My Recent Visit to Notre Dame Elementary School

Elementary students from Notre Dame School of De Pere were treated to a visit from author Barbara Techel, right, and her inspirational pet — Frankie, the Walk ‘n Roll Dog — on Jan. 19. / Submitted


Reprinted from the Green Bay Gazette:

Notre Dame School of De Pere
The elementary students were treated to a visit by Frankie, the Walk 'n Roll Dog, on Thursday, Jan. 19. Frankie and her owner, author Barbara Techel, shared their touching story with the students.
When Frankie, a dachshund, suffered a spinal injury, Ms. Techel had her fitted with a custom wheelchair. Frankie persevered and now volunteers as a therapy dog at local hospitals and nursing homes, spreading joy and hope wherever they go.
Their message to the Notre Dame students was threefold: think positive, make a difference and keep on rolling.
Students were able to purchase books about Frankie and have them signed by both Barbara and Frankie — with her paw print. A portion of all book proceeds is donated to various disabled animal charities

Special Needs Pet Feature: Kaylee

What is your pet's name?

Kaylee

How old is your pet?

Kaylee is about 7 years old. 

Where did you get your pet?

We adopted Kaylee from Remember Me Ranch Rescue, Baraboo, WI in June of 2011, where she had been since February 2011 

What is your pet's physical challenge?

Kaylee was hit by a car about three years ago, and her previous owners failed to seek medical treatment.  She has a spinal cord injury at her thoraco-lumbar junction resulting in severe sensory deficits and muscle wasting in her rear legs.  Her X-rays show subluxation of the left hip which could either be from the car accident, or possibly hip dysplasia.   She isn’t always quite sure where that left leg is! Happily, after a few months of rehab, her prognosis is much better than we ever expected. At the rehab clinic, Kaylee walks perfectly on an underwater treadmill and gets laser treatments to reduce inflammation and pain. She also has lots of exercises and stretches at home to build strength and decrease her sensory deficits. She has gone from crawling 90% of the time to walking 90% of the time in just four months. 

What is your pet's favorite thing to do?

Kaylee’s favorite thing is to be involved with anything her family is doing. She is delighted to go on car rides when we run errands, be in the yard while I’m gardening, or just curl up and watch TV.  It must have broken her heart to be cast outside and ignored by her previous family. 

What is your pet's favorite thing to eat?

Kaylee loves the dried liver treats she gets at her rehab clinic. They are a good distraction during exams and an excellent motivator during exercises.

What do you love most about your pet?

Just looking at Kaylee makes me smile.  Even with all of the challenges and neglect Kaylee has faced, she still embraces life to the fullest.  And that is a good lesson for all of us!

What has your pet most taught you?

Kaylee is the perfect example of how resilient rescue dogs can be.  After being tied out and ignored for three years with her crippling injury and additional medical problems (embedded collar, Lyme Disease, UTI, and rotting teeth), Kaylee radiates joy and love.  I’m so lucky to be her mom!

Anything else you’d like to share?

I’ve made it my mission to seek out senior and special needs pets to adopt from shelters and rescues.  I know these animals will wait the longest to find homes—if they ever find one at all.   And I’ve never been disappointed—being a “rescue mom” has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Visit Kaylee at her blog.

 ***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.***

Book Giveaway: Animals and the Kids Who Love Them

Last week my mom shared her review of Animals and the Kids Who Love Them by Linda and Allen Anderson on her blog.

She personally wrote a story for the book about me, Frankie (the walk n roll dog), her special needs dog, and my amazing bond with a special needs little boy named Jackson. All the stories are so touching and it is a book that will warm your heart. It also makes a great gift for the holidays, so do check it out today!

In the meantime I'm giving away a copy, so please leave a comment in the comment section to enter your name into the drawing. I will pick a winner at random on Friday, November 11th, so be sure to leave your comment by no later than midnight on November 10th. Please be sure your comment links back to you so I have a way in which to contact you if you are the winner.

Open to US and Canada residents only.

Adopt a Special Needs Dog!

Book Review: Animals and the Kids Who Love Them

As I read about the bond between children and pets in "Animals and the Kids Who Love Them" I felt my heart ooze with joy as tears streamed down my face. In a world, that at times, can be full of heartache and uncertainty, I often wonder about the future of our children. 

Reading this book, I found hope in the creatures that God created who are helping to shape the lives of our young generation- animals who provide comfort, unconditional love, and a safe place for kids to just be themselves. It gave me hope that as long as we continue to respect and honor that bond, and allow it to work its magic, that there is always hope for our children's futures.

I am in awe and gratitude for the countless number of people who give of their time and dedication to bring children together with animals, giving them experiences they may have never gotten. Enriching their lives through loving a furry pal who they can share all their secrets with, and who will never judge them.

