Letter from 8-year old Meghan- She Loves Frankie and the Frankie Books!

There is nothing sweeter in this world then getting a handwritten letter from a child whose life I've affected... makes this little dog's heart wanna burst right out of my chest.  So in the spirit of the holiday season and all things that matter I share the letter, along with a picture that Meghan drew of the cover of my second book, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House. Thank you, Meghan for making not only my day, but my mom's as well!!

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House Nominated for Award!

It is with great excitement and honor that I annonuce my newest book, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House has been nominated for an award from Dog Writer's of America Association in the children's book category.  It is also in the running for the coveted Maxwell Medallion.

Thank you so much Dog Writer's of America Association for this great honor!

My Newest Book Wins Indie Excellence Award!

Hot-diggity dog- I almost did a wheelie in my wheelchair when Mom told me the news!  Check it out below!

Wisconsin Author Wins National Indie Excellence Award for Children’s Book

Elkhart Lake author, Barbara Techel, receives distinguished award for her newest book,

“Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House.”

Elkhart Lake, WI— The National Indie Excellence Awards (NIEA) are designed to bring recognition to titles from independent publishers. This highly respected and prestigious awards program celebrates excellence in independent publishing. The competition is judged by an independent panel of experts from all areas of the publishing industry.

Ellen Reid, whose company, Smarketing is the sponsor of the awards, is a strong proponent of independent publishing. Awards are granted in over 100 categories and because of the popularity of the contest, plans are to expand title categories for 2011.

Reid’s statement on Indie Excellence website had this to say to those who submitted books for 2010, “You’ve really done it this time. Our judges agree that never before have so many independently published books demonstrated such a high level of excellence. I know we’ve said that in years past, but this year you made our task more challenging than ever. More of you have done a better job of producing books that give small and independent publishers the good name they deserve.”

Techel’s children’s book published in January 2010, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House won in the category of Children’s Non-Fiction. After suffering a spinal injury and being fitted for a custom doggie wheelchair in 2006, Barbara wrote Frankie’s first book, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog which was published in 2008 and has won numerous awards.

To expand on Frankie’s positive message despite her disability, Frankie became a certified therapy dog with Therapy Dogs Incorporated. Once a month Barbara and Frankie visit Libby’s House, Senior Assisted Living in Plymouth. The book tells how Frankie became a therapy dog and shares stories of her visits, where some of the residents have Alzheimer’s or dementia. Frankie teaches us that patience, listening, and understanding opens our hearts to what matters most—love.

Barbara says, “It is an honor to be recognized for my work with this esteemed award. As an independent publisher I know the labor of love that goes into authors’ books. To be chosen a winner in my category among all the other submissions means so much to me. It not only means helping to bring more positive awareness to animals with disabilities, but helps spread the message that despite obstacles, we can each give back in our own, unique way, just like Frankie does.”

Frankie is also a regular therapy dog volunteer at Memorial Hospital in Sheboygan and Sharon S Richardson Hospice in Sheboygan Falls, as well as visiting local schools in person or visiting classrooms across the country via Skype.

Frankie’s story can also been seen in Every Dog Has a Gift: True Stories of Dogs Who Bring Hope and Healing Into Our Lives by Rachel McPherson, published by Penguin/Tarcher Publishing March 2010 and Dogs and the Women Who Love Them: Extraordinary True Stories of Love, Healing and Inspiration by Linda and Allen Anderson, published by New World Library Fall 2010.

To learn more about Barbara and Frankie and their award winning books you can visit http://www.joyfulpaws.com/ To learn more about NIEA you can visit http://www.indieexcellence.com/.

Review of Frankie's Newest Book Makes it to the Big Times!

Know how to make a little dog on wheels smile?  Check out this review written by two little girls about my new book, Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House which made it into the big times and you will understand how this made me smile.  ARF-A-ROO, Madeline and Sophie!!  Check out their review here!

Frankie Raises Money for Alzheimer's Association with New Children's Book

It was a very special day on Sunday- no naps for me, which I usually do. But I had a very special engagement with my mom, papa and all the residents and their families at Libby's House. In case you are wondering, Libby's House is a senior assisted living facility.


Some of the residents have trouble remembering things, or sometimes even their own families. I know that is sad, but to cheer them up, I visit with them once a month. They have all become dear friends. That is why my mom and I wrote my new book, Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House. In this very special book I tell you all about how I became a registered therapy dog through Therapy Dogs Incorporated and all the friends I make at Libby's House.

David and Tina Thill owners of Libby's House offered to host launching our new book officially out into the world. Tracy, Certified Senior Adviser, and promotional extraordinare helped in promoting the event. I was able to put my pawtograph on many books sold and donate $200 to the Alzheimer's Association. That made my heart feel all warm and fuzzy, just like when I visit with my friends at Libby's House.

We are very grateful to Libby's House for helping us launch our new book!!

