Special Needs Pet Feature: Gus

What is your pet's name?  
Gus

How old is your pet? 
 14

Where did you get your pet?  
I was there the day he was born. Friends of mine had both of the parents on their ranch. The sire was a papered heeler and the bitch was not but she was a heeler as well. So I call Gus a pure-bred but not well-bred heeler.  All my animals are rescues so I don’t care whether he is a pure-bred or not. The dogs were bred for herding purposes but he was really shy and only liked me so I was the lucky one to get him.

What is your pet's physical challenge? 
He went blind at age 11 from cataracts so I had surgery done on one eye which brought his sight back. Then two years later when he was 13 he got glaucoma in his good eye and went blind again. There wasn’t anything further we could do surgically due to his age so we control pain management with four eye drops twice a day.

What is your pet's favorite thing to do? 
Hang out with me; go to the park and car rides.  He would play tennis ball for hours until he went blind.

What is your pet's favorite thing to eat? 
He loves his premium dog food and biscuit snacks and the occasional meat scraps. Of course, we would eat most anything tasty if I would let him.

What do you love most about your pet? 
He is loyal and smart and has put all his trust in me since he went blind.  He never questions my voice commands and will even step off a curb without hesitation when we are walking.  He has no idea whether it’s a 100 foot drop or just a few inches. He doesn’t fear the unknown because he trusts me so much. I am his “seeing-eye person”.

What has your pet most taught you?
Un-conditional love.

Anything else you’d like to share?
I cherish every day that I have with Gus because at 14 I know I probably don’t have a lot of time left with him.  I love the breed and will go to a local heeler rescue organization to adopt when Gus crosses the rainbow bridge.

 ***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.***


A Message from Frankie's Mom on Why We Feature Special Needs Pets


My life changed for the better and my heart grew ten times it size when my dog, Frankie ruptured a disk and ended up in a doggie wheelchair.  That may sound odd, but it lead me to a calling that has brought me so much joy.
I love being an advocate for pets with special neeeds educating others that disabled pets are just as lovable as any other pet. I also feel so blessed to help kids of all ages see their challenges in a positive way through Frankie's example. Frankie is an incredbile gift not only in my life, but she has helped thousands of children through the book series about her, as well as the visits we do to schools in WI and schools across the US and Canada via Skype.
Sharing other pets with special needs expands on the message that all animals deserve a chance. Sharing these pets helps to spread a positive message and every time I meet a new special needs pet I feel my heart grow even bigger.  I hope it does the same for you and you pass on the love.
Learn more about Barbara and her love of special needs pets
Learn more about Barbara's special needs pet, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog

Special Needs Pet Feature of the Week: Chickie

What is your pets name?
Chickie

How old is your pet?
Approximately 13yrs old

Where did you get your pet?
We took her out of a bad situation after a friend called us about her needing rescue.


What is your pets physical challenge?
IVDD. Her back legs are paralyzed and she requires a cart to be mobile. Chickie does have bowel control but requires her bladder to be expressed several times a day and is diagnosed with chronic UTI which we monitor daily. Chickie did not always have IVDD, it came on her one day and even though she had surgery she never got the use of her hind legs again.

What is your pets favorite thing to do?
She loves to ‘boogie’, that is the code word we ask her if she wants to get in her cart and join the others.

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?
Anything & everything! We are talking about a dachshund!

What do you love most about your pet?
I can get her all set up in the chair with me and she starts to look around the room for one of her toys and I have to get them all one at a time until she decides which one she wants. It’s usually one of the last ones I bring. I often tell her she is ‘a ghra mo chroi’, which is Irish for ‘love of my heart’

What has your pet most taught you?
Commitment. We knew we were going to do whatever we had to do to give Chickie a decent quality of life. We have also learned how intelligent they can be when worked with. Oh, also how to clean up poop.

Anything else you’d like to share?
Chickie actually named herself. When we first got her she would follow my wife around always wanting to be picked up and held. So one day BJ picked up Pepper and asked her if she was ‘my little chick-a-dee’? Well, she got all excited so BJ asked her again and the same reaction! So that name stuck and she has been Chickie ever since that day. Chickie is also one of many little ambassadors for Dodgerslist, a website and support group for people with pets that suffer from IVDD. We incorporate her cart into her costumes to bring attention to her disability and show that many handicapped pets can have a decent quality of life. Many people remember her and tell us they look forward to what costume she will be wearing each Halloween.

