Bella A Disabled Dog with Special Bailey's Chair

What an amazing dog who does not let her special needs slow her down!  Love this video of Bella and her Bailey's Chair!!

Spring Arrives at Eddie's Wheels and Mascots take a Stroll

Love this from Eddie's Wheels and what they had to say about their mascots Willa, Webster and Sweet Pea and pets with wheelchairs out for a stroll after a long winter.

"Just because you need wheels to get anyplace doesn’t stop a dog from being a dog.  This is a long video, taken yesterday, when the snow had finally receded enough to let the dogs find the yard again.   Here they are celebrating , sniffing and being dogs.   These are our dog family.  Willa and Webster in their front wheel cart, and Sweet Pea, our paralyzed pitbull, enjoying the coming of spring."

As you can see from the video dogs live in each moment, enjoying what is before them, not worrying whether they have wheels for legs or not... life is meant to be joyful and with all the fresh new smells of spring this should always give you hope that anything is possible... and take your cue from Willa, Webster, and Sweet Pea that life is indeed grand.

Talk 2 the Animals Radio Will Talk with Us about Frankie's Disabled Animal Rescue & Resource Page

Tune in Tuesday, February 8th at 8:00pm CST as Janet Roper, host of Talk 2 the Animals will talk with me and Frankie about our latest efforts to expand on our mission to help animals with disabled pets.

Award-winning author Barbara Techel and her dog Frankie known as the "Walk 'N Roll Dog" have been dedicated to bringing a positive face to disabled animals, especially those diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) since 2007.

They share their message of hope with schools, libraries and organizations in Wisconsin and as well as via Skype.  Frankie is also a certified therapy dog bringing joy to the sick, dying and lonely.
Though Barbara is not involved with rescue, she wanted to expand on her and Frankie’s mission by trying to help more animals with special needs.  So she created Frankie’s Disabled Animal Rescue and Resource page which can be found on Facebook,http://www.facebook.com/frankiesdisabledanimalandresuce.  This page is for any rescuers or humane societies, or anyone involved in finding homes for pets with special needs, to feel free to post photos and stories of special needs pets  needing homes.

Help us spread the word by letting your local humane societies and rescuers know this page is there for them to share photos and stories of special needs pets they may have that need to find forever and loving homes. Together we can make a difference!

Frankie's Disabled Animal Rescue & Resource Page

So fellow dog author, Dayna Hilton told me about a wonderful thing SurfDog Ricochet started in helping bring awareness to animals in need with a special Facebook page dedicated to just that... and it got me thinking.


Because my mission, along with the help of my rolling dog, Frankie, is to bring positive awareness to animals with special needs, especially those with IVDD (Intevertebral Disc Disease), I thought, wow, I could start a page for Frankie to try and help disabled animals find forever, loving homes.  Now that just made my heart sing, so I jumped right on it!

This Facebook page, Frankie's Disabled Animal Rescue and Resource Page is for all rescuers who help special needs pets to find forever and loving homes to post those pets that need just that.  We also want this page to be a helpful resource page for those living with disabled pets.  Because of the attention Frankie has gotten and continues to gain, I felt this would be a wonderful way to try and help more animals!
Please share with rescuers you know!  Each of us can help make a difference in these special needs pets lives and the many blessings they bring, just by passing this information along.  Thank you so much!

Wheelchair Dachshund, Izzie Needs a Home

Could it be yours?

For more information visit Dakota Dachshund Rescue.

Reminder Free Teleseminar Tonight: The Rewards and Challenges of Living with Disabled Pets

Since my mom is going to share my story, I said she could post information about this super dooper teleseminar she will be doing.  So take it away, Mom!!....

Thank you, my dear little Frankie for allowing me to post this on your blog.  You're a good dog.

I'm very excited about this upcoming teleseminar (press release below) I will be taking part in! I've been following Ingrid King, author of Buckley's Story for quite sometime and had the honor of doing Garden of the Soul radio show with her talking about animals as spiritual teachers. We connected so easily because of our love for animals.


Mary Shafer, author of Almost Perfect Pets: Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them is someone I also greatly admire for all the positive work she is doing to bring a special light to animals with disabilities. Being connected with her brings me great joy.

This is going to be one VERY SPECIAL HOUR and I know the time is going to fly by way too fast. Hope you can join us!

Inspired and Inspiring: The Rewards and Challenges of Living with Disabled Pets

On Tuesday, May 11, at 8pm Eastern Daylight Time, we will host authors Mary Shafer and Barbara Techel for a free teleseminar titled Inspired and Inspiring – The Rewards and Challenges of Living with Disabled Pets.

