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.
It's hard to believe it is has been since 2008 that Frankie and I have been teaching kids about special needs pets, while also encouraging them to see their own challenges in a positive way. This is such rewarding work. Each visit we now do seems even more precious since Frankie is semi-retired.
Recently we visited a small catholic school, Shepherd of the Hills. It was such a delightful school and the kids were oober crazy to meet Frankie! I'm so excited to share these photos with you that the school took and granted me permission to share. Each photo describes what Frankie and I teach the kids during our presentation. Side note: It was catholic school week, so today's theme was tropical, so that is why the students are all dressed so colorfully. :)
This student is learning how to put Frankie in her wheelchair with a little help from me.
Student learning how Frankie's wheelchair all fits together.
A big round of applause for this student doing such a great job in helping Frankie into her wheelchair
Explaining to the students how I have to express Frankie's bladder since she can't do that on her own because of her Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). I then show them a photo of how I hold Frankie over the toilet as I express her bladder. As you can imagine, this gets lots of giggles!
I ask for three volunteers to come up and learn how to do physical therapy on Frankie. This student is getting ready to do one of the exercises I did for Frankie when she was recovering and healing.
This student is learning how to do a range of motion exercise for Frankie
This student learned how to move Frankie's leg and pretend like Frankie was pedaling a bicycle in this exercise
Showing Frankie's dog wheelchair to the students so they can see what it looks like without her in it
The grand finale is showing the students how I trained Frankie to walk in her wheelchair. I hold a treat in my hand and as soon as I start to walk, Frankie follows me. The students cheer and clap and this always warms my heart... right down to my toes.
Digby's mom, Emily emailed my mom asking if she would be upset if she shared a video she made of Digby her dachshund with IVDD to help bring positive awareness to this disease to those to in the UK where she and Digby live. She told my mom she used the same music and was inspired by Frankie and the video about me. Emily didn't want my mom to be upset that the video is similar... stay tuned until end for Digby's touching video.
It was so nice of Emily to be concerned, but of course not, my mom was not upset at all. Wow- the more of us who share our stories, she told Emily, the more dogs we can save who are diagnosed with IVDD. This is a beautiful thing!
So my mom told Emily, "Send the video on over and I'll share with Frankie's fans!" So check out Digby, living a quality life despite an IVDD diagnoses. Could he be any happier? Thank you, Emily and Digby for this video that will be another extension of our work that will no doubt save more lives.
There's a new wheelie dog in town! Well at least in the town over from me. Her name is Kahlua or a.k.a. Miss Lu or Tink. She was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor August 25th. She was given two months to live. Yup, count it out on your fingers, Christmas Day will be four months since her diagnoses. She is still pretty much the same, though her mom feels somewhat improved. Hot diggity dog!
Because of the brain tumor this has affected her back legs and walking. Kahlua's mom knows me and my mom well since she makes all our Frankie t-shirts and tote bags. So she knew getting Miss Lu a wheelchair was a viable option.
Miss Lu stopped over today to show us her new wheels from Eddie's Wheels! Weeeeeeee..... she is still adjusting to them, but we hope in no time she will be buzzing around fast as a speeding bullet.
As far as her brain tumor, well we continue to pray for her and ask if you could send a little prayer to the big guy upstairs too. She's a miracle so far with almost outliving her 2 month prognosis. We love you, Kahlua!
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!!
***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.
This just warmed my heart to read this news! In the Fall 2011 issue, The American Dog magazine will feature 5 pages of special needs dogs that need homes. This is so arf-a-roo fantastic! So be sure to check it out if you are considering a special needs dog. I can guarantee you your life will never be the same if you bring one of these amazing pets into your life.... just ask my mom... she knows. ARF!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Thank you to the Green Bay Gazette for the wonderful write up of our recent visit to Kress Family Library in DePere, Wisconsin.
Author Barbara Techel's wheelchair-bound miniature dachshund Frankie rests her head on the table as Techel reads one of her award-winning books at the Kress Family Library Branch in De Pere on Friday. / Evan Siegle/Press-Gazette
Author Barbara Techel simply wants to uplift children through her books.