Keep on rollin' Chickie!!
 ***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.***

Special Needs Pet Feature of the Week: Mira Bella

What is your pets name? 

Mira Bella

How old is your pet? 

6 years

Where did you get your pet? 

I had a friend on a dachshund site that posted that she has made contact with an old high school friend in the New Orleans area, and that person had a “piebald” dachshund that she was going to have put to sleep because she couldn’t walk.

After much thought I decided that I would take the dog and rehab her so she would not have to be destroyed.  When I finally saw pictures of her I realized immediately that she was a Double Dapple.  Then kind of as an afterthought her old owner mentioned that she was also deaf.  At that point it didn’t matter anyhow so I flew to New Orleans and brought her home to Montana with me. 

I took her to my vet and after X-rays found out she was paralyzed due to blunt trauma or some kind of crushing force to her spine.    Since I am a certified canine massage therapist I began a rigorous rehab program with her as she had been down for so long that she was way beyond the point that surgery could help. 

She now can walk albeit wobbly.  In the cold months she has some mobility issues and so we continue her rehab therapies as she needs them.

What is your pets physical challenge? 

Mira is incontinent, deaf, and partially blind on top of her back issues.

What is your pets favorite thing to do? 

Mira is a real cuddly snuggler, and she loves to run, romp and play with my other dogs.  My favorite thing Mira does is what we call going psycho dog, when I vacuum the house the sound doesn’t bother her at all of course but I think she can feel the vibration because she will race around as fast as she can and then grab the closest stuffy toy she can and give it the old doxie death shake.

What is your pets favorite thing to eat? 

Mira is a real cheese hound.  If I go anywhere near the fridge she is right there hoping for a slice.

What do you love most about your pet? 

I love Mira’s dedication, and her ability to love in spite of the abuse she suffered before she came to me.

What has your pet most taught you? 

You can’t keep a good dog down.  Her tenacity and determination to walk and be able to chase around and play with my dogs is amazing.  I think much like most dogs Mira has no idea she has any handicaps and is just as active and playful as the rest of my gang.

Anything else you’d like to share? 

Mira has been an inspiration to many in this area, and the funny thing is with the work I did with her I ended up becoming something of a downed doxie referral person with my vet.  Thanks to Mira and her story no less than 6 doxies have been spared euthanasia after the dogs parents met her and heard her story.

***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.***

Special Needs Pet Feature of the Week: Truffles

What is your pets name?  

Tresa-Dee  "Truffles"

How old is your pet?   

Will be 14 yrs. old  May 3rd

Where did you get your pet?  

Thru DRNA rescue, as 'Truffles' was being taken to the vet for euthanasia b/c of spinal issues, & the young boy in the family spoke up abt. this.   Fortunately woman knew abt. rescue & referred the family to DRNA.   She was my foster dog, but I 'failed'  fostering 101, & adopted her--- making her a member of my family!

What is your pets physical challenge? 

Disk problems, of which so severe surgery not recommended.

What is your pets favorite thing to do? 

Be w/ her mommy--me!!   LOVES people, All animals, SUNBATHING!!!  She is just a good all around dog!!  Loves to go w/ her mommy! 

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?  

Truffles loves her dog food, but human food--- beef & chicken, are always great!!

What do you love most about your pet? 

Her sweet, sweet personality!   And her total willingness to embrace all.. 

What has your pet most taught you?  

Not to 'judge' by the exterior.

Anything else you’d like to share? 

Truffles is my 'heart & soul' dog.  We communicate (the 2 of us) without spoken words.  

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***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 the Walk 'N Roll Dog Interviews Author Barbara Techel (Part 2)

This is part two of my interview with children's book author, Barbara Techel (hint: She is my mom!)

Click here if you missed part 1.

 

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

Very good question, Frankie!  I think you pay attention when we visit schools and children ask questions, because this is one that I get asked now and then.  Good dog, Frankie. Good dog.

There is so much I like about being an author. It is hard to pick just one thing.  But, one thing I really like is knowing that the stories I have written about you are out in the world, making a difference.  I may not always hear that they are, but I believe and feel in my heart that your story is helping others. 