Barbara Techel is the author of the multi-award-winning book Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog. When her dachshund, Frankie, suffered a spinal injury, Techel had her custom-fitted for a wheelchair. Frankie’s strong spirit had her back into the swing of life very soon, and Techel realized the beautiful opportunity she had to share Frankie’s story. Together, they give others who may be struggling with obstacles the hope and inspiration to be the best they can be. Techel’s newest book, Frankie, the Walk ’N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House, chronicles the twosome’s work as a therapy dog team at local hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice centers, spreading joy wherever they go.

Mary Shafer is a freelance writer, author and publisher of Word Forge Books, a small, independent publisher located near Philadelphia. She’s a member of the Cat Writers Association and is co-mom to four special needs cats. One of those cats, Idgie, is the subject of Shafer’s story in the company’s latest book, Almost Perfect: Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them.

Join us for what is sure to be an inspirational hour of discussing the challenges and rewards of living with disabled pets. You'll also get a chance to ask questions.

The seminar is free, but long distance phone charges may apply. To participate in the conference, dial 1-712-432-3100. When prompted, enter conference code 674470. Registration is not required, but if you'd like to be entered in the drawing of an autographed copy of Barbara and Mary's books, you'll need to pre-register by clicking here: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=0016ynqZbqgszFlq0ccP81zqg%3D%3D

Winston: The Incredible, Inspirational, Corgi on Wheels!

My little heart just burst with joy watching this amazing corgi... dance in her Eddie's Wheels cart! 

Unusual Dog Walk

This man truly loves his dog... it made me get tears in my eyes.

Virtual Visit with Bicentennial Elementary School First Graders

So here's how it works on my end:  Mom sets her laptop on a TV tray in front of her desk.  She clears her desk to make room for me and my wheel's.  Just as we call in for the virtual visit call with school, she sets me on top of the desk in my wheels!  Ok, so how many dogs can say they get to stand on top of a desk?  Arf!
It works so cool!  So kids around the world can see me and I never leave the comfort of my home... and when we are done with our presentation, teaching kids all sorts of good stuff about overcoming challenges, my mom takes me out of my wheels and let's me rest in my periwinkle bed in front of the fireplace.  It's a dog's life and I love it.

Read all about our special day with Mr. Wade and his first grade class at Bicentennial School in eastern Canada.  Who's Your Dachshund blogger, Ben was in Mr. Wade's room as this fun hour unfolded.  He titled his post, "Therapy Dog Gone Digital" and I thought that was so dog-gone catchy!

Video Footage of Frankie and Sparkles Historic Day!

Sparkles and I had one of the best days ever in dog history when we were able to meet because of the help of Skype... we were tail-waggin excited to share our messages of never giving up hope, overcoming challenges and fire safety with all of the kids from Clarksville Primary School in Arkansas.  Teachers, kids and even the principal just loved it!  Arf-a-roo!!

"

Jack Hanna Visits Disabled Animal Sanctuary- Video Now On-line

My mom and I have a special place in our hearts for Rolling Dog Ranch.  Steve and Alyane take in all the animals that no one wants- as Steve says, "Don't take pity on these animals.  They just want to get on with life."  I can vouch for that!  This is a very heartwarming video and I hope you will watch it.

http://blog.rollingdogranch.org/rolling_dog_ranch_animal_/2010/02/jack-hannas-show-on-the-ranch-now-online.html

Frankie Inspires Wheelie Magnets from Silly Dog Magnets

Have I got some hot-diggity pawsome news for you!!  Brianna Lenox is a way cool artist who happens to love dogs... AND she really loves dachshunds and her best pal is, yup, you guessed it, a doxie named Chris P. Critter (is that cute, or what?).

Brianna, along with Chris P. Critter as her main inspiration, and right paw partner, started their own fun business called, Silly Dog Magnets.  Mom and I first heard about them on Who's Your Dachshund (dare I say our favorite doxie blog?) where her doxie magnets were featured.

After mom saw them she got so excited I couldn't contain her!  She was madly typing on the keyboard.. .and before I knew it she was hootin' and hollerin!  I perked my ears to say, "Hey Mom, what's going on?" 

"Oh Frankie", she said.  "You'll never believe this!" 

I wanted to say, "Try me," but patiently awaited her answer.

"Brianna from Silly Dog Magnets liked my idea to make magnets with doggie wheelchairs on them!" 

So, that is the exciting news, as you see in the photo above!!  These magnets are inspired after me!  Isn't that way cool?  We will have them available on our website in the near future, but if you just have to have a set right now, we say head on over to Brianna's Etsy sight and get yourself a set!

A Tribute to Sebastian the Disabled Duck

In Loving Memory of Sebastian... a very special duck

A Special Place

You have a special place Dear Lord

that I know you'll always keep

 special place reserved for ducks

when they quietly fall asleep

With large and airy meadows

and a yard for finding bugs,

Lord, I know You keep this Special Place

And so to You I pray,

For one Special duck who quietly died today

She was full of strength and love

and so very, very wise.

she went to join the other ducks

To Your land that is so Divine

So, speak to Sebastian softly please

And give her a warm hello.

