About Me

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Barbara Techel is the author of the multi-award winning Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog book series. When her dachshund, Frankie, suffered a spinal injury, Barbara had her custom-fitted for a wheelchair. Frankie persevered, and Barbara realized the beautiful opportunity she had to share Frankie and give others hope and inspiration to be the best they can be. Along with sharing Frankie’s story with children, Barbara and Frankie routinely volunteer as a therapy dog team at a local hospital, senior assisted facility, and hospice community, spreading joy wherever they go.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Special Needs Pet Feature: Selianka


Selka in stocking 2010,crop 
What is your pet's name? 
My pet’s name is Selianka, which supposedly means “a little girl from the town” in the Romanian/Croatian language.


How old is your pet?

Selianka is 2 ½ years old.


Where did you get your pet?
I was whelping her mother at my house on March 14, 2009,  but at 1am, I knew something was wrong, so I drove to the Dog Hospital in our city, and around 2am she was born via C-Section. She has one live brother. Two siblings were stillborn.

W-pups with Selka,resized 
What is your pet's physical challenge?
She is so very small. She was 4.5 ounces at birth, and she grew properly until she was 5 weeks old. Then she slowed down, and at 14 weeks of age, she weighed 2 pounds, while her brother weighed  in at 5 pounds.  When she was 6 months old, she got very sick, and was in the Dog Hospital for 10 days. They finally found that she had a liver shunt, and were able to operate and save her life. Selianka now weighs 3 pounds and she is a pretty,  long legged little girl, with a height of 8 inches.  She is doing fine in the house and our fenced in back yard, but when we are out on the town, she must be carried, so she does not get stepped on by passers by. She is very nervous in large people crowds if she is on the ground.

What is your pet's favorite thing to do?
Play with her  Russian Toy dog pals in the yard, chase the black Lab next door (on the other side of the fence). Chase other kritters in the yard.  AND she loves to sort clean laundry.  Watch video.


What is your pet's favorite thing to eat?
People food. We are very careful not to  feed her “bad” food from our plates. But she gets a tiny piece of cheese with breakfast. And she loves the tiny, tiny pieces of chicken or duck jerky for midday snack. Being a Russian Toy dog, and with her small size, she can suffer from low blood sugar. We feed her in the morning and at dinner time. Then she getsa  very small snack midday, and before bed time.

What do you love most about your pet?
Her impishness, spunk and beauty is what I love the most.  Although she was born with a liver shunt, most Russian Toys are quite healthy.

What has your pet most taught you?
To be very gentle and kind to her. With her small size and light weight, it is easy to hoist her up in the air, or swirl/twirl her around. She does not appreciate that. She has also taught me that just because she is so small, it does not mean that she thinks she is small…oh no…in her mind she is a large dog, with a large dogs power. So she really needs to be protected from large vicious dogs, or she can be their snack. I am also in the yard with her at all times. She is no larger than a squirrel, and the hawk, fox or coyote can easily grab her for a meal.

 ***If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email me through my website contact. Send a photo and I will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.***

A Special Message from Frankie's Mom

My life changed for the better and my heart grew ten times it size when my dog, Frankie ruptured a disk and ended up in a doggie wheelchair.  That may sound odd, but it lead me to a calling that has brought me so much joy.
I love being an advocate for pets with special neeeds educating others that disabled pets are just as lovable as any other pet. I also feel so blessed to help kids of all ages see their challenges in a positive way through Frankie's example. Frankie is an incredbile gift not only in my life, but she has helped thousands of children through the book series about her, as well as the visits we do to schools in WI and schools across the US and Canada via Skype.
Sharing other pets with special needs expands on the message that all animals deserve a chance. Sharing these pets helps to spread a positive message and every time I meet a new special needs pet I feel my heart grow even bigger.  I hope it does the same for you and you pass on the love.


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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Special Needs Pet Feature: Gus


Gus (08-11)
What is your pet's name?  
Gus

How old is your pet? 
 14

Where did you get your pet?  
I was there the day he was born. Friends of mine had both of the parents on their ranch. The sire was a papered heeler and the bitch was not but she was a heeler as well. So I call Gus a pure-bred but not well-bred heeler.  All my animals are rescues so I don’t care whether he is a pure-bred or not. The dogs were bred for herding purposes but he was really shy and only liked me so I was the lucky one to get him.

What is your pet's physical challenge? 
He went blind at age 11 from cataracts so I had surgery done on one eye which brought his sight back. Then two years later when he was 13 he got glaucoma in his good eye and went blind again. There wasn’t anything further we could do surgically due to his age so we control pain management with four eye drops twice a day.

What is your pet's favorite thing to do? 
Hang out with me; go to the park and car rides.  He would play tennis ball for hours until he went blind.

What is your pet's favorite thing to eat? 
He loves his premium dog food and biscuit snacks and the occasional meat scraps. Of course, we would eat most anything tasty if I would let him.