I've personally witnessed the profound magic that can happen between a child and an animal as the mom to Frankie the Walk `N Roll Dog, my special needs pet, and her close bond with a special needs little boy named Jackson(featured in the book). As I read the other stories in this book, I felt a soulful connection with each of the people who have had the distinct honor of seeing that same amazing bond- there is nothing quite like it.

Bravo to Linda and Allen Anderson for putting together a collection of stories that will grab hold of your heart and never let go... and how enriched your life will become after you share in the delight and wonder of the bond between child and animal.

~Barbara Techel, Award-winning author of Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog book series

October Book Special!

OCTOBER SPECIAL

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog storybooks on sale!

$12.00 each (retail $14.95) or two for $20.00! What A Deal!

ORDER HERE!

Hurry!  Ends October 31st, 2011

Follow Frankie on Facebook and Twitter!

Follow author Barbara Techel on Facebook and Twitter!

For More Fun Frankie Products Visit Our Book Store and

Products Page

Special Needs Pet Feature: Sugar

What is your pet's name?
Sugar

How old is your pet?
13+

Where did you get your pet?
She was found next to Sugar Creek

What is your pet's physical challenge?
Has one eye now, vision is not the greatest, hearing is not the greatest, legs wobble, had to have some teeth removed, and gets a thyroid pill every day for the rest of her life.

What is your pet's favorite thing to do?
In the summer-sleep on the floor vent and get a cold belly from ac. In the winter-sleep on the floor vent and get a warm belly from heat.

What is your pet's favorite thing to eat?
Yogurt bites or Duck and Potato dog food roll.

What do you love most about your pet?
How she does not give up and keeps going. Plus how cute she is!

What has your pet most taught you?
She has taught me that if she can go thru everything that she has, I can to.

Anything else you’d like to share?
I like picking up and taking her outside. I like cutting up food for her. I like watching her sleep. She is the smallest of our 6 dogs but she snores the loudest!

 ***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, 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

Responsible Dog Ownership Day- Sheboygan Falls, WI- September 17th, 2011

September is Responsible Dog Ownership month set forth by the American Kennel Clubwhich encourages dog clubs arcoos the US to set aside a day to promote responsible dog ownership.
Hyper Tails Agility Club will be hosting a Responsible Pet Ownership Day event thisSaturday, September 17th from 9:00a-5:00p with many fun activities planned.  Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog and I are honored to be taking part in this event with a special book signing from 11:00a-1:00p. Our special and dear friends, LuAnn and Sophie will also be there.  Sophie is a petite Yorkshire Terrier who does the cutest fashion shows, having brought joy to many a nursing home and special events.
Many other activites are planned and here are the details:

We are going to be having Rescue groups such as White Paws Rescue, Bichon Rescue, Two Left Paws Mobile Adoption Event, Lakeshore Bully Club representing themselves; we are going to have services such as dog sitters, dog groomers, dog massage, dog boarding kennels to look at; we are going to have demonstrations for hunting and flyball from "Dawgs in Motion" through Saukville and our own agility demonstrations, along with a band, DJ and food! We are also having a raffle! Dogs are welcome to come out and we are also doing Canine Good Citizen testing! Come one, come all! This event is combine great services with great people and to promote Responsible Dog Ownership! Come out and enjoy! Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog willl be there from 11:00a-1:00p pawtographing books along with her author Mom, Barbara Techel Special fashion show by Sophie at 11:00am 9:00 AM Event starts! :30 Agility Demonstration :45 HTAC-Becky and Buddy 10:00 AM :00 Hunting Demonstration :15 Dawgs in Motion LLC-Andrew Burns :30 Demonstration :45 Animal Connections & energetic connections For a limited time only! 11:00am-1:00pm!! Meet local Celebrity Dog Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog and book signing" 11:00 PM :00 Fashion Show/Frankie Book signing! “Sophie” the Yorkshire Terrier/”Frankie” the Walk ‘N Roll Dog! 11-1pm :30 Animal Connections Demonstration :45 Linda Ledbeter 12:00 PM :00 Agility Demonstration :15 HTAC Member :30 Obedience Demonstration :45 Maddie and Mocha-Dawgs in Motion 1:00 PM :00 DOGA Demonstration :15 Stephanie McGillis-HTAC :30 Flyball Demonstration :45 Maddie and Mocha-Dawgs in Motion 2:00 PM :00 Demonstration-Linda Ledbeter :15 Animal Connections & energetic connections :30 Snowbound Animal Massage Therapy Demo :45 Ann Straus 3:00 PM :00 Hunting Demonstration :15 Dawgs in Motion LLC-Andrew Burns :30 Canine Good Citizen Testing :45 Evaluator To be determined 4:00 PM :00 Agility Demonstration :15 HTAC Member :30 Raffle 5:00 PM :00 Close Event For more information email Hyper Tails Agility Club: hyper_tails at rocketmai dot com WHERE: Old Richardson Brothers Furniture Plat/Yacht Interiors Facility 635 Old County Trunk PP Sheboygan Falls Hope to see you there!!

