1st grader got Frankie's Positive Message in a Beautiful Way

Recently I visited first graders at Longfellow Elementary school in Wisconsin. As many of you know part of my story is to help encourage children to be positive even when facing challenges.

After my mom was done sharing my story and the kids settled in for reading time, as we packed up, one little girl asked the teacher if she could go to her locker. She said she had something for me. She ran to her locker and came bounding back in the room with a big smile, handed it to my mom and said, "This is for Frankie!"

The teacher noticed what she gave me and told my mom and me that the kids get these "passes" when they do good things. They then get to turn those in for chances at prizes each month. To think she gave up a chance to share her positive pass with me that would mean she might not win a prize is so special for so many reasons. It's one of the bestest gifts I have ever gotten!

To learn more about Frankie's books that help teach children to be positive and make a difference check out the right hand side of her blog. Or check out the books on our Joyful Paws website (we have a really good special running now through Christmas!)  All books ordered through our website are autographed with inscription and pawtographed by Frankie.

She Speaks Bark Review- Check it Out & You Could Win Copy of My Book

Thank you to She Speaks Bark blog for a wonderful review about my Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog book series.  Stop on by and check it out- leave a comment and you will be entered to win a copy of my award-winning first book, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog.
Good luck!!

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

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

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!

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.

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog

Don't you just love making new friends?  Well, I happen to have a new friend named Sparkles.  She has lots of black spots, a leathery black nose, and black eyes and all her spots sit upon a blanket of soft white fur.  You might have guessed it by now, and yes, she is a Dalmation.  Even better she has her own book... even better yet she a Fire Safey Dog and she teaches kids how to be safe and that is what her book is all about!  It is way cool!

Staying safe if there is a fire in your house is really important.  You will learn all of this very easily with the lessons that Sparkles and her Firefigher Mom, Dayna Hilton teach you in their wonderful book, Sparkles the Saftey Dog.

Th pictures are so endearing and you will fall in love with Sparkles and won't even realize you are learning about staying safe.  Sparkles makes if so fun...especially when she shows you how she crawls under the smoke, and as her mom says, "how to get low and go."

Sparkles and Dayna with one of the little girls they saved after having been to her school teaching fire safety.  She had a fire in her home and woke her Dad to get out safely.

This is a must have book for every household for children to understand in a friendly way how to be ready if there is a fire.  With Sparkles as their guide they will not fear a fire, but be prepared and ready to act.

Get a FREE coloring page of Sparkles the Safety Dog by clicking here.



Get an autographed copy and CD version of the book on Sparkles website.  Or you can order via Amazon also.

Answers for my Friends in Canada

A few weeks ago I had a grand ol' time doing a Skpe presentation for a fourth grade class in Canada. This past week I received a big envelope with lots of thank you notes and more questions. I LOVE MAIL!! So I thought I'd take this opportunity to answer your questions. And thank you for all the great notes... my mom, papa, sister Kylie, and I all laughed and sometimes got a bit teary-eyed. And a BIG THANK YOU for the awesome T-shirt you sent me! Hope you like the picture of me in it!!

From Rachel: Does Frankie do any tricks?

Well, Rachel, I wish I could say I do tricks, but I don't. I can sort of do wheelie's in my dog wheelchair when I hop with my front legs while in my wheelchair!

From Brandon: What is it like to be in a doggie wheelchair?

You know, that is a great question! It is actually wonderful, because it helps me to go wherever I want to go. So I can run, chase rabbits and squirrels and do all the things I couldn't do when I first got hurt and couldn't use my legs.

Have you ever been injured badly before?

I have not told this story often, but I almost died, which happened about one month before I became paralyzed. My yellow lab sister was 6 months old at the time and chewed up a rug in the kitchen. I ate the carpet strings that she chewed from the rug. I got really sick. I kept throwing up and couldn't stop. My mom rushed me to the vet and I was rushed into surgery. The vet called my mom and told her she saved my life. When he did the surgery the carpet strings had almost wrapped around my intestines, which would have killed me. I'm one lucky dog that my mom saved me!!

From Euggne: Does Frankie have a brother or sister?

I have the best sister in the world! She is a English yellow lab and her name is Kylie. I love her!

Where was Frankie born?

Frankie was born in Madison, Wisconsin

From Jad: Can Frankie run faster than a bike?

Well, not quite, but I am really, really fast in my wheels!!

From Billy: Did Frankie ever enter any other costume contests?

Lots of times!! I even won a $50 gift card for PetSmart once!!

