Thank you so much Dog Writer's of America Association for this great honor!
About Me
- Barbara Techel
- 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 dementia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dementia. Show all posts
Monday, December 13, 2010
Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House Nominated for Award!
It is with great excitement and honor that I annonuce my newest book, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House has been nominated for an award from Dog Writer's of America Association in the children's book category. It is also in the running for the coveted Maxwell Medallion.
Thank you so much Dog Writer's of America Association for this great honor!
Thank you so much Dog Writer's of America Association for this great honor!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
My Friends at Libby's house
I have made so many friends at Libby's House, which my newest book, Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House is based on.
Above is Janet. When I first met her she said, "I don't like dogs! And I don't like cats and fish either." Mom told me not to worry or feel bad that Janet said this. Sometimes, she said, Older people do not always realize what they say." Well, it was true she didn't like dogs. But I came to find out it was because she was bit by many of them when she was little!
Over the next few months of visiting, my mom would inch me closer and closer to Janet. Until one day when she reached out to pet me! Yes, she did! And now she likes me! She likes me! And I like her too-- well, I always did, but I just had to find a way that she could trust me... and with a little patience and kindness it didn't take long at all.
I'll share more of my friends in upcoming posts, so stay tuned!!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Review from Yvonne Perry, author of The Sid Series
My new book, Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House is making it's way out into the world and the reviews are coming in! If I could wag my tail, it would be wagging 100 miles a minute from this dog gone wonderful review from Yvonne Perry, children's author of The Sid Series. Big slurp on the cheek to you, Yvonne!
Yvonne gave it 5 stars! I love stars!
Appreciate the elderly and the disabled
When I think of all the animals that are destroyed because they have a disability, it saddens me-especially when I see the good that comes from using a disability to help others. That's the case with Frankie, the Walk `N Roll Therapy Dog. In Barbara Techel's new book, she tells how she and Frankie became a therapy team and the joy that visiting Libby's House brings to them and the residents. Libby's House is a senior facility where residents have Alzheimer's, dementia, or some physical challenge from aging.
Beautiful illustrations by Victoria Kay Lieffring enhance the telling of this story. Any child or adult will enjoy seeing Frankie perched in various places like the kitchen sink, her doggie car seat (where she serves as co-pilot), the teacher's desk, Daniel's lap, the dining room table (ready to help blow out the candles on 100-year-old Martha's birthday cake), and on the sofa or beside the wheelchair of an elderly resident. Each month, the folks at Libby's House eagerly await the arrival of Barbara and Frankie ready to pet the pooch who is paralyzed in her hind quarters.
I love the way Frankie tells her own story in a play-by-play narrative. You may forget that Frankie is not a human. She sure knows how to relate to people, and she's a really polite listener even when Edith tells about Schutzie, yet again! The lighthearted humor in this book will help children and adults understand that the elderly have a lot to offer younger generations--even when they are reminiscing and don't know what day it is!
This book provides an endearing glance to help us better appreciate the preciousness in all of life's stages. Highly recommended for family reading and classroom education.
For other reviews and to purchase the book visit Amazon. Can also be purchased from Joyful Paws website where special book bundle pricing is available.
Yvonne gave it 5 stars! I love stars!
Appreciate the elderly and the disabled
When I think of all the animals that are destroyed because they have a disability, it saddens me-especially when I see the good that comes from using a disability to help others. That's the case with Frankie, the Walk `N Roll Therapy Dog. In Barbara Techel's new book, she tells how she and Frankie became a therapy team and the joy that visiting Libby's House brings to them and the residents. Libby's House is a senior facility where residents have Alzheimer's, dementia, or some physical challenge from aging.
Beautiful illustrations by Victoria Kay Lieffring enhance the telling of this story. Any child or adult will enjoy seeing Frankie perched in various places like the kitchen sink, her doggie car seat (where she serves as co-pilot), the teacher's desk, Daniel's lap, the dining room table (ready to help blow out the candles on 100-year-old Martha's birthday cake), and on the sofa or beside the wheelchair of an elderly resident. Each month, the folks at Libby's House eagerly await the arrival of Barbara and Frankie ready to pet the pooch who is paralyzed in her hind quarters.
I love the way Frankie tells her own story in a play-by-play narrative. You may forget that Frankie is not a human. She sure knows how to relate to people, and she's a really polite listener even when Edith tells about Schutzie, yet again! The lighthearted humor in this book will help children and adults understand that the elderly have a lot to offer younger generations--even when they are reminiscing and don't know what day it is!