Introducing "For the Love of Animals: A Collection of Short Stories, Series One"

A special announcement from my mom, author, Barbara Techel.

This is the first in a new series that I have written for all animal lovers!

INTRODUCTION

My life transitioned when my chocolate Labrador, Cassie, was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer in late 2004.

Watching Cassie live each day with the same joy she always had, even with cancer, made me yearn for more joy in my own life. Because of Cassie, I took a three-month hiatus from my small business, to work with a life coach, and think about what I truly wanted for myself. What would bring me more happiness? I wondered.

From that sabbatical, I discovered how deeply I truly love animals. I decided to become a writer so I could share my love of animals with others, the many lessons I believe they teach us, and all the joy they bring to our lives.

I like to think of my journey since then, as “Joyful Paws.” You see, I paused (paws) long enough in my life to really give thought to what makes me most joyful. In turn, that has helped me to live with more purpose. And I happened to learn all of this because of a dog.

Short Stories in Series One

The Silly Names We Call Our Pets
Puppy AnticsThe Dance Of A Dog's Dream

Available on Kindle through Amazon or as a PDF at Joyful Paws website that you can download to your computer.

For updates when a new series is released sign up for my newsletter or subscribe via RSS feed or email subsription to my blog, or follow me on Facebook or Twitter.

Sneak Peek Inside New Frankie Coloring and Paper Doll Book- Intro Special Ends June 16th

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.

The Dog Talk Show with Host Julie Forbes

Julie Forbes, Seattle's Dog behavior, training and nutrition specialist, as well as host of her own radio show, The Dog Talk Show will interview my mom, author Barbara Techel about life with me, a disabled dachshund. Hope you can join us! If you can't listen live, you can always check out the pawdcast at a later date!

When: Wednesday, August 18

Where: Your computer

Time: 4:00pm CST

Tinkerbelle, National Dog Day Mascot Passes Away

My little friend, Tinkerbelle, died on Feb. 11th, 2010.  She was nestled in between her mommy and daddy as she took her last breath.  Little Tinkerbelle, known as Tink to her family, had brain cancer.  Her family did all they could for her. 

In loving memory of Tink and hoping to help other pets with brain cancer Tinkerbelle's Fairy Dust Fund has been set up to support medical costs and finding a cure.

Thank you, Tink for all the great things you did for dog lovers, the elderly, and sick and challenged children.  Your love will live on in all the hearts you touched.

The Amazing Skidboot

Hey friends... Skidboot is the most amazing dog!! He will teach you so much about life and this is a MUST WATCH video for everyone.
Enjoy!!

Dog and Duck Love Story

Aww, this is so sweet, http://video.yahoo.com/network/100000086?v=4551366&l=100000085

Is it Hard to Take Care of Frankie?

Question submitted by Josh, age 11

My mom said I could answer this question cause I have heard her tell other lots of times that it really is not hard to take care of me. I do require a little more care than other dogs, but mom says she does not mind. She hugs me close and tells me how she loves taking care of me. Aren't I a lucky dog?
What I really need help with is going to the bathroom. My mom trained me to balance my front feet on the end of the toilet. Then she feels towards the back of my tummy where my bladder is. When it is full it feels like a balloon with lots of water in it. She squeezes real gentle and out comes the potty... right into the toilet... then FLUSH! Hee Hee.
Other than that I get a bath once a week in the sink which I really love. And I need help getting in and out of my wheelchair which takes about 1 minute or less. Mom says, yes, it was an adjustment, but now it is just part of our days and our routine and is no big deal at all.
I'm so glad my mom loves me so much! I love her too. Arf-a-roo!

Do You Wish You Never went on Vacation?

Question submitted by Harpal, age 9

Wow, such profound questions. My mom and papa were on vacation in Florida when I hurt myself, so they came right home after they heard I was hurt. I sure am glad they were here with me after my surgery. I'll let mom answer your question, Harpal...

Even if we had not gone on vacation the likelihood of Frankie hurting herself was great. Frankie suffers from IVDD which stands for Intervertebral Disc Disease. This is considered a genetic disease, meaning she had the disease and the chances of her rupturing a disk were great. It just happened to happen while we were on vacation. So no, I don't wish we had never gone on vacation. I do wish though this had happened while we were home and Frankie was not at the kennel. The nice lady, Yvonne at the kennel where Frankie stayed was so sad it happened there and thought it was her fault. I have told her many times it is not her fault and I never blamed her. I still don't blame her nor will I ever blame her.