Special Needs Pet Feature: Squeaky

Note:  Be sure to read all the way to end and then listen to a special audio recording my mom did. Squeaky's mom, Sussie wrote to us about Squeaky's first time in wheels and it was so cute we asked we could record and share with you, our readers.


What is your pet's name?
Squeaky. Actualy his name is Colt. But he gets these high pitched squeaky whines when he wants something. I started out saying to him “Thats my squeaky boy” but he seemed to like being called Squeaky. The only time I call him Colt is when he is in trouble. Kinda like when your mother called you by your full name. Oh boy...you knew you were in for it. LOL

How old is your pet?
5

Where did you get your pet?
He was a rescue. He was going to be put down.

What is your pet's physical challenge?
He is down in the back and it is inoperable (IVDD). Very powerful from the mid section forward though. Since I got him, he has regained a tiny bit of movement in the back. But not enough to stand.

What is your pet's favorite thing to do?
Chew on rawhide bones. Bark. Be held. Explore. Sleep.

What is your pet's favorite thing to eat? 
um...what doesn't he like to eat. LOL

What do you love most about your pet?
His attitude. He has never been bothered by the fact that he can't walk. He's always happy.

What has your pet most taught you?
Don't worry...be happy.

Anything else you’d like to share?
Thank you to Eddie's Wheels for making a perfectly custom made cart. It fits him like a glove! Because of them, Squeaky has wings to fly.

Listen to audio of Squeaky trying out his wheels for the first time!!

Squeaky got his wheels audio

 ***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.***

For help with your IVDD dog please visit an organization called Dodgerslist that is dedicated to saving lives of IVDD dogs.



A Message From Frankie's Mom, Barbara Techel



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

My mom and I were overwhelmed with joy at the response to our request to simply donate $1.00 to Dodgerslist in exchange for an entry into the many prizes we gave away during Frankie's birthday bash.

We mailed the big fat check to Dodgerslist yesterday!  And here is the video announcing how much we collected in donation because of many people and their generosity.  Thank you so much!!

Winners Announced for Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Birthday Bash Prizes!

Thank you to everyone who participated in my birthday bash whether you joined us as new on Facebook or re-tweeted the contest  or donated money to Dodgerslist -- we appreciated each and everyone of you entering!


So drum roll please... and the winners are:


1st Place:  Margaret Kisala ($25.00 Dachshund Delights gift certificate, Frankie tote bag, Both Frankie storybooks, Frankie coloring and paper doll book, Frankie greeting card, and Frankie 2-pc magnet set.)

2nd Place:  Patricia Beach ($15.00 Dachshund Delights gift certificate, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog book, Dogs and the Women Who Love Them book, 3" Frankie magnet, and Frankie greeting card.)

3rd Place:  Whispering Pines K-9's ($10.00 Dachshund Delights gift certificate, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House book, Almost Perfect book, 3" Frankie magnet, and Frankie greeting card.


Special bonus prize:  Marilyn Mosley (coloring book bag with Frankie Coloring and Paper Doll Book)

All contest winners need to contact us by Monday, August 29th by midnight to claim their prizes. If we don't hear from you by then, your prize will be forfeited.  When contacting us please provide us with your name and mailing address so we can mail your prize out to you.  Note:  Dachshund Delights will mail gift certificates separately so we will be providing your information to them.

Watch for special video coming announcing how much we raised for Dodgerslist!!

YES, Your Dog CAN Live A Great Quality Life.... Even with IVDD

What an arf-a-roo fantastic article (below) about how dogs live quality lives even with IVDD.  As you know, if you have been following me on my blog, IVDD has not stopped me from living a happy, fulfilling life. I've taught my mom alot since my diagnoses five years ago... and one of our biggest missions is to teach others to not to take pity on an animal with IVDD or any animal with special needs.... just love them, love them with all your heart... and you will see the world before you unfold in the most amazing way.

Now, onto the article....

Often, the question of quality of life comes up when a dog is diagnosed with IVDD. Are you struggling with that question right now?  READ MORE

WIN PRIZES: Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog's Birthday Bash!

Just a note that those that have already donated $1.00 to Dodgerslist during Frankie's Birthday Bash giveaway, your name will also be entered in to win the extra bonus gift I talk about in the video.

Special Fundraiser Event with Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog to Help Dodgerslist

We are celebrating the launch of our new coloring and paper doll book plus all the wonderful work Dodgerslist continues to do to help pets diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).

To celebrate we are donating 30% of Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Coloring and Paper Doll Activity Book sales to Dodgerslist so that they can continue to educate the public and veterinarians that IVDD is not a death sentence and that there are many options for pets to live quality lives.

This event runs from June 27th through July 11th, 2011. What a wonderful way to teach children in your lives about facing their own challenges in a positive way, as well as helping a fantastic cause.

Get your copy (or stock up on several copies as holiday gifts) today at Joyful Paws!

(see flyer below for more details)

Special Needs Pet Feature: Charlie

How old is your pet?

5

Where did you get your pet?

I lost my 10-year old long hair dachshund, Panama, to cancer in November 2005. My father bought Charlie for me in Mississippi in Jan. 2006 to help me get over the loss of Panama.

What is your pets physical challenge?

Charlie suffered three ruptured discs in his back the summer of 2010. He never regained use of his hind legs after back surgery. We did physcial therapy and he saw a doggie chiropractor for 3 months after surgery. We got him a custom wheelchair from Eddie's Wheels. He can now go outside and enjoy life!

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?

When Charlie was in the animal hospital for 10-days he got spoiled to can food. I now have to mix canned food with is dry food or he will not eat. He also loves when we do take out from Outback! On my days off work I make him a scrambled egg with cheese. As most doxies, he loves to eat!

