Teaching Kids About Special Needs Pets & How to Be Positive Despite Challenges

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.

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

Life As a Semi-Retired Inspirational Dog Begins

Yesterday I announced the official beginning of my semi-retirement, so as you can see today I jumped right into my new part time "job." It's tough being a dog lounging around in my mom's writing studio as she clicks away on the keyboard. But I do think I'm up for the challenge. ARF!

Have no fear though, I am still doing appearances and would love to visit your school or library- just be sure to get on my calendar early as my mom is making sure I live a balanced life. Good Mom.

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Announces Her Semi-Retirement

Happy 2012! As the New Year kicks off I am finding more time for rest and relaxation and officially announce my semi-retirement. Here I am below in the big wicker chair in my mom's writing studio... snoozing and catching glimpses out the window. How I love to watch the world go by...

I'm grateful to my mom for understanding I wish to slow down a little bit now that I am twelve. Can you believe it has been five years since I began sharing my story?  How time flies! But I look forward to meeting new kids this year too. Be sure to get on my calendar early in you'd like me to visit your school is Wisconsin because I'll be doing limited visits. I am also still doing Skype visits and booking now for those as well, so please contact us to book an in-person or Skype visit.

My therapy dog work will continue visiting Libby's House and Hospice, as long as I am comfortable in doing so my mom says. So far so good, so will look forward to seeing all my friends when I visit.

Stay tuned also to the announcement of my mom's new book about her journey and what she learned about life from me (her first adult nonfiction book!)... if you'd like updates about her new book coming later this year or early in 2013, be sure to follow along on her Joyful Paws Blog.