About Me

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Barbara Techel is the author of the multi-award winning Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog book series. When her dachshund, Frankie, suffered a spinal injury, Barbara had her custom-fitted for a wheelchair. Frankie persevered, and Barbara realized the beautiful opportunity she had to share Frankie and give others hope and inspiration to be the best they can be. Along with sharing Frankie’s story with children, Barbara and Frankie routinely volunteer as a therapy dog team at a local hospital, senior assisted facility, and hospice community, spreading joy wherever they go.
Showing posts with label Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Frankie meets therapy donkeys of Luv 'em All Donkey Farm

Recently my mom visited a very special farm with for miniature donkeys. They are all therapy donkeys owned by Susan and Brain Kilton.  They invite special needs groups and the elderly to be with the donkeys. You can read a special story my mom wrote about the donkeys and the day a special needs group visited, "For the Love of Donkeys"

Today I got to meet the donkeys because I will be taking part in visiting some times when special needs groups and elderly come out the the farm.  So not only will they meet donkeys, but they can meet me too!  So here's a fun video of my first time meeting my new donkey friends.



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Tuesday, June 21, 2011

WJ Niederkorn Library to Host Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog & Children's Author Barbara Techel


Legacystudioprof photofrankieandbarb

WHEN:  Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

WHERE:  WJ Niederkorn Library, 316 West Grand Avenue, Port Washington, WI

TIME:  1:30pm

WHAT:  Frankie was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease in 2006 after rupturing a disk in her back which caused paralysis. Hear her inspirational story of triumph and living life to the fullest in her doggie wheelchair. Interactive with participants helping demonstrate how Frankie gets out of her wheelchair and helping to do exercises with Frankie's back legs. Many giggles with slide presentation of fun photos of Frankie. Come meet the little dog dubbed as the "Ambassador of Inspiration" and star of her own award winning book series.  Half hour presentation will be followed by Q & A.  

Books will be avaialble for sale after presentation.

We hope to see you there!
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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

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 31st, 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.


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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Greeting Cards on Special this Week Only!

Frankie greeting cards depict me snuggled in my blanket that my mom and papa have dubbed my "cheese curd" blanket. I'm hanging out on the deck overseeing my mom's writing studio where she wrote my Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog book series.

Greeting cards are a print from a painting that was commissioned by my papa from the talented artist Cassy Tully as a anniversary gift for my  mom.  My mom still cries tears of joy remembering that very special day she shall never forget.

So, if you are a Frankie fan these greeting cards make wonderful cards to send to others to share my special message of: Always be positve, make a difference, and keep on rolling!  And they are great for framing also!

The back of each card shares my story along with my motto and authentic paw print.

Single card:  $3.95 (retail $4.95)
Boxed set of 5:  $17.95 (retail $19.95)

You can order on our website.
Special price good through Sunday, May 22, 2011
A portion of Frankie greeting card proceeds donated to various disabled animal charities and organizations.


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Sunday, November 21, 2010

Special Give-Away for Blog Jog Day

Yup, even dogs can take part in Blog Jog Day! What do you mean you don't know what Blog Jog Day is! Well, let me tell you. It is a special day where many bloggers come together to share each others blogs. We have special contests, give-ways, and just plain fun.
So I have a special give-away for stopping by today... and stay tuned until the end of the post so you can move onto the next blog for some more dog-gone fun!

SPECIAL GIVE-AWAY

I am giving away a "I Love Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog" tote bag! Great to take shopping, groceries, carry books, knitting, etc. So how can you win it?

Tell me in 50 words or less the best thing you love about your pet? If you dont' have a pet tell me the best thing you love about pets or a pet that you know. One name will be drawn on Tuesday, Nov. 23rd to win the tote bag! (If your post does not have a way to lead me back to you, please leave a way for me to contact you if you win). Good luck!

Arf-a-roo!  Now head on over to Travel Diversions with Doreen!


