Frankie's Story Featured in "Every Dog Has a Gift" published by Penguin/Tarcher Publishing

This little wiener dog is full of much excitement and happiness to share this news with you!! 

My story, "Frankie: Keep on Rolling!" is featured on pages 154-161 of Every Dog Has a Gift, true stories of dogs who bring hope and healing into our lives.  Rachel Mcpherson, Founder and Executive Director of The Good Dog Foundation, along with Deborah Mitchell share stories of some incredbile dogs. 

What I especially love about Rachel is what she said in her introduction: "I want to emphasize my firm belief that each and every dog is a therapy dog.  That's not to say that every dog has gone through a specially designed training program so he or she can behave approprately in a clinical setting.  I'm saying that all dogs inherently have the power to heal, and they all want to give love and be loved in return, even those who appear to act frightened or vicious.  And what better therapy is there than love?" 

Arf-a-roo, Rachel- you are so right on!!  Lots of love and kisses to you for that wonderful way of sharing what we dogs so naturally do.

This short (and long) dog is so humbled to be a part of Every Dog Has a Gift.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Good Dog Foundation so that it may continue to educate others on the many benefits of assisted animal therapy.  Now that is a good thing!

I would like to personally thank Deborah Mitchell for listening so intently to my mom as she told my story to her-- your writing of my story had my mom weeping buckets of tears.

So do check out the book-- what an amazing gift of all your dog loving friends... and be sure to tell all your dog loving friends too.

New Media Release from Frankie and Sparkles' Big Adventure 2010

Just wanted to share the press release our Frankie and Sparkles' Big Adventure 2010. Since our last blog post, our moms have found out that Frankie and I will be skyping to a school in Canada while Firefighter Dayna and Sparkles' are in Wisconsin. How cool is that? My mom and I, and Firefighter Dayna and Sparkles will be skyping across the border and we couldn't be more excited! Be sure to follow our blog to follow our big adventure!

TWO CANINE CELEBRITIES JOIN FORCES TO TEACH FIRE SAFETY AND HELP OTHERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Two Dogs Rollin’: Frankie and Sparkles Big Adventure 2010
Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog Shows Local School Children How To Get Low and Go and
Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Encourages School Children to Help those with Special Needs

Friday, April 9th, 2010 10:30am and 1:00pm

WHO: Sparkles, a fire safety savvy Dalmatian resplendent in her red service vest along with her human mom, educator and volunteer firefighter Dayna Hilton.
Frankie, an exuberant disabled dachshund outfitted with special harness to help her walk along with her human mom, author and educator, Barbara Techel.
Elkhart Lake/Glenbeulah Elementary School
Western Canada Elementary School

WHAT: History in the making! After meeting on Facebook and Skype this past year, Sparkles and Dayna travel from Arkansas to meet Barbara and Frankie at their home in Wisconsin. They are coming together for this first time ever event to help children stay safe in case of a fire, and to encourage children to be of service by helping those with special needs. They will first present in person (and dog!) to elementary students at Elkhart Lake/Glenbeulah Elementary School. They will sign books and pose for photos. They will then present via webcam and the technology of Skype from Barbara’s home in Elkhart Lake to Karen Keys, teacher librarian, and students from a elementary school in western Canada.

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. and 1:00pm, April 9th, 2010

WHERE: Elkhart Lake/Glenbeulah Elementary School at 10:30am followed by 1:00pm presentation via Skype from Barbara and Frankie’s home in Elkhart Lake.

WHY: As children follow the adventures of Sparkles, they learn valuable fire safety tips enabling them and their families to keep safe. These tips include recognizing the firefighter as a helper and friend, knowing the sound and purpose of a smoke alarm, learning how to crawl low under smoke, and understanding the importance of practicing a home fire drill using an escape map. Also as children follow the adventures of Frankie, they learn how to be positive when faced with any challenge. They learn despite a challenge they can be of service and help out in their communities. Along with Sparkles, Frankie will encourage children to be aware of those with special needs in the event of a fire to help them stay safe as well.