Another thing I like is all the children you and I have met visiting schools and libraries, as well as when we do Skype visits.  I never get tired of telling your story and watching the smiles and curiosity on children’s faces, as well as their endless questions about you, and their accepting and sweet love for you.  We have met some pretty special children, and this makes me feel so very blessed.  I’m so excited for your story about Jackson, a little boy with a form of cerebral palsy, and your special friendship with him that will be coming out this fall in a book from New World Library, Animals and the Kids Who Love Them.  In that story, I grew as a writer and felt so good for it.  You see, my little one, I always felt so different and strange that I never had the urge to want children of my own.  I felt like something was very wrong with me.  But I realized in so many of the children we have met and what we do now sharing your story with them, that this was what God meant for my life.  Jackson is one of those special children that helped me to see that even if I don’t have children of my own, I can still nurture and mentor others.   Being able to share that I felt odd through the story I wrote about you and Jackson for Animals and the Kids Who Love Them and not being afraid to do so, opened me up even more, and helped me see that this was the path I was meant to take… writing your books, and all the visits we have done, and all the children we have met gave me the courage, as an author, to share something that was very personal for me.  But I believe by doing so, it will help others… and that is one of the best things about being an author… helping others see things in a new way, or not feel bad about who they are.

I remember a little boy at Brooklyn Elementary School asking you what you’d rather have, a Frankie that walked or one that did not- can you share with the readers your answer?

That was a powerful moment, wasn’t it, Frankie?  I told him that, of course, I wish you could walk normally on your own again.  But I also told him that I would not trade one moment with you as a dog in a wheelchair, and all that I have learned, and the many, many blessings that have come into my life because of you.  I also told him that someday when you are no longer here (which I pray is many years away!) that I would love another special needs dog.

Moments like those are so special as it reminds me of the power of sharing your story Frankie, and how glad I am that I wrote the books I have about you.  It is my hope that by educating our younger generation that more animals with special needs will be given a chance.

I know you think I am pretty special (flashing my fawn like eyes as I say that)… But what do you want most for people to know about special needs pets?

I think what I want them most to know is that they really are not any different than other animals.  Yes, they may require different or special care, but all they want is to love and be loved.  Just like humans do.  Too often I think others take pity on animals with disabilities and it’s not that they perhaps think they are “less than” it’s just that some perceive this as imperfect or sad.  But nothing in this world is perfect.  

I still recall vividly two months after your diagnoses and the fact your back legs showed no signs of improvement and how the reality set in that it was likely you would not walk on your own again- I began to feel sorry for you and me.  But I realized one day that this was not going to solve anything, but only make things worse and harder to bear.  I could feel sorry for you the rest of your life, but how would that have helped either of us thrive?  We have to find the good in each situation and work with that- because there is no perfect, no matter what your situation.

I think in our efforts to be perfect, and to have perfect pets and perfect children we miss out on the real value of life and all it has to teach us. 

Each morning when I get out your doggie stroller and we go for our walk, I find myself so in love with watching you see the world… you don’t care that you can’t physically do it yourself- you are still being you- being a dog- watching every bird, squirrel, butterfly, and bunny with intent, and curiosity.  Your ears fly in the wind, your nose lifts to the sky, and your eyes close half way as you soak in all the sweetness of a new day.  You may have “special needs” but it is not what I see when I observe you in moments like this… what I see is that animals really do get what life is about, and the more I see of it, the more I want of it too…. And how I would have likely missed out on all this, if it were not for you, Frankie, my little love dog on wheels.

Special Needs Pet Feature of the Week: Gabbi

What is your pets name?  

Gabrielle (Gabbi) S. Carolina

How old is your pet? 

15 ys. this past Oct.  2010

Where did you get your pet? 

Came from shelter in South Carolina thru DRNA (rescue).  Former owner had broken her back.

What is your pets physical challenge? 

Paralyzed from abuse.

What is your pets favorite thing to do? 

'Nurse' on doggy stuffed toy, or blanket, or bedding, or whatever.   Stress reliever for her.

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?  

Chicken

What do you love most about your pet?  

Personality (tho' can be aggravating @ times!!) b/c she is going to be sure you know she is 'present & alive'!! 

What has your pet most taught you?  

Patience & deeper love for special needs.

Anything else you’d like to share?  

Gabbi was always a 'tough little cookie', which is prob. how she survived until she was rescued from prev. owner.  Now @ 15+ yrs. of age, sad to see the aging changes, as she was always so Alive & Vocal!!   Gotta love her tho'! 

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***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 the Walk 'N Roll Dog Interviews Author Barbara Techel (Part 1)

This is part one of Frankie's interview with author Barbara Techel.  Stay tuned for part two Wed. June 1st.  You never know what this little dog on tires will say or ask, so tune in again next week!