This book provides an endearing glance to help us better appreciate the preciousness in all of life's stages. Highly recommended for family reading and classroom education.
For other reviews and to purchase the book visit Amazon. Can also be purchased from Joyful Paws website where special book bundle pricing is available.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Announcing Release of Second Book in the Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Book Series!
Author Releases Second Book to Inspire Children andSeniors Who Have Special Needs or Disabilities
Author Barbara Techel and her 10-year-old daschund announce the release of their second book, Frankie The Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House.
We all face challenges in life, but dealing them is much easier when there’s support and understanding from significant others—even animals. Frankie is a dachshund who is paralyzed in her hind quarters as a result of an injury. But, she does not allow her physical challenges to limit her purpose or her gift of healing to others. Custom-fitted for a doggie wheelchair (dog cart), Frankie The Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog uses her disability to bring a message of hope and encouragement to young and old.
Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House is a true story told from a therapy dog’s viewpoint. This, the second book in the series, tells how Frankie became a registered therapy dog and gives several personal accounts of her visits to the residents of Libby’s House, a senior facility where many residents have Alzheimer’s or dementia http://www.libbyshouse.com/.
Frankie’s human mom and the book’s author, Barbara Techel, hoped for years to have a therapy dog and share the love that only a dog can bring. She wanted the dog to visit people who may not have animal contact on a regular basis.
“When Frankie was fitted for a doggie wheelchair, I wrote the first book and started taking her to local schools to entertain children,” says Barbara. “I realized Frankie would make a great therapy dog for adults as well as children. The fact that she is in a wheelchair makes her a bit more unique as she helps people in nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice identify on a deeper level. She has a challenge like many of them.”
Visiting Libby’s House once a month opened Barbara’s heart and eyes to realizing that people may not always understand what the elderly are going through, and all they want is someone to listen and spend time with them.
“I especially want children to not fear seniors who face the challenges brought on by aging,” says Ms. Techel. “I hope to encourage children to spend and cherish time with their own grandparents. I hope children will realize the beauty and wisdom in the elderly.”
“All one needs to do is see the expression in the eyes of those Frankie touches to know she is tangible love,” says Christine Thill, owner and RN administrator of Libby’s House where Frankie volunteers. “When the body fails, the spirit soars! Frankie’s visits along with Barb’s gentle nature are a true blessing to Libby’s House.”
Because she is bringing positive awareness to animals with disabilities through her therapy dog work, Frankie was awarded the Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame Companion and is the official mascot for National Disabled Pets Day. This little dog teaches us that patience, listening, and understanding opens our hearts to what matters most—love.
Through Frankie’s example, Barbara hopes to encourage anyone facing a challenge.
Having a disability does not mean we don’t have gifts to offer. Each of us can give back to the world in our own, unique way. Frankie’s volunteer work is a great way to prompt others to get involved in their own communities and find a way to be of service. Barbara says the rewards are beyond anything she could have ever imagined.
Even though she and Frankie visit Libby’s House once a month, Barbara still enjoys sharing with children the messages in her books. In fact, she has found a new way to share Frankie’s story via Skype an Author Network whose mission is to provide K-12 teachers and librarians with a way to connect authors, books, and young readers through virtual classroom visits. See http://tinyurl.com/SkypeBarbara to learn more.
Children are invited to follow Frankie, The Walk ‘N Roll Dog’s adventures on Frankie's Blog: http://www.frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com/. Adults will find more information about caring for special needs animals on Barbara’s blog at http://www.joyfulpaws.typepad.com/.
Author Barbara Techel and her 10-year-old daschund announce the release of their second book, Frankie The Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House.
We all face challenges in life, but dealing them is much easier when there’s support and understanding from significant others—even animals. Frankie is a dachshund who is paralyzed in her hind quarters as a result of an injury. But, she does not allow her physical challenges to limit her purpose or her gift of healing to others. Custom-fitted for a doggie wheelchair (dog cart), Frankie The Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog uses her disability to bring a message of hope and encouragement to young and old.
Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House is a true story told from a therapy dog’s viewpoint. This, the second book in the series, tells how Frankie became a registered therapy dog and gives several personal accounts of her visits to the residents of Libby’s House, a senior facility where many residents have Alzheimer’s or dementia http://www.libbyshouse.com/.
Frankie’s human mom and the book’s author, Barbara Techel, hoped for years to have a therapy dog and share the love that only a dog can bring. She wanted the dog to visit people who may not have animal contact on a regular basis.