VISUALS: Sparkles, Dayna, Frankie, and Barbara will show:

· How Sparkles teaches children to get low and go in case of a fire
· How to get low and go to your outside meeting place
· Knowing the sound and importance of smoke alarms
· The importance of being of service and helping those with physical challenges stay safe.
· Sparkles and Dayna’s book “Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog.”
· Frankie and Barbara’s “Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog” book series.

OTHER: Both dogs love children, educating them on fire safety and being of service and going to work, while both mom’s of these special dogs are grateful for the opportunities their dogs have brought them and are passionate in helping and encouraging children of all ages. For more information please visit their blog http://www.frankieandsparkles.com/

Teachers & Students love Skype Visits with Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog

What fun my mom and I are having sharing our message of hope and inspiration and meeting so many different teachers and students around the world, and all with the help of the Internet.
We have used Skype, but also worked with video conferencing that schools have in-house.  It is a dog-gone amazing way to meet wonderful kids from all over the US and Canada.  You inspire US!
Check out below what teachers are saying about the experience!  If you would like more information please visit our special teacher section on our website.  We would love to meet you and your students virtually!

Students at my school in Canada used Skype to connect via the Internet with Barbara and Frankie who live in Wisconsin. The students were so excited and amazed at the experience. It seemed as if Frankie and Barbara were sitting right in their classroom!

The students were able to interact with Frankie and Barbara. They asked many thought provoking questions. They learned a lot about animals with disabilities and how to stay positive no matter what challenges they might face. The Skype has been their favorite part of the school year! ~Karen Keys, Teacher Librarian Canada

I was apprehensive about the vist, but it was tremendous. I wondered if 500+ children would be able to attend to the screen and realize they were having a conversation with an author. You did it! They stayed on task for the entire visit. The variety of activity--your talking, the Powerpoint, the video and Frankie's presence all worked together to keep them engaged. Thank you-- you made me look good! ~Kathy Howell, library media specialist, Clarksville Primary School, Arkansas

The students had such a great time during their webcam visit with Mrs. Techel and Frankie. They were even more inspiring in person. Mrs. Techel had Frankie right there with her during our web cam visit. Frankie even fell asleep on her desk. She showed the class how Frankie got in and out of her wheelchair, explained how she cared for Frankie, gave us a first hand view of her writing studio, and explained the writing process from the gathering of ideas, to the editing, and the publishing stages. ~Karen Elz, 3rd grade elementary teacher, Shiloh Point Elementary School, Georgia

Through the magic of technology we were able to host Barb & Frankie for an in-class(ish) presentation via Skype. Barb was able to take the kids through the notion of overcoming challenges, making a difference in the lives of others, and facing hardship in a positive, life-changing way. They were CAPTIVATED which is a pretty big deal for six-year-olds. ~Ben Bordeau, Who's Your Dachshund blogger and Jason Wade, 1st grade teacher, Bicentennial School, Canada

Theray Dog Reading Program Incorporates Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Book Series

Arf-a-roo!  My friend, who happens to be a King Charles spaniel named Preston and he is a registered therapy dog just like me!  But he does something really special with children... he sits quietly and contently as they read to him.  He has lots of patience and never judges the kids if they make a mistake.  He loves them no matter what.  He is a wonderful little fellow.

He is so special he has a reading program named after him called, "Pages for Preston."  His mom, Julie Hauck is a third grade teacher at Longfellow Elementary school.  Each week Preston rides with Julie to school and it is Preston's special day with all the children in her classroom.

So imagine how honored I was when Preston's mom applied for a grant through Thrivent Financial and received money to purchase my books for each student in her class!  Now they read my books to my friend Preston... and he is such a good friend, he never tires of hearing my stories.

Preston and his mom sent us these very special pictures and I just had to share with you! I am so proud of all of Ms. Hauck's students and Preston!  Always be positive, make a difference, and keep on rolling (and reading!)