What do you love most about your pet? 
He is loyal and smart and has put all his trust in me since he went blind.  He never questions my voice commands and will even step off a curb without hesitation when we are walking.  He has no idea whether it’s a 100 foot drop or just a few inches. He doesn’t fear the unknown because he trusts me so much. I am his “seeing-eye person”.

What has your pet most taught you?
Un-conditional love.

Anything else you’d like to share?
I cherish every day that I have with Gus because at 14 I know I probably don’t have a lot of time left with him.  I love the breed and will go to a local heeler rescue organization to adopt when Gus crosses the rainbow bridge.

 ***If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email me through my website contact. Send a photo and I will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.***


A Message from Frankie's Mom on Why We Feature Special Needs Pets


My life changed for the better and my heart grew ten times it size when my dog, Frankie ruptured a disk and ended up in a doggie wheelchair.  That may sound odd, but it lead me to a calling that has brought me so much joy.
I love being an advocate for pets with special neeeds educating others that disabled pets are just as lovable as any other pet. I also feel so blessed to help kids of all ages see their challenges in a positive way through Frankie's example. Frankie is an incredbile gift not only in my life, but she has helped thousands of children through the book series about her, as well as the visits we do to schools in WI and schools across the US and Canada via Skype.
Sharing other pets with special needs expands on the message that all animals deserve a chance. Sharing these pets helps to spread a positive message and every time I meet a new special needs pet I feel my heart grow even bigger.  I hope it does the same for you and you pass on the love.
Learn more about Barbara and her love of special needs pets
Learn more about Barbara's special needs pet, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog


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Monday, October 10, 2011

Book Giveaway and Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Halloween Magnet Set Giveaway!!

This post is being brought to you by my mom and author, Barbara Techel.


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NOTE:  Be sure to read through to end of this post to see how you can win a signed copy of Jon Katz' new book!  Also see how you can win a set of Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Halloween magnets!


Yup, that's me in the front row as the director of the WI Humane Society is introduction author Jon Katz(my mom is next to me putting her books under her chair).

A few years ago I was fortunate enough to see Jon in Milwaukee also and sat right in the front row... and I was just as excited to be in the front row once again.

I thought it would be sad when he talked about pet grief, but I actually walked out of the talk feeling lighter and even more grateful for life and death. Jon has a wonderful sense of humor and shared some funny stories with us before touching on the subject of the death of our beloved pets.

One question an audience member asked was if Jon would address the subject of how we tell a child about the death of a pet. I appreciated his answer as he said, "Don't lie to your child." He said in his research he talked with many adults who still had resentment towards their parents for not telling them about the death of an animal when they were a child. He talked about making a special photo album with your child of the pet, or perhaps a memorial service to help your child.

He shared with us that each of his dogs have taught him something in his life- something he needed to learn at the time. Tears sprang to my eyes as he said that as I could relate, as I think so many of us can.

One important thing I felt he shared was that no one knows our pets better than we do. Only we can do what we feel is best when a pet is diagnosed with a terminal illness or when it is time to euthanize them. He said so many people feel so much guilt over this, but they shouldn't. Yes, it is one of the hardest things we have to do, but he said an animal does not fear death, nor do they worry about it. They come into the world when they need to and then leave when it is their time.

He does not feel their is a heaven for pets... but I'm not so sure about that one. Though I understood what he was saying. I want there to be a heaven where our pets are there waiting for us, but do I know that 100% for sure?  No, I don't. But when I lose a pet, it is what helps get me through my grieving process believing I will see them again some day.

So in honor of all the pets that gone before us I am giving away a copy of Jon's new book, which is autographed by Jon.


All you have to do to enter is:


Leave a note in the comments section:  "In memory of (and name of your pet)" or "In honor of (and name of your pet). I'll choose a name at random from all the entries. Drawing will be on Friday, Oct. 14, 2011.

Another giveaway I am doing is through DogTipper.com.  I am giving away a set of Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Halloween magnets, so be sure to stop over to DogTipper site to enter. That contest runs through Wed. October 19th.

Both giveaways open to the US and Canada only. Magnets and book giveaway will be shipped to winners week of October 23rd.



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Friday, October 7, 2011

Bookworm Gardens to Host Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog & Author Barbara Techel


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334641_2282191688293_1053852379_2624106_1915706058_o (2)
A Frankie fan giving Frankie's statue at Bookworm Gardens a big smooch!

I'm very excited to announce our special appearance at Bookworm Gardens October 15th, 2011. This is in conjunction with the Sheboygan's Children's Book Festival Oct. 14-16 where you can meet many more authors.  We have some fun activities planned!

 Saturday, October 15th, 2011 10:00-11:30am
  • Color your own Frankie!
  • Enter into drawing for three fabulous prize packages!
  • Design an outfit for Frankie!
  • Have your picture taken with real Frankie (bring your cameras)!
  • Get a signed and pawtographed copy of your favorite Frankie book(s)
  • Halloween magnets, as well as other Frankie products will also be for sale
A portion of all books sales will benefit Bookworm Gardens.
1415 Campus Drive, Sheboygan, WI  53081
Directly across from UW-Sheboygan
920-287-7895



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Thursday, October 6, 2011

Four pound Yorkshire Terrier Fashion Model Raising Money for Cancer Care Fund with 2012 Calendar


Lehmann-calendar
Sophie, the therapy dog and fashion model and her mom, LuAnn are friends of mine.