So I just have to ask the most important question right away.  What is it that you love about me?

Oh Frankie!  As always, you are the little stinker, aren’t you?  I love everything about you!  You are such a special little dog with a very big heart.  I love that you have taught me to expand on my compassion by teaching me what a blessing special needs pets are.  I never thought about pets with disabilities until you were diagnosed with IVDD—now I can’t imagine my life without a pet with special needs.

I also love how you are so loyal to me, how you would snuggle on my lap all day if I let you, and how you intently stare at me each morning with your little brown mouse eyes and don’t give up until I finally stir and wake up. You are relentless!!… but I still love you.

Most of all I love all the feelings of joy and love you have put in my heart… I truly believe I am a better human being because of you.

Aww shucks, Mom… if I could blush, I would.  Ok, so about those books your wrote about me, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog book series- why did you write them?

Well you see little Frankie, though I don’t want you to feel bad about this,  I almost made a very, very bad mistake and put you to sleep when you were diagnosed with IVDD and were only given a 10-30% chance of walking even with surgery. I just couldn’t imagine that you would have a quality life if you couldn’t use your hind legs.

Thank goodness I didn’t do that because of the help from your grandma, your papa, and the vets assuring me all would be ok, I did the right thing for you.  And wow, you took over from there and watching you move forward despite all you had been through, made me realize I could help other dachshunds and pet parents see that IVDD is a manageable disease.  So many people don’t know the options available.

I also was so surprised when I took you out in public for the first time and how children loved seeing you in your wheels and were asking all kinds of questions about you.

I then got this really awesome feeling in my heart after all we had been through and knew, just knew, that even though I had never written a children’s book that this is what I was meant to do!  You gave me the courage, little Frankie, to write your story and to not be afraid, but to just go for it… and follow my heart.

Wow, Mom, I did all that for you?  ARF-A-ROO!  So what is one of the biggest lessons you have learned from me?

I have learned so much from you, sweet Frankie.  The one lesson that is in my mind today is one I shall share for this interview. 

I used to worry so much about what others thought about me.  I was so insecure.  I always had to make sure I looked my best when going out, and would constantly worry if I was skinny enough or pretty enough.  Oh, how I wish I could take back all that worrying!  When I look back now, it seems such a waste of time. 

When I had to make the decision to have you custom-fitted for a dog wheelchair, it was not something I immediately accepted.  You see, I really wanted you to walk on your own again.  I was also worried what others would think of me if I had a dog in a wheelchair, as if that was a bad thing.  But I realized by getting you a dog wheelchair that you could run and play and do all the dog things you could before, so I knew then the wheelchair was the right thing for you. But I still had to get over my fear that others would think it mean or strange that I had a dog with wheels.

I so wish I had never thought that way, but now I know better.  When your wheelchair arrived and you tried it out for the first time, I was elated!  Watching you get around in your wheels, it occurred to me that you had no concern for how you looked, but only that you had your freedom again. It was as if you didn’t even realize you had wheels now for back legs.

I knew then by observing you being who you always were that I had a choice, too.  I could worry what others thought about me, or I could do something positive and educate others that dogs with wheelchairs can live quality lives, and that there is nothing wrong with a dog having a wheelchair.  You taught me to hold my head high no matter what… and ultimately t that spilled over into many other areas of my life.

Now I don’t worry so much anymore.  Ok, so once an a while I do, but that is because I am human and believe me, there are days I truly wish I was a dog like you living with loving, caring parents like you have.  You got it made little one!  But all kidding aside, I have come so far in being me and liking me.  It is such a good place to be… and all because of you, Frankie…. You taught me that.

Special Needs Pet Feature: Idgie

Just a special reminder to join author Barbara Techel, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog book series and author Mary Shafer, Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them over at award winning and pet expert Darlene Arden's Facebook Fan page on the disscussion board as we discuss:  Who's Savin' Who? How Rescued Special Needs Pets Rescue Us.

What is your pet's name?

Idgie, named after the lead character in my favorite movie, "Fried Green Tomatoes," because she's a scrappy little fighter, just like Imogene Louise Threadgoode.

How old is your pet?

Almost 9

Where did you get your pet?

We adopted her from a PetSmart store, where she was the last of her litter that had been rescued from the streets of Philly after their mom had been killed.

What is your pet's physical challenge?

Idgie was born with anophthalmia -- no eyes. She is completely blind and has never seen.

What is your pet's favorite thing to do?