She's a Special gift to You Dear Lord

From Sharon, who loved her so....

Oh, did I love this tribute to this special duck named Sebastian, who sadly died on December 26, 2009.  But if it were not for his human mom, he would have not had the great LONG life that he did... and what a grand life it was, thanks to her.
Thank you to Mary Shafer at Almost Perfect Pets blog for alerting us to this story and then directing us to Handicapped Pets who shared the full story... be sure to check out the full story.  It is well worth it.

This story reminded me of "Lemon the Duck" which is also another true story about a disabled duck.

Sharing Wheely Willy's Extraordinary Life

I'll never, ever forget little Wheely Willy... he was my hero.  If you didn't know the whole story of how Willy came to be, I thought you might really like reading about his story.  This reporter did an excellent job in sharing Willy.  Hope you enjoy.

Reprinted from The Orange County Register, article by Lori Basheda

Wheely Willy, superstar Chihuahua, dies

Yes, it's true, his "mother" Deborah Turner found him curled up next to her in bed on the morning of Dec. 22, his tiny heart stopped. She wrapped a blanket around the dog, cradled him in her arms, held onto his little paws and wept.

But Wheely Willy the symbol lives on. Just ask any kid who attended elementary school between 1999 and now.

Chances are they met Wheely Willy. And if they met Wheely Willy, chances are they haven't forgotten him.

"Life is what you make of it," was Willy's message.

And that's a pretty powerful message, coming from a 4-pound Chihuahua that overcame hate, paralysis and homelessness to become a TV star and eventually tour the world, bringing even the royal prince and princess of Japan to their knees.
•••
No one really knows where Wheely Willy's life begins or what horrors befell him.

But he got a second chance in the early '90s when a woman came upon a cardboard box, sealed with tape, on some street in Los Angeles. Inside she found a hairless, emaciated, shivering little dog.

He didn't bark, or even whine, because, she later learned, someone had cut his vocal chords. Nor did he try to jump out, because, she later learned, his back was broken, leaving his hind legs paralyzed.

The woman took the little dog to a vet she knew who did rescue work, and there he lived, in a cage, for the next year. Until Deborah Turner heard about him.

At the time, Deborah owned the Doggie in the Window pet store in Long Beach, and she too did rescue work. She arrived at the vet's office one day expecting to find a sad sack. Instead, she found one of the most playful dogs she had ever met, dragging his legs behind him like he didn't have a care in the world.

"We were all standing around looking at him with tears in our eyes," she recalls. "Well, he didn't know what the sad story was."

The vet had named him Chilly Willy, because before his hair grew back and he put on some fat, he shivered all the time.

Deborah's plan was to return to Long Beach to spread the word of Chilly Willy's plight and try and find him a home. But when the vet put Willy back in his cage, his ears went all hangdog droopy.

"OK, give him back to me," she announced.

And soon Willy was in a Ford Explorer on his way to Long Beach.

Deborah's first order of business was to give Willy his legs back. She tried putting his hind legs on a small skateboard, but his front legs couldn't keep up. Next she tied a bunch of helium balloons to the back of the baby pajamas she had bought him, but instead of just lifting his back legs, it lifted his whole body off the ground.

Then she saw an ad in a pet magazine for the K-9 Cart. The day it arrived, she hooked Willy up to his new wheels. He took off running, head thrown back, ears flying.

"This might sound dramatic," Deborah says. "But it took his world from black and white into full blown color. Because that's where life began for him."
•••
Deborah took Willy everywhere she went. He rode in the cart at Wild Oats. And he waited in line at the bank. He even went to the restroom with her since she had to express his bladder for him because of the paralysis.

Out on the streets, it seemed like everyone wanted to know: What's the story there with that little guy?

Soon the newspapers came calling. Then TV.

She also got a call from the people who owned the trademark to Chilly Willy, the cartoon penguin: We really think Willy's a great dog and all, but drop the name or we'll sue, was the gist of their message. And that's how Chilly Willy became Wheely Willy.

Suddenly, Wheely Willy was everywhere.

He did Animal Planet (where he remains one of their highest rated shows), National Geographic and the talk show circuit, sitting down with Mike and Maty, Leeza and Tammy Faye Baker.

The publicity led to personal appearances. And soon every hospital and elementary school around wanted to book him. Deborah even did some high school graduation keynote speeches, giving some version of the "I can" speech with Willy by her side.

He made kids on chemotherapy laugh for the first time in weeks. And a woman in an Alzheimer's home in Los Alamitos saw Willy and broke into "Silent Night," singing the entire song, word for word, and prompting nurses to phone the family so they could quickly drive over and see their mother speak again.