To date, LuAnn and Sophie have done over 100 fashion shows for the elderly.  They do this as a way of giving back and bringing joy to the lives of others.

To further give back, LuAnn with the help of Lehman Photography, have created a beautiful calendar of Sophie in all her many fashion runway outfits.

All proceeds from the 2012 calendar will benefit The Sheboygan Cancer Care Fund.

If you'd like to purchase a copy, please contact LuAnn directly at 920-627-3755 or email, lumaratik at charter dot net.




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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

October Book Special!


OCTOBER SPECIAL
Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog storybooks on sale!
$12.00 each (retail $14.95) or two for $20.00! What A Deal!

Hurry!  Ends October 31st, 2011

9780980005202

FrankieCover_02


Follow Frankie on Facebook and Twitter!



Follow author Barbara Techel on Facebook and Twitter!

For More Fun Frankie Products Visit Our Book Store and


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Special Needs Pet Feature: O'Bannon Phillip


OBannon
What is your pet's name?
O’Bannon Phillip 


How old is your pet?
 6

Where did you get your pet?
Animal Friends, Pittsburgh, PA


What is your pet's physical challenge?
O’Bannon has a hearing impairment from having bi lateral Total Ear Canal Ablations (TECA) performed.  When we adopted him they told us he was basically deaf. We have learned that he has more “selective” hearing than anything else.   O’Bannon also suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after being rescued by Animal Friends’ Humane Officers where they found him and others in a horrific scene. Multiple Pit Bulls were caged in crates in a dark basement or tied outside with thick chains. Many showed signs of physical injury, some needing emergency surgery.  All showed signs of emotional distress.

Though, it wasn’t until the O’Pits (as they were all given a name that started with an “O”) were adopted into homes that they really showed signs of the PTSD. Many, if not all of them, including O’Bannon, had never lived inside a house. The simple act of turning on and off lights sent him cowering and running from the room.  He was afraid to go down steps or walk down hallways.  He still struggles mentally to build up the courage to come to us if we are at one end of the hall and he is at the other.  He is still quite paranoid in certain situations, always looking over his shoulder and looking around as if he is waiting for something bad to happen.

What is your pet's favorite thing to do?
O’Bannon loves laying outside in the sunshine and playing with his sister Sylvie.


What is your pet's favorite thing to eat?  
Can we have some extra paper to list everything?  O’Bannon especially enjoys potatoes and pot roast.  He really enjoys cheese as an extra treat.

What do you love most about your pet?
His courage to wake up each day with a happy demeanor and give it his best even though throughout the day his courage will be tested. We just love his spirit and the joy he brings by simply watching him interact with his furry siblings, Bruizer, Sylvie and Mani or laying in his recliner.
Banny
What has your pet most taught you?  
O’Bannon has taught us that one of the most precious gifts is the gift of safety.  When we think back to his condition when he first came home and compare it to his behavior now, we see little acts every day which shows he feels safe more and more.  People often take the feeling of safety for granted.  People, for the most part, have the ability to take precautions or to change our behavior to ensure our safety.  Dogs do not completely have that ability and are dependent upon us to provide them with an environment of care and comfort.  O’Bannon appreciates the care and comfort everyone has given him since the day he was rescued.  And he has reciprocates and showers us with care and comfort every time his little face looks up at us.
Also, it is so important not to dismiss an animal with a special need. Often times, they are no more work than pets without special needs and are sometimes so much more rewarding.

Anything else you’d like to share?
We were so inspired by O’Bannon’s ability to trust and love others, his loyalty, gentleness and courage that it was only right to make him the mascot of our law firm. We used his image and likeness with his bright red collar as our logo because he embodies all of the qualities we hope to provide to our clients.  He has his own Facebook page where he likes to blog and keep in touch with all of the wonderful people who saved his life and took care of him while he was waiting for us to find him.

 ***If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email me through my website contact. Send a photo and I will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.***



A Message From Frankie's Mom, Barbara Techel



My life changed for the better and my heart grew ten times it size when my dog, Frankie ruptured a disk and ended up in a doggie wheelchair.  That may sound odd, but it lead me to a calling that has brought me so much joy.

I love being an advocate for pets with special neeeds educating others that disabled pets are just as lovable as any other pet. I also feel so blessed to help kids of all ages see their challenges in a positive way through Frankie's example. Frankie is an incredbile gift not only in my life, but she has helped thousands of children through the book series about her, as well as the visits we do to schools in WI and schools across the US and Canada via Skype.

Sharing other pets with special needs expands on the message that all animals deserve a chance. Sharing these pets helps to spread a positive message and every time I meet a new special needs pet I feel my heart grow even bigger.  I hope it does the same for you and you pass on the love.

Learn more about Barbara and her love of special needs pets


Learn more about Barbara's special needs pet, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog




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