My papa workin' the book table

Co-owner of Libby's House, Tina, me and my mom

Co-owner of Libby's House, Tina, me and Certified Senior Adviser, Tracy

Mom, papa and me

Kid Tested & Kid Approved

Nothing better than kids reviewing my books!  Wait till you hear what Madeline, age 8.5 and Sophia, age 7 had to say about my newest book, Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House!  It is way cool.  As part of their curriculum being taught at home (which I think rocks!) they review books for Reader Views Kids.  Isn't that great?  So check out their reviews below.  Arf-a-roo, Madeline & Sophia!

Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House

Barbara Gail Techel
Joyful Paws (2010)
ISBN 9780980005240
Reviewed by Sophia (age 7) and Madeline (age 8.5) McElroy for Reader Views (02/10)

Madeline: This is a true story about Frankie the walk 'n roll dog becoming a therapy dog. Frankie visits nursing homes to make the older people feel better. Every time Frankie visits, the older people love it! Frankie’s mom is very proud that Frankie is a therapy dog. Frankie goes to a special nursing home called Libby’s House. Frankie meets a 70-year-old man named Daniel. Frankie loves to play with Daniel; they have a lot of fun.

My favorite picture is when Frankie takes a bath in the sink. My favorite part of the story is when Frankie becomes a therapy dog. I think kids should read this book because it encourages children to keep on moving and to do their best. Frankie is so special because she can make many people feel better. First I thought about how sad it is that Frankie can’t walk but she is so happy and makes people happy too.

I have read the first book, “Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog,” and this one is great also!

Sophia: This is a book about a dog named Frankie and she is becoming a therapy dog. She helps sick and old people. She is a cute dog. My favorite and funny picture is when Frankie is wearing a bumper sticker on her wheels. A sad part was when Frankie’s friend Daniel died on Friday. Isn’t that sad? I would be sad if my grandma died. I liked this book because I like all the pretty and nice pictures. If I saw Frankie I would go pet her! My favorite part was when they visited Libby’s House. She is my favorite dog in the whole wide world. I like this book because she is a therapy dog and makes people feel good. I liked “Frankie the Walk ‘n Roll Dog” as much as this book. I wish I could see Frankie in real life. Frankie is so cute I can’ believe my eyes!

We both recommend “Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House” by Barbara Gail Techel. This book is great, including the cover!

Book Launch & Book Signing at Libby's House- Senior Assisted Living

Mark you calendars!  Libby's House, where Frankie is resident therapy dog and where her new book takes place is sponsoring the official launch of our newest book!

When:  Sunday, February 28, 2010
Time:  1:00pm-3:00pm
Where:  Libby's house East, 2683 Valley Road, Plymouth, WI  53073
For more information:  Contact Tracy Cinealis, Senior Living Specialist 920-946-8730 or Barbara Techel, Author 920-377-1749

Most of the residents residing at Libby's house have Alzheimer's disease or dementia.  We will be donating 30% of all book sales during this event to the Alzheimer's Association.

We hope you can join us!

Best Christmas Gift of 2009

Mom and I gave a copy of my newest book, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House to each of my "cousins" on Christmas Eve. My Dad is the only boy in his family with 5 sisters, so the family get togethers can be very loud and fun. But that didn't stop my cousins from sitting in the middle of the living room floor reading my new book. How hot-diggity cool is that??!! It made this dog feel very, very special.

I gave them each an extra copy so they too can make a difference, like one of the theme's of my book talks about. So Mom gave them suggestions on how they could donate the extra book, or to come up with an idea of their own.

So here are pictures of my cousins... they are the BEST and this was the BEST Christmas Gift of 2009!!

My Friends at Libby's house

I have made so many friends at Libby's House, which my newest book, Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House is based on.

Above is Janet. When I first met her she said, "I don't like dogs! And I don't like cats and fish either." Mom told me not to worry or feel bad that Janet said this. Sometimes, she said, Older people do not always realize what they say." Well, it was true she didn't like dogs. But I came to find out it was because she was bit by many of them when she was little!

Over the next few months of visiting, my mom would inch me closer and closer to Janet. Until one day when she reached out to pet me! Yes, she did! And now she likes me! She likes me! And I like her too-- well, I always did, but I just had to find a way that she could trust me... and with a little patience and kindness it didn't take long at all.

I'll share more of my friends in upcoming posts, so stay tuned!!

Dachshund Delights Review of My New Book

I love Jerry over at Dachshund Delights! Each month he shares news about dachshunds everywhere via his newsletter. This month he featured your truly. And wow, what a great review he wrote. He is really good at that stuff!

So be sure to visit Dachshund Delights and read his review about my new book, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House.

If you think you just might want a copy remember I am donating a portion of my proceeds to disabled animal charities. This quarter I will donate to Tinkerbell's Fairy Dust Fund which helps animals get wheelchairs who may not have been able to get one.

And I can speak (speak!) from personal experience that my wheels are the BEST! I can be a dog and run and play and have so much fun... so I want all animals to have that too.