The self-proclaimed animal lover spent time on Friday at the Kress Family Branch Library in De Pere doing just that with her words — and with an adorable assist from her canine companion.
Frankie, an 11-year-old miniature dachshund, is the inspiration for Techel's series of children's books that promote positive attitudes. "Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog'' and "Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House,'' tell how the dog overcame a major medical challenge and has been spreading joy to others ever since.
"Frankie's story is so uplifting," said Techel, who lives in Elkhart Lake. "Even faced with a hardship, she has remained positive."
Five years ago, Frankie ruptured a disk in her back, leaving her confined to a dog cart. Not knowing how her dog was going to respond to being unable to walk on all four paws, Techel was pleasantly surprised at Frankie's willingness to continue as if nothing had happened.
"Frankie was really challenged as she was put into a wheelchair. Despite that, her spirits remained positive,'' she said.
Already an author by the time Frankie began to have medical problems, Techel was inspired by the dog to share her story through children's books. The two of them have made more than 300 visits to schools, libraries and organizations in Wisconsin to help encourage children and adults to overcome adversity.
After the reading at the library, there was a long line of children waiting to talk with Techel, purchase books, and of course, pet Frankie.
"I wanted to take Frankie home with me," said 7-year-old Venna VanRemortr. "It was really good."
VanRemortr and her older sister, Athena, come to the summer readings at the library with their grandmother Sybil Warner. This time, they say they were happy to be able to interact with the dog.
"We loved it," Warner said. "She was so articulate when reading, and it all flowed nicely."
— kmccrae@greenbaypressgazette .com and follow her on Twitter @PGKelcieMcCrae
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.***
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.***
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.***
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.***
Thank you to Raquel Wynn, radio show host, author, certified personal trainer and animal massage therapist for helping us spread our positive message about Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) by interviewing my mom, Barbara Techel on her radio show.
Ok, this is just too cute not to share! Check out sweet little Riley- the recipient of a dog cart from Eddie's Wheels which is officially now the smallest wheelchair they have built to date. Go Riley!
Today I share with you the special post my mom wrote about me on her blog.
Today marks the 5th 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!!
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.
WhenMary Shafer, freelance writer, marketing consultant, and author ofAlmost 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.
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!
Last week my mom and I received a very nice email from Allie's mom, Katie. She wrote to tell us she read my book Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dogand found it inspirational as well as feeling like she was reading her dog, Allie's autobiography. She attached this photo, and of course, I fell in love!
My mom asked Katie if she would share a little about Allie so here their fun little interview:
Katie: Allie had her first surgery just before she turned 4 in May of 2009. She made about a 95% recovery, but then she ruptured another disc in July of 2010. If she has enough motivation, she can walk really wobbly, but she usually uses her wheels or her parents to get around. :)
Barbara: What is Allie's favorite thing to do?
Katie: Allie looooooooves to bury toys under rugs, blankets, dog beds, or even boxes, and then try to dig them out. We have many torn blankets and rugs because of this habit. :)
Barbara: What is Allie's favorite thing to eat?
Katie: Allie loves to eat Caesar, the wet dog food. She used to get a little with her pills every morning after her surgery, and she was hooked. I still spoil her and give her some every morning, though she's not on medication anymore.
Barbara: What do you love most about her?
Katie: So many things! One thing I love that makes her unique is that she can smell a toy from a mile away. We can hide new toys in the most obscure places, and she will sniff them out and bark at the hiding spot until we give up and give her the toy. She also loves to open presents. This past Christmas we saved all our scrap wrapping paper and wrapped up all her toys with it. She doesn't even care that it's an old toy inside. It's 30 seconds of heaven for her just to unwrap it.
Barbara: What has Allie taught you?
Katie: Allie has taught me that I have more patience than I thought! Seriously, though, she taught me not to let obstacles get in your way. With a loving and supportive family to help your though it, anything is possible.
Barbara: Wow, would I have to agree on the patience thing as Frankie has really taught me that too! BIG GRIN. Thank you so much, Katie for sharing your spunky, beautiful little girl, Allie with us! We wish you and Allie the very best always!
Note: Allie's wheelchair comes from Eddie's Wheels. A company we believe is truly dedicated to helping animals the best way possible.