What do you love about your pet?

I love Charlie's spirited soul! He has never let his physcial challenges keep him down. He is happy and loves life. Ove the holidays we visited relatives in Mississippi. My aunt and uncle have both recently battled cancer. My Uncle Wallace says that Charlie is an inspiration to him. That if Charlie can handle what he has been dealt with such spirit and love for life, he can also deal with his health issues.

What has your pet most taught you?

Charlie has taught me patience. After his accident, I did not know if I was up to the challenge of taking care of a disabled pet. I knew I had to learn, as putting him down was never an option for me. It has been a major life change, but so worth every minute.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Just that if you are ever faced with making a decision for a disabled pet, do your research first. There is so much information on the Internet to help pet owners learn how to take care of these pets. Dodgerslist was so helpful for me.

Thank you, Charlie's Mom for sharing Charlie with us.  Wow, I could relate to everything you said!

***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.***

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!!

Dodgerslist Now Offers Educational DVD on IVDD

Dodgerslist is dedicated to helping pet parents whose dogs have been diagnosed with IVDD (intervertebral disc disease). They were my mom's ray of sunshine and such an amazing amount of help when I was diagnosed with IVDD in 2006.


They have now put together an excellent educational DVD, All about IVDD: care & tips for living with disc disease. It is broken down into 5 helpful sections:

• Hope for all
• Two Treatments
• Living with IVDD
• Expressing bladder and bowels
• Disc Extras

My mom had the honor or previewing the DVD and she said what a wonderful service Dodgerslist has done to help educate others and give them hope through this DVD. If you own a dog, even it it is not a dachshund, this DVD is a must to have and review. IVDD is very common in dachshunds but it can happen in other breeds as well, so best to be prepared and know your options.
The price is so affordable at $3.00 for the DVD. Buy a copy today  for yourself and one for your local veterinarian;s office to help spread the message that IVDD is not a death sentence and that there is hope.

And please help share this message about this wonderful education DVD and that there is hope by sharing with others.

National Dog Week- Help Us Celebrate Disabled Pets & You Could Win

Don't you think we should have National Dog Year?  ARF!

 I need your help... so please read below... and then at the end see what you could win for helping!

Campaign:

THERE IS HOPE!

My passion (along with the help of my mom) is bringing positive awareness to animals with disabilities, especially dachshunds diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). There are still so many that are not aware of the hope there is for this breed when diagnosed with IVDD. So many are told there is no hope and their dog must be put to sleep. We are here to tell you that a doxie with this diagnoses CAN live a quality life. I am living proof, along with oodles of others.

Sadly many are still being put down. Mom and I just learned of another doxie needlessly put to sleep last night because they were told there was no hope. It broke our hearts beyond any words I can say. Please, during this week of National Dog Week help educate other dachshund owners, vets, vet clinics, etc. that there is HOPE. Please share with them the resource of Dodgerslist which is a website dedicated to helping educate others on the options available. You can print out brochures to give to your local vet clinics or to those you know have a doxie.

If your doxie is diagnosed with IVDD it is imperative that they have IMMEDIATEcrate rest and get to a vet specializing in IVDD asap. See Dodgerslist for more Emergency FAQ's and please pass along.


The cost for surgery may not be an option for many due to various reasons but there is conservative treatment which often times works. I had the surgery, followed by physical therapy and now in my wheelchair. I have made leaps and bounds since being fitted for my wheelchair from Eddie's Wheels four years ago. My wheelchair has helped maintain my muscle tone and I can spinal walk at times without my wheels- this is huge!! I'm so happy my mom gave me a chance at life!

So what's in it for you? How can you help? It is easy! Just forward this post to any dachshund owner, vet, or vet clinic you know to help educate others that IVDD is not a death sentenceand that there are many options available ( I don't need proof as I will just trust that you do). Post it on your Facebook or Twitter about it or if you have a blog post a link back to this information. Or print out the brochure from Dodgerslist website and give to your vet or doxie owner you may know. Just let me know that you did in the comment section and I will enter your name into a drawing to win:

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Book Series

(Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House, Frankie Activity Workbook)

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog T-shirt

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog pin- EXCLUSIVE!

Dachshund magnet set

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Tote Bag

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Poster

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Stickers

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog book (thank you to Sparkles for donating your book- you are a great friend!)

Donation made in your name to Dodgerslist

$150 value!! Drawing will be held Sunday, May 9th.

Thank you, during this week of National Dog Week, in helping to save the lives of dachshunds whose lives are often cut short due to a diagnoses of IVDD.

With your help we can make a difference and save their lives.

Thank you so much for passing this on!

Expressing the Bladder of a Paralyzed Dog

Ok, so I know, talking about our bodily functions can be kinda gross... but, hey, we all gotta do it, right? And since I happen to be a paralyzed dog, I need a little help on that end (pun intended!)

But here is your chance to help spread a positive message by sharing this video! Now that is a good thing, right? When I first became paralyzed my poor mom had a hard time figuring out when I had to go... so we had lots of messes, well, err, I had lots of messes. But with a little practice, my mom became a pro at helping me go to the bathroom. And you know what? I love her very much for that. You see, sadly, many dogs are put to sleep when they become paralyzed. Their mom and dad are afraid they may not be able to learn how to help their paralyzed dog go to the bathroom.

So my mom and I were very excited when we were asked to be a part of this very well done video on showing others how easy it really can be... you just have to practice... and isn't that like all things in life? We learn by practicing.

So here is where you can help!! Share this video with your local vets, with other pet parents, with your local humane societies, etc. Arf-a-roo! Thanks for your help!!