Together, Willy and Deborah traveled the globe, making appearances in Germany and Canada. "He's particularly popular in Japan," she says.

She and Willy met Prince Hitachi and Princess Hanako a few years ago. When they saw the dog, the royals got down on the floor, causing a minor sensation. Out on the streets of Tokyo, pictures of Willy flashed on the giant Jumbo Trons.

Willy's story made it into the "Chicken Soup for the Cat and Dog Lover's Soul" book. In "Working Dogs: Tales from Animal Planet's K-9 to 5 World," his work in the spinal unit at the Long Beach Veterans Hospital (where his picture still hangs) is documented. His story is even on the standardized reading proficiency test given to school children in Texas.

Sometimes someone would ask if Willy did any tricks. "His trick is that he can wake up every day happy," Deborah would tell them.
•••
A rainy day last January marked the beginning of the end.

Deborah was on her way to an elementary school presentation when she slipped off her rain-slicked porch and Willy flew out of her arms. She wound up in a wheelchair with a broken leg. Willy wound up in a hospital with a broken hip, leg and jaw.

Three surgeries followed, but Willy never really recovered.

On New Year's Day she met me at a coffee shop, carrying a little royal blue velvet bag. Inside was a round tin of Willy's ashes.

"There's some part of me that knew he wasn't going to live forever," she told me. "But then there was some fanciful part of me that thought maybe he will live forever."

That's the part she should listen to.

Memorial Service for Wheely Willy

The little chihuahua with a huge heart went to doggie heaven on December 22nd at the age of 22. Wheely Willy, along with his mom, Deborah Turner helped so many kids and adults see that animals with disabilities can live a wonderful life. They also were great teachers in teaching compassion and kindness to all animals. There will be a memorial service for this little champion on Jan. 19th in Long Beach, CA. If you are in the area, I know Willy's mom, Deborah would love your support. My mom has been hugging me extra much since Willy died, because she feels so sad for Willy's Mom. But I know Willy is happy in heaven and Deborah and Willy will see each other again in heaven.
Below is the information on the memorial service, as well as an awesome video of "A Day in the Life of Wheely Willy." Thank you Willy, for all the GREAT you did in the world. I'll always think you ROCK (and roll!)



Memorial Service for Wheely Willy

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

12:00pm to 2:00pm

The Memorial Garden at Long Beach Animal Care Services, P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, 7700 East Spring Street, Long Beach, CA 90815

The Memorial Service is hosted by the Long Beach Animal Care Services and Friends of Long Beach Animals. After the ceremony, all of Willy's friends and fans are invited for refreshments, conversation and reminiscences about Willy. In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation be made to Friends of Long Beach Animals in appreciation for the role they play in improving the lives of so many animals in need. We recall that Willy began his life as a rescued pet.

You can also check out Willy's books, which I have both of them and love them!

Pillow Fight!

OK, so not really a pillow fight... but I think you'd rather cuddle with this pillow. A fan of mine, Wendy sent me this pawsome picture of her with her Christmas gift.. yup, that is yours truly on the pillow. It does look like me, now don't you think? Woof! Wendy's doxie's Gretta and Elliott like to hang out with me too... awww, I love you guys! If you want to cuddle with me you can too with a Frankie pillow from my Cafe Press store. You'll find lots of other goodies there too!

Expressing the Bladder of a Paralyzed Dog

Ok, so I know, talking about our bodily functions can be kinda gross... but, hey, we all gotta do it, right? And since I happen to be a paralyzed dog, I need a little help on that end (pun intended!)

But here is your chance to help spread a positive message by sharing this video! Now that is a good thing, right? When I first became paralyzed my poor mom had a hard time figuring out when I had to go... so we had lots of messes, well, err, I had lots of messes. But with a little practice, my mom became a pro at helping me go to the bathroom. And you know what? I love her very much for that. You see, sadly, many dogs are put to sleep when they become paralyzed. Their mom and dad are afraid they may not be able to learn how to help their paralyzed dog go to the bathroom.

So my mom and I were very excited when we were asked to be a part of this very well done video on showing others how easy it really can be... you just have to practice... and isn't that like all things in life? We learn by practicing.

So here is where you can help!! Share this video with your local vets, with other pet parents, with your local humane societies, etc. Arf-a-roo! Thanks for your help!!

Disabled Dachshund Found in Puppy Mill

I thought my heart would break reading this story about Rainbow the dachshund who was paralyzed and the breeder kept making her have puppies. This makes me very, very, very sad. I'm going to open up my piggy bank and send her new, kind caretakers some money so they can help her feel better again. If you have some spare change, I know it would help Rainbow.

Here is the article and where you can send donations.

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!

Amazing Grace, the Two-legged Kitty!

I love kitties... honest, I really do!! Wait till you see this amazing kitty!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKPp4j-YQ00