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Friday, October 8, 2010

Oprah Recommends Book "Dogs and the Women Who Love Them"

Oh boy!  Oh boy!  Such exciting news!  So you are likely wondering ok, so what's the big deal about Oprah and the book she recommended?  Oh boy!  Oh boy!  Well....pant, pant, pant... it means she read my story, because it is in Dogs and the Women Who Love Them!!  Hot-diggity dog!
My mom won 2nd place in a contest sponosored by best selling authors Linda and Allen Anderson when they were looking stories for this book.  The title of our story in the book is "The Blessings of a Wheelchair-Bound Dachshund."  We are so happy for Linda and Allen also for this endorsement becasue they truly deserve it for all the work they do to help animals.
So I hope you will check it out- it will be in bookstores early November, but you can also pre-order on Amazon today.



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Monday, September 27, 2010

Meet Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog LIVE STREAM this Thursday, 9-30-10

Hey my loyal followers- exciting news!  This is a first time ever event for me and my mom!  We will be coming to a computer near you, via LIVE STREAM!
We are so thrilled!!  Here's how it works:

Go to Stickam before this Thursday and sign up for a free account.
Then on Thursday join us on Rainbow Diamond's Stickam page as Rainbow and her parents interview us LIVE on the internet.

This Thursday, September 30th at 7:00pm CST (8:00pm EST)

OFFICAL INVITATION

Join us as our little Ambassador of Inspiration shares her story of hope. Learn about disc disease and how dogs diagnosed with this disease can live long, fulfilling lives (Frankie is proof, along with many others!).


We will also talk about our latest book, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House and how Frankie is bringing joy not only to Libby's House (senior assisted facility), but to patients in hospitals and hospice.

Rainbow Diamond, and her parents will be our host. Rainbow is an adorable dachshund rescued from a puppy mill. She was forced to live in a filthy bathtub and despite blunt force trauma to her spine, was used for breeding, despite all the pain she was in. She is now living a life of joy because of her loving foster parents. She is also now Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas Anti Puppy Mill Spokesdog and making a remarkable difference!


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Thursday, July 8, 2010

Frankie's Story on Newsstands TODAY- In Woman's World Magazine

Frankie's mom here.... Ok, so our timing was a bit off... we thought the issue would debut Monday, July 12th... but found out TODAY that the issue is actually out on many newsstands as of today, July 8th. So here is the cover and Frankie's story is on page 40.


I can't thank Woman's World enough, as well as writer Kathy Fitzpatrick for capturing our mission in such a beautiful way. I am so, so grateful.

Thank you also to Trisha Brunner of Legacy Studios for doing the photo shoot, as well as Hailey and McKayla Nack for being a part of the shoot. Though their pictures didn't make it in, I'm so grateful for their willingness to be a part of our very special day.

A big thank you to my husband, John who continually supports me in all that I do... as well as my mom who is so amazing in supporting me... and all my family and friends... thank you for sharing in our joy. It means so much to me.

Enjoy the article! And oh, yes, Frankie's story will be featured on WLUK, Channel 11 this Sunday, July 11th at two different times. One between 7:00a and 8:00a and then again between 9:00pm & 10:00pm. If this is not a channel in your area, visit WLUK website for a live link!


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Friday, June 11, 2010

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.


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Thursday, June 10, 2010

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!








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Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my mom.  I love snuggle time with her!

A special thank you to Mom of Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog  for getting this shot of me and my mom while they were visiting a few weeks ago..

NOTE:  Be sure to stop by Blog Jog Day post below to leave comment and receive free ebook I am giving away PLUS visit many new blogs with many giving away prizes for stopping by.  TODAY ONLY!


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Saturday, May 8, 2010

Blog Jog Day & A Free Gift For You


I love learning about new blogs!  I thought you might like to also.  I'm taking part in "Blog Jog Day" and invite you to click on the blog below and follow along on Blog Jog Day.  You just may find a new blog you  need to follow!  The blog below will take you to another blog and so on and so on.... have fun!

Deanna's Tidbits

FREE e-book copy of my activity workbook, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog just for today for stopping by and following along on Blog Jog Day!  Just leave a comment in the comment section that you stopped by and I will email you my ebook.
Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Activity Workbook Synopsis:  28-page work book in which Frankie inspires the message, always be positive and keep on rolling by her example that overcoming a challenge can be done by having a positive attitude. This activity book is filled with activities designed to teach children that challenges are given to help us learn and grow.



To learn more about Blog Jog Day visit their blog!


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