Does Frankie bark alot because I really want to know

Well, not really, Billy. I do bark when someone comes to the front door to protect my family. And I love to bark at big dogs so they see me and don't step on me!!

I'll let my mom answer the following two questions

From Ashlea: How did you feel when you found out Frankie got hurt?

I was very scared and sad. I hoped with all my might Frankie would be okay and thank goodness she was!

How did you get the idea of writing the book about Frankie?

I really got the idea from Frankie because she inspired me. I was also inspired because so many kids loved seeing Frankie and wanted to know her story, so I thought I should write a book about her!

From Tyreece: Is Frankie going to go trick-or-treating?

I don't like to walk real far anymore, so I will be staying home and helping my mom hand out candy to all the trick-or-treaters which I love to do! I will be a pumpkin!

Nonissa: How does Frankie walk up big hills?

Tee hee, I usually don't. My mom carries me.

From Dalsota: How is Frankie when she is really tired?

I just find one of my many beds with blankets my mom has for me in my house and I snuggle under the blanket, get all cozy and fall asleep.

From Ethan: Where do you go when Frankie got paralyzed?

First I had to go to my regular vet and then I had to be rushed to a hospital where they did the surgery on my back. Three days later my mom came and picked me up and brought me home. That was the best when I saw my mom!!

Thank you everyone for all your great questions! If you have more, please feel free to email me at joyfulpaws@yahoo.com

Meet Frankie LIVE on the Internet- Virtual Visits Now Available

GIVE CHILDREN THE GIFT OF POSSIBILITY
**Inspire them to look past what may be considered misfortunes
**Teach them to face challenges head on
**Give them hope that no matter what, all things are possible

Official Mascot for National Disabled Pets Day & Hall of Fame Companion, Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog will leave an everlasting and loving paw print on their heart

My mom and I are asking for your help. It really is quite easy to do… and for helping us we have a free gift for you (keep reading for details).

We are now offering Virtual Visits with me, Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog! We are now able to do our Frankie presentations that we currently offer to our local schools in person (and rolling dog!) via the free software of Skype and a web cam, but these are done… well, virtually!! Here is a video clip explaining.


Would you be willing to forward this message to any elementary teachers or librarians you know? We would certainly appreciate your efforts. Just email us that you forwarded it and we will send you a link to download Frankie’s Activity E-book for free!

Please be sure to share with any teachers or librarians that you do forward this to that the first one to contact us will receive their Virtual Visit for FREE!

Check out this resource on how to set up a Virtual Visit...

Thank you so much for your help and for helping us spread my message of hope and inspiration!

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)

Flat Frankie Friend!

Remember when I was at the library and had the kids decorate large cut-outs of me (Flat Frankie's)? It was so fun watching the kids! Well, one young boy couldn't be there for this class, so we sent his flat Frankie via mail... all the way to Alaska!! His name is Koya and my mom and I loved having him in our class... he is so nice and sweet. Here he is with his flat Frankie. Job well done, Koya!!

Book Review: Hobo Finds A Home

Okay, so I can't read, since I happen to be a dog. But, my mom read me this really sweet book by children's author, Kevin Coolidge and we both loved it. So my mom wrote a review for it and I am sharing it with all of you!

Book Review for Hobo Finds A Home
Sweet, endearing, creative, and simply heart-warming. Hobo is a darling kitten whose imagination will make you smile.
Kids will giggle, as well as adults, when they read this part in the story: “Hobo tried to make friends with a black and white spice kitty but was chased away… by a horrible smell.”
Hobo leaves a farm where he is unhappy and tries to make friends with various animals along the way. He finally follows a wonderful man home who can’t resist the sweetness and funny antics of Hobo.
This book was written because the author, Kevin Coolidge, believes everyone deserves a second chance. I couldn’t agree with him more, especially when it comes to animals. A portion of all book proceeds will be donated to Second Chance Animal Sanctuary. You can order a copy of Kevin's book here.

Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog's New Book Cover

Arf-a-roo! I am so excited to share my new book cover with you! Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House tentative release date is January 2010.

My mom will be on Animal Talk Naturally Radio Show Wed., July 8th beginning at 1:30p CST talking about my new book. You can listen via your computer or call in with a question. 646-595-4693 (kids-make sure to get permission from your parents before calling).

BOOK EXCERPT:
Many of the residents at Libby’s house sometimes can’t remember things. The staff helps them remember when to take their medicine, when to eat, and when to go to bed at night. It is kind of like being a kid again like when your mom and dad had to help you with those things.

