Making Friends as a Therapy Dog

Being a therapy dog I make lots of friends!  Once a month I volunteer at my local hospital.  I also volunteer once or twice a month at a local community hospice.  This is where people who are sick come to stay who have 6 months or less to live.  It is very beautiful at this hospice called Sharon S. Richardson Hospice Community.

Then once a month I visit Libby's House (this is the place my new book is all about!). Most of the residents are older- like grandma's and grandpa's.  One of my favorite residents is Lyla (not her real name).  She just turned 96 years old!

She has a hard time talking, but that's ok, I just listen and pretend I know what she is saying.  Most times I lick and lick her hand to show her I love her.  One day as I was licking her hand she said, "Kisses."  Clear as a bell!  My mom couldn't believe it!  That was the only clear word she has ever said, but we thought it was very special.  Just as special as Lyla is.

Official Book Launch this Saturday & Sunday- Great Way to Support the Alzheimer's Association

Lights!  Camera!  Action!  Check out the video mom and I did explaining our fun on-line book lauch starting tomorrow, Feb. 27 and running through Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010!  30% of all book proceeds this weekend will go to the Alzheimer's Association.

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!!

Why My Mom Wrote Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House

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!!

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.

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