“When Frankie was fitted for a doggie wheelchair, I wrote the first book and started taking her to local schools to entertain children,” says Barbara. “I realized Frankie would make a great therapy dog for adults as well as children. The fact that she is in a wheelchair makes her a bit more unique as she helps people in nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice identify on a deeper level. She has a challenge like many of them.”
Visiting Libby’s House once a month opened Barbara’s heart and eyes to realizing that people may not always understand what the elderly are going through, and all they want is someone to listen and spend time with them.
“I especially want children to not fear seniors who face the challenges brought on by aging,” says Ms. Techel. “I hope to encourage children to spend and cherish time with their own grandparents. I hope children will realize the beauty and wisdom in the elderly.”
“All one needs to do is see the expression in the eyes of those Frankie touches to know she is tangible love,” says Christine Thill, owner and RN administrator of Libby’s House where Frankie volunteers. “When the body fails, the spirit soars! Frankie’s visits along with Barb’s gentle nature are a true blessing to Libby’s House.”
Because she is bringing positive awareness to animals with disabilities through her therapy dog work, Frankie was awarded the Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame Companion and is the official mascot for National Disabled Pets Day. This little dog teaches us that patience, listening, and understanding opens our hearts to what matters most—love.
Through Frankie’s example, Barbara hopes to encourage anyone facing a challenge.
Having a disability does not mean we don’t have gifts to offer. Each of us can give back to the world in our own, unique way. Frankie’s volunteer work is a great way to prompt others to get involved in their own communities and find a way to be of service. Barbara says the rewards are beyond anything she could have ever imagined.
Even though she and Frankie visit Libby’s House once a month, Barbara still enjoys sharing with children the messages in her books. In fact, she has found a new way to share Frankie’s story via Skype an Author Network whose mission is to provide K-12 teachers and librarians with a way to connect authors, books, and young readers through virtual classroom visits. See http://tinyurl.com/SkypeBarbara to learn more.
Children are invited to follow Frankie, The Walk ‘N Roll Dog’s adventures on Frankie's Blog: http://www.frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com/. Adults will find more information about caring for special needs animals on Barbara’s blog at http://www.joyfulpaws.typepad.com/.
You can order your copy today by visiting our store on-line or order at Amazon.
###
Contact: Barbara Techel
Phone: 920-377-1749
E-mail: barbtechel (at) verizon.net
Web site: http://www.joyfulpaws.com/
###
Contact: Barbara Techel
Phone: 920-377-1749
E-mail: barbtechel (at) verizon.net
Web site: http://www.joyfulpaws.com/
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog's New Book Cover
Arf-a-roo! I am so excited to share my new book cover with you! Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House tentative release date is January 2010.
My mom will be on Animal Talk Naturally Radio Show Wed., July 8th beginning at 1:30p CST talking about my new book. You can listen via your computer or call in with a question. 646-595-4693 (kids-make sure to get permission from your parents before calling).
BOOK EXCERPT:
Many of the residents at Libby’s house sometimes can’t remember things. The staff helps them remember when to take their medicine, when to eat, and when to go to bed at night. It is kind of like being a kid again like when your mom and dad had to help you with those things.
Spending time at Libby’s House with Daniel makes my heart feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Sometimes older people feel lonely. When I visit, they share stories about their younger years and talk about when they had a pet. They also enjoy throwing my ball for me and feeding me treats.
The activity directors plan many special activities for the residents. On Tuesday afternoons, they all gather in the music room. A resident or staff member plays the piano and everyone sings songs from the old days. The whole time the music plays, Daniel smiles. He can’t always remember the words, but he hums along to the tune.
ENDORSEMENTS:
With this lovely book Frankie will win your heart and inspire children to overcome whatever obstacles they face in life. The journey from using a wheelchair ( dog cart) to finding her purpose as a therapy dog, told from Frankie’s viewpoint, is not only touching but also shows children how much joy, healing, and hope a dog can bring to this world. Outstanding!
~Linda and Allen Anderson, authors of Angel Animals books, Angel Animals Network
Barbara Techel takes us beyond our human reasoning and limited sight by engaging our imaginations grounded in truth through the eyes of her little dog Frankie - who doesn't allow her physical challenges to limit her purpose or her gift of healing to all those who come into contact with her. Into Libby's House we roll with the wide-eyed innocence and charm only a little dog in wheels can claim with unabashed healing love for those who are broken in spirit and body.
~ Dr. Kim Bloomer, veterinary naturopath, author and host of Animal Talk Naturally
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)