ignored by her previous family. 

What is your pet's favorite thing to eat?

Kaylee loves the dried liver treats she gets at her rehab clinic. They are a good distraction during exams and an excellent motivator during exercises.

What do you love most about your pet?

Just looking at Kaylee makes me smile.  Even with all of the challenges and neglect Kaylee has faced, she still embraces life to the fullest.  And that is a good lesson for all of us!

What has your pet most taught you?

Kaylee is the perfect example of how resilient rescue dogs can be.  After being tied out and ignored for three years with her crippling injury and additional medical problems (embedded collar, Lyme Disease, UTI, and rotting teeth), Kaylee radiates joy and love.  I’m so lucky to be her mom!

Anything else you’d like to share?

I’ve made it my mission to seek out senior and special needs pets to adopt from shelters and rescues.  I know these animals will wait the longest to find homes—if they ever find one at all.   And I’ve never been disappointed—being a “rescue mom” has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Visit Kaylee at her blog.

 ***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.***

Here is the replay of the interview my mom, author Barbara Techel did with Deb Scott of The Best People We Know radio show. Deb is a fantastic radio host full of energy and enthusiasm.  Pass this radio show onto those that you know may need a shot of inspiration, or those that have a special needs pet, or teachers looking for a great program to educate their kids about differences and challenges.

Also available on itunes!

Special Needs Pet Feature: Sweet Pea (Up for Adoption Soon)

When my mom and I got an email from Dona of Dachshund Resuce of North America about this dear little girl, our heart's broke for what happened to her. We are so thankful though that Dona got her out of her horrible situation so she can find a new home with people who love her. She will need lots of love and extra care, but perhaps you just might have room in your home for her?  She will be available for adoption soon!

What is your pet's name?
Sweet Pea

How old is your pet?
About 2 yrs. old.

Where did you get your pet?
She was confiscated from an abusive family.

What is your pet's physical challenge?
After being thrown down a laundry chute by some children, she sustained a ruptured disc and was paralyzed in her rear legs.

What is your pet's favorite thing to do?
She loves being held about all the time.  But she also likes playing with other dogs and with stuffed toys.

What is your pet's favorite thing to eat? 
Anything!  When rescued, she was also starved and emaciated.  So eating is a passion for her.


What do you love most about your pet? 
Her spunk and attitude.  She has Dachsitude for sure.

What has your pet most taught you?
To never give up, no matter what the circumstances.

Anything else you’d like to share? 
Sweet Pea is a foster dog of mine through Dachshund Rescue of North America.  She will be available for adoption once she finishes therapy.

 ***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.***

Deb Scott, Host of The Best People We Know Interviews Author Barbara Techel

Deb Scott, author, certified professional coach, radio host, and motivational speaker changes lives with an ability to inspire individuals to transform the bad into good.

I'm excited that Deb will be interviewing my mom, author Barbara Techel about the many lessons that I teach children.

When:  Tuesday, Novemeber 15th, 2011

Time:  10:00am CST, 11:00a EST

Where:  Blog Talk Radio- listen right on your computer or return another day to hear the replay if you can't make it on the 15th.

To learn more about Barbara & Frankie you can find them many places on the web!

Joyful Paws Website
Barbara on Facebook
Frankie on Facebook
Frankie on Twitter
Barbara on Twitter
Barbara on LinkedIn

114 Frankie Books Going to Jefferson Elementary School

114 books signed by my mom, author Barbara Techel and pawtographed by me ready for delivery to Jefferson Elementary School!

My mom, Barbara Techel and I love doing author visits to schools in our state of Wisconsin (we also do Skype visits!) Sharing my PAWSitive message with students is very rewarding!  Today I am very excited to be visiting the 2nd and 6th grade students of Jefferson Elementary school.

When my mom and I started visiting schools almost 4 years ago, Jefferson Elementary was one of the first schools we visited. At the time the 6th graders were in 2nd grade. So now I get to see them once again and share updates about what I've been up to (like my therapy dog work which my mom wrote about in my newest book, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House.)

And to top off what is already going to be a special day, one of the parents generously paid for a copy of each of my books to be given to each 2nd and 6th grade student. How arf-a-roo wonderful is that?!??  My mom and I were very, very touched.

Book Giveaway: Animals and the Kids Who Love Them

Last week my mom shared her review of Animals and the Kids Who Love Them by Linda and Allen Anderson on her blog.

She personally wrote a story for the book about me, Frankie (the walk n roll dog), her special needs dog, and my amazing bond with a special needs little boy named Jackson. All the stories are so touching and it is a book that will warm your heart. It also makes a great gift for the holidays, so do check it out today!

In the meantime I'm giving away a copy, so please leave a comment in the comment section to enter your name into the drawing. I will pick a winner at random on Friday, November 11th, so be sure to leave your comment by no later than midnight on November 10th. Please be sure your comment links back to you so I have a way in which to contact you if you are the winner.

Open to US and Canada residents only.

Adopt a Special Needs Dog!

Book Review: Animals and the Kids Who Love Them

As I read about the bond between children and pets in "Animals and the Kids Who Love Them" I felt my heart ooze with joy as tears streamed down my face. In a world, that at times, can be full of heartache and uncertainty, I often wonder about the future of our children. 

Reading this book, I found hope in the creatures that God created who are helping to shape the lives of our young generation- animals who provide comfort, unconditional love, and a safe place for kids to just be themselves. It gave me hope that as long as we continue to respect and honor that bond, and allow it to work its magic, that there is always hope for our children's futures.

I am in awe and gratitude for the countless number of people who give of their time and dedication to bring children together with animals, giving them experiences they may have never gotten. Enriching their lives through loving a furry pal who they can share all their secrets with, and who will never judge them.

I've personally witnessed the profound magic that can happen between a child and an animal as the mom to Frankie the Walk `N Roll Dog, my special needs pet, and her close bond with a special needs little boy named Jackson(featured in the book). As I read the other stories in this book, I felt a soulful connection with each of the people who have had the distinct honor of seeing that same amazing bond- there is nothing quite like it.

Bravo to Linda and Allen Anderson for putting together a collection of stories that will grab hold of your heart and never let go... and how enriched your life will become after you share in the delight and wonder of the bond between child and animal.

~Barbara Techel, Award-winning author of Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog book series