And just a reminder that my mom and I will be signing our newest book this Saturday. So if you live in Wisconsin, come see us! We will be at BookHeads in downtown Plymouth. 216 S. Mill Street. 11:00a-1:00p. I'll have my new holiday vest on compliments of April Scott of Hug-A-Dog. It is SO COOL! If you decide to order one for yourself be sure to use the promo code: FRANKIE when you are checking out and April will give you 10% off!

Animal Talk Naturally Radio Show TODAY!

Join my mom today on the Animal Talk Naturally Show as she talks about our newest release, Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House. Be sure to tune in at the top of the hour as the other guest will be Geoff Talbot, Veterinarian, award-winning fim maker, and actor talking about his upcoming film about two special three-legged dogs.

This will be a show packed with lots of warm fuzzies that disabled animals bring to human hearts!! My mom will also talk about National Disabled Pets Day and some cool things you can buy to support the Tinkerbell's Fairy Dust Fund to help animals get wheelchairs that need them.

Tune in at 1:30pm CST!

Announcing Release of Second Book in the Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Book Series!

Author Releases Second Book to Inspire Children andSeniors Who Have Special Needs or Disabilities

Author Barbara Techel and her 10-year-old daschund announce the release of their second book, Frankie The Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House.

We all face challenges in life, but dealing them is much easier when there’s support and understanding from significant others—even animals. Frankie is a dachshund who is paralyzed in her hind quarters as a result of an injury. But, she does not allow her physical challenges to limit her purpose or her gift of healing to others. Custom-fitted for a doggie wheelchair (dog cart), Frankie The Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog uses her disability to bring a message of hope and encouragement to young and old.

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House is a true story told from a therapy dog’s viewpoint. This, the second book in the series, tells how Frankie became a registered therapy dog and gives several personal accounts of her visits to the residents of Libby’s House, a senior facility where many residents have Alzheimer’s or dementia http://www.libbyshouse.com/.

Frankie’s human mom and the book’s author, Barbara Techel, hoped for years to have a therapy dog and share the love that only a dog can bring. She wanted the dog to visit people who may not have animal contact on a regular basis.

“When Frankie was fitted for a doggie wheelchair, I wrote the first book and started taking her to local schools to entertain children,” says Barbara. “I realized Frankie would make a great therapy dog for adults as well as children. The fact that she is in a wheelchair makes her a bit more unique as she helps people in nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice identify on a deeper level. She has a challenge like many of them.”

Visiting Libby’s House once a month opened Barbara’s heart and eyes to realizing that people may not always understand what the elderly are going through, and all they want is someone to listen and spend time with them.

“I especially want children to not fear seniors who face the challenges brought on by aging,” says Ms. Techel. “I hope to encourage children to spend and cherish time with their own grandparents. I hope children will realize the beauty and wisdom in the elderly.”

“All one needs to do is see the expression in the eyes of those Frankie touches to know she is tangible love,” says Christine Thill, owner and RN administrator of Libby’s House where Frankie volunteers. “When the body fails, the spirit soars! Frankie’s visits along with Barb’s gentle nature are a true blessing to Libby’s House.”

Because she is bringing positive awareness to animals with disabilities through her therapy dog work, Frankie was awarded the Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame Companion and is the official mascot for National Disabled Pets Day. This little dog teaches us that patience, listening, and understanding opens our hearts to what matters most—love.

Through Frankie’s example, Barbara hopes to encourage anyone facing a challenge.
Having a disability does not mean we don’t have gifts to offer. Each of us can give back to the world in our own, unique way. Frankie’s volunteer work is a great way to prompt others to get involved in their own communities and find a way to be of service. Barbara says the rewards are beyond anything she could have ever imagined.

Even though she and Frankie visit Libby’s House once a month, Barbara still enjoys sharing with children the messages in her books. In fact, she has found a new way to share Frankie’s story via Skype an Author Network whose mission is to provide K-12 teachers and librarians with a way to connect authors, books, and young readers through virtual classroom visits. See http://tinyurl.com/SkypeBarbara to learn more.

Children are invited to follow Frankie, The Walk ‘N Roll Dog’s adventures on Frankie's Blog: http://www.frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com/. Adults will find more information about caring for special needs animals on Barbara’s blog at http://www.joyfulpaws.typepad.com/.

You can order your copy today by visiting our store on-line or order at Amazon.

###
Contact: Barbara Techel
Phone: 920-377-1749
E-mail: barbtechel (at) verizon.net
Web site: http://www.joyfulpaws.com/

An Audio Preview of Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House

Today is the day my mom meets with Victoria Kay Lieffring for final changes to the illustrations for my new book to debut in Jan. 2010. Arf-a-roo! So Mom and I wanted to share a little gift with you and have you listen to a snippet of our new book... we hope you will like it. We'd love to hear your thoughts!!

Or visit our website to click and listen right on your computer (new book is 3rd one down on page)