Spending time at Libby’s House with Daniel makes my heart feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Sometimes older people feel lonely. When I visit, they share stories about their younger years and talk about when they had a pet. They also enjoy throwing my ball for me and feeding me treats.

The activity directors plan many special activities for the residents. On Tuesday afternoons, they all gather in the music room. A resident or staff member plays the piano and everyone sings songs from the old days. The whole time the music plays, Daniel smiles. He can’t always remember the words, but he hums along to the tune.

ENDORSEMENTS:

With this lovely book Frankie will win your heart and inspire children to overcome whatever obstacles they face in life. The journey from using a wheelchair ( dog cart) to finding her purpose as a therapy dog, told from Frankie’s viewpoint, is not only touching but also shows children how much joy, healing, and hope a dog can bring to this world. Outstanding!

~Linda and Allen Anderson, authors of Angel Animals books, Angel Animals Network

Barbara Techel takes us beyond our human reasoning and limited sight by engaging our imaginations grounded in truth through the eyes of her little dog Frankie - who doesn't allow her physical challenges to limit her purpose or her gift of healing to all those who come into contact with her. Into Libby's House we roll with the wide-eyed innocence and charm only a little dog in wheels can claim with unabashed healing love for those who are broken in spirit and body.

~ Dr. Kim Bloomer, veterinary naturopath, author and host of Animal Talk Naturally

Frankie's Fantastic Fourth!

My cart all decked out in red, white and blue


Here I am at our Farmer's Market



Two of my biggest Elkhart Lake fans, right before the parade and getting ready to sell cookies

Pooped out after selling cookies to support the library and getting ready to enjoy the parade. Check out my new wheels! A Jeep Rubicon dog stroller my mom bought for me so I don't have to walk (or roll) too far anymore.

Challenging Wheels

Question submitted by Mariah, age 10

Does Frankie have any challenges with her wheels?

Great question, Mariah! You know, at first I had a hard time figuring out how to get around furniture. Every five minutes I would be letting out a squeaky bark for my mom to help me get unstuck. Then one day I realized if I make a really wide sweep around the furniture, I don't get stuck. I also love to back up, so that helps too. :)
I also can't seem to judge doors into buildings for some reason. It never fails, I get one wheel stuck as I try to roll through. Luckily my mom is patient with me and always helps me through. I'm one lucky dog to have her for my mom.

Frankie Donates $500 to Rolling Dog Ranch

ARF-A-ROO!!!!! I did it! I donated $500 to Rolling Dog Ranch this morning! Thank you to everyone who helped me out with either a donation or the purchase of a copy of my book. Mom did a happy dance in her studio, while I did wheelie's in my wheelchair (don't worry I didn't hurt myself). What a great way to start the day!!

Rolling Dog Ranch Donated Goal Almost Met!!

I've been on a real roll, and so far have raised $355 for Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary (a special place where disabled animals enjoy life on a Montana ranch) Mom and I hope to raise $500 for this well deserved animal sanctuary. If you know of anyone looking for a great gift for a child we would appreciate you sharing this post with them. $5.00 per book is being donated to Rolling Dog Ranch. This event ends April 30th. Thank you for your help!

Lilli is Five and Alive!

Meet special little Lilli! She recently celebrated her 5th birthday and was able to do so because of a special lady. Read more about lilli on my mom's blog!

Frankie Raising Money for Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary

Hot-diggity dog! I am so excited to announce that a portion of my book sales for the month of April will be donated to Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary. This is one of my favorite organizations! Why, you ask? Well because they take in disabled animals and love them their whole very long life. Isn't that the greatest?
My mom and I really want to support their efforts so that is why we have decided to donate a portion of my books sales to them. So if you were holding off on buying a book, now is the time! It also makes a great gift for another and teaches the valuable lessons of compassion and tolerance.
To read the swell press release my mom did about this donating event, please read here.
If you can't buy a book, but can help with a donation, we'd love that too. Just tell Rolling Dog Ranch that Frankie sent you!

The Dachshund Book Review Website

Hey everyone, check this out! My pal, Roo, who happens to be a full fledged doxie himself has reviewed my book, Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog. His mom, Deb started the site to give all those crazy lovin' doxie people out there one central location to go to and find books all about dachshunds. Roo reviewed my book and I think he did a dog-gone good job, so check it out yourself on his site, The Dachshund Book Review. Thanks, Roo! Arf-a-roo!