Idgie loves to lay in my lap while I'm working, half on the  keyboard tray, purring.

What is your pet's favorite thing to eat?

I know I'm gonna have so many people yell at me about this: She absolutely ADORES pizza-flavored Goldfish Crackers from Pepperidge Farm. I don't give her a lot of them, but I can't open the bag without her flying into my office from wherever she is in the house.

What do you love most about your pet?

She is just the best little pal I've ever had. Perhaps because of her own trials, she's very sensitive to the emotions of others. But I also love how incredibly intelligent she is. You can almost see her thinking sometimes.

What has your pet most taught you?

That there is always a way. If she wants something bad enough, she figures out a way to make it happen or get it. I don't think she's even aware she lacks what so many of us consider a vital sense, so she doesn't allow it to limit her. That makes me realize I never have any excuse not to try.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I'd like to think Idgie was brought into my life to help me become a better person, more self-sufficient yet sensitive to others, and to be strong. But I must admit that I have no dread like that of the day she will leave me. It's something I cannot even bear to think about. I hope when that day comes, I prove myself worthy of having been blessed with her love and the gift of her in my life.

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***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.***

Merry Misfits: Disabled Animals of Rolling Dog Ranch

I think Steve and Alayne Smith of Rolling Dog Ranch are just grand!  The love and support they show for disabled pets is so wonderful.  This video was taken when they were located in Wyoming, but now they are in New Hampshire.
But as a disabled dachshund, I want you to know it is true what they say, that all these animals want is a chance at life.  I'm so glad that Rolling Dog Ranch helps animals like myself who otherwise would not have had a chance. My mom says I am a huge blessing to live with and take care of... so maybe after seeing this video, you too perhaps would want a special needs pet?

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!!

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!

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.

Finding Frankie: Author Mary Shafer Interviews Author Barbara Techel

When Mary Shafer, freelance writer, marketing consultant, and author of Almost Perfect, Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them traveled from Pennsylvania and stayed with me and my mom in Wisconsin for two days, she did an impromptu interview with my mom and how she found me.  I hope you will enjoy the video as much as my mom enjoyed finding me and the journey we have been on.... and stay tuned in the future for more segments of Mary's interview with my mom where she will also talk about marketing and sharing your message/book with others.

Special Needs Pet Feature: Charlotte

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?

Charlotte

How old is your pet?

She was one month away from 13 on the day she passed away.

Where did you get your pet?

From a local breeder. She was my high school graduation gift. The last words out of the breeder's mouth were, "None of my dogs have ever had back problems."

What is your pets physical challenge?

She slipped two disks in her back and lost control of her back legs.

What is your pets favorite thing to do?

She loved to play hide and seek with my dad and go on walks with my mom. Trips to Granny's were a special treat. She also loved to go to PetSmart. One time, my mom and I took her to pick out a new toy. As we were walking by the guinea pigs she stopped dead in her tracks. "Whoa, what are these," was the look on her face. Then she looked back at my mom as if to say, "Mom, can I get one?" And my mom replied, "No, Charlotte, you can't have a guinea pig today." People all around us laughed.

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?

Whenever my mom would grate cheese, Charlotte would come running. Mom only gave her a tiny bit but she LOVED it.

What do you love most about your pet?

She was my best friend. I could tell her anything.

What has your pet most taught you?

She really had a "I'm so happy to be alive." attitude. More people should live that way.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Charlotte brought joy to many people. The vet would ask to have her for the day, and they would use her to educate people that pets with special needs can be happy too. One time, I had her out, and a man looked down at her then said to me, "I feel so bad for her. That's so sad." I told him don't feel sorry for her. She was very happy and I'd still put my money on her to chase cats and birds out of the yard. Her disability didn't define her, it just became a part of her. We all adapted and life was good.

Such a beautiful tribute to Charlotte!  I couldn't agree more that yes, we adapt, and life is good.  Frankie has absolutely taught me that too.  Thank you for sharing Charlotte with us!

 

Meet Fionna McSnuggles Who Brings a Positive Face to Blind Dogs

Meet Fionna McSnuggles!  Don't you just love her name?  I sure do!  I will be featuring her on my Special Needs Pet Feature on April 4th, but here is a sneak peek of Fionna making her debut on TV.  I am so proud of Fionna for helping spread a positive message about animals with special challenges... and guess what?  She is a therapy dog just like me!!

Blind Dog Rescue: wishtv.com

A Turtle with Wheels!

A Glimpse Inside a Chance for Bliss