ABOUT

Over the last 25 years I’ve partnered with animals to receive life-changing wisdom and heal childhood trauma.

This has led me to understand that when we open our hearts to that which causes us pain, and gently acknowledge and understand its presence, we are better able to heal on a deeper level that leads to a more peaceful and balanced state of being.

Along my personal healing journey, I’ve incorporated different tools that have helped me to acknowledge with compassion what needs healing.

Two of my favorite ways in which to guide myself and others in self-reflection, self-care, and self-transformation is via animal wisdom and oracle cards!

The wisdom I’ve gained from doing the internal work, teachings from the animal world, and the different tools I’ve incorporated to guide me are what I bring to the Oracle Readings and Healing Sessions I facilitate for people and for people and their pets because we all deserve to be seen, heard, and held in compassion. 

Animals, dogs in particular, reflected for me a profound love they had for me despite how I saw myself as flawed or not worthy. In turn, the deep and compassionate love I held for them is what exquisitely guided me to extend that same love to myself.

I’ve written three memoirs about the human-animal bond and my transformational healing journey, plus two children’s books about my dachshund who lived life to the fullest in a wheelchair built for dogs. My healing journey and the profound and life-changing teachings I received are inspired by three special needs dachshunds, and two Labrador retrievers, plus a wolf, a snake, and a horse.

It was my dachshund, Gidget, who lovingly served as my Master Teacher (or as I called her – Buddha dog!) who helped me to finally give voice to, and heal, a childhood trauma I’d kept suppressed for over fifty years. This led me to my heartfelt mission of being an Intuitive Oracle Card Reader guiding people to not only strengthen their bond with themselves, but with their pets too.

I believe at my core that animals wish for their fellow human travelers to heal and that this is what will lead to more harmony and peace for all beings on the planet.

To learn more about my Oracle card readings and healing sessions, my oracle cards, my books, and more, read on!

Wisdom in the Paws Reading – For Your Pet and You

The relationship between you and your pet is one in which each of you serves as the other’s advocate on the journey to healing and deepening in the relationship that you not only share together but also the one you have with yourself – and thus you both are changed in a profound and deepened way.

Animal or human we each have our own thoughts, emotions, and feelings. I hold space for both you and your pet to be heard.

Wisdom in the Pause Reading – Just for You

I hold space for you as we explore where you currently are, past patterns and pain that keep you stuck, and how you can honor your full potential moving forward. While change can feel uncertain, I know from experience that it is worth it. I listen intently and gently empower you to understand where you can make changes and then move forward with grace, clarity, and joy.

NEW to my work in 2023 is the creation of an animal-themed Oracle deck: Animal Reflections Healing Oracle

Animals, whether they’re in the wild or sharing our home, often serve as loving and compassionate reflections of what we need to acknowledge, change, expand, or heal within ourselves.

Animal Reflections Healing Oracle will guide you to honor all the aspects of yourself and step fully into your inner sage.

I’m also an award-winning author and have written and published three memoirs and two children’s books:

In them, I share my journey of first embracing my authentic self and began building my confidence, to then moving through and embracing a transitional time as an opportunity to expand and evolve into the next phase of my becoming, and then releasing and integrating the pain of a childhood wound I carried with me for over two decades which was the catalyst to have me finally realizing that I am worthy just as I am.

Children’s Books:

True story children’s books about my dachshund, Frankie, became paralyzed and lived life to the fullest in a wheelchair made just for dogs. A determined little dog she also became a therapy dog logging over 250 visits to a local hospital, assisted living facility called Libby’s House, and Sharon S. Richardson Hospice.  She inspired thousands of children and adults to keep on rolling and to be positive no matter what!

For over fifteen years, I’ve sent out a newsletter featuring inspiration for living a self-examined life, plus sharing wisdom from oracles and animal guides. Sign up here.

You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.

Here are two interviews I did where I talk about how animals and oracles have guided me on my personal growth journey:

My Path to Living a More Meaningful Life

It’s been dogs, dachshunds in particular, that have guided me in some pretty profound ways over the years. Gidget, who passed in May of 2019 served as a reflection of a past wound I needed to work through in order that I could let go of an identity and old patterns I clung to. 

It was a recurring vision that plagued me for over two decades that I had to finally call upon every ounce of courage, faith and commitment in order to understand the depression and anxiety that was consuming me.

I employed a myriad of metaphysical tools, with each serving as a building block to self-knowledge and healing. I learned to tap into my intuition and the insight from oracle cards, examine my dreams, embrace the power of ceremony and take part in life-enhancing breathwork.

Not only was I being guided by a Master healer and teacher in Gidget, but it was also the wisdom from a snake, a wolf, and a horse that had a profound effect on me.

I’d eventually come to understand that the turmoil I was going through at the time was truly happening for me, not to me. All were integral in helping me transform my pain and accept it as a gift and the path I was meant to walk in order to finally understand that I am worthy just as I am.

I now guide women on inward journey quests with my intuitive oracle readings and working with the wisdom of oracles and animals.

My journey with Gidget is chronicled in my third memoir, I’m Fine Just the Way I Am – Healing Emotional Pain through the Wisdom of Animals and Oracles

WINNER of the RIO AWARD 2020 

(profiles a dog who changed someone’s life in a profoundly positive way) from Dog Writer’s Association of America

It was in 2012 I had adopted my second special needs dachshund, who unfortunately and unexpectedly passed away ten months later. I found it interesting that even though I was grieving the passing of her, I was also in this space of seeing myself where I’d pictured I was supposed to be over fifteen years ago. Even though I wasn’t exactly sure how it would unfold I had this increasing desire to help guide women to tune in and listen to their
souls.

It was after the passing of Joie that I made what felt like one of the scariest decisions of my life. I stopped everything I was doing and took a two-month sabbatical to learn how to just be.

It was during this time of reflection and stillness I discovered how vital it is to our well-being to pause often, listen deeply, and capture what matters most. It was by opening to that innate wisdom already within me that the next leg in my life’s journey was able to gently bubble to the surface.

Over the years my awareness has deepened (and continues to!) of how animals are intelligent beings with much to share with us. It was looking back that I realized some profound teachings from animals which guided me in beautiful ways, helping me to heal in ways I could have never imagined.

Over fifteen years ago, embarking on a spiritual path and one dedicated to the pursuit of personal growth, because I just knew there had to be more to this thing called life, I knew I wanted to write about animals and our connection to them. During that time, I also became fascinated with oracle cards, having collected many decks over the years, and which I use as a self-discovery tool and consult within my own practice on a regular basis. 

In my memoir, Wisdom Found in the Pause – Joie’s Gift, it was oracle cards I used every day during a two-month sabbatical I embarked on while I learned to be still and listen for what was next in my life’s work. It wasn’t easy to be still after so many years of going, going, going! But I was so amazed when I allowed myself time to journal, be in nature and solitude, and consult oracle cards as a way to begin a dialogue with my inner self, connected to a higher spirit, that answers began bubbling to the surface.

I came to understand that transition is a welcoming portal to what is next on our life’s path if we can find the courage to open to the many gifts it has for us.

While there were times I felt lost during this time of uncertainty and transition, there were also days I was left in awe as each oracle card revealed just the right message that I needed to hear. It gave me hope, empowered me, and confirmed that I am never alone— and that there is always divine guidance waiting to help us if we just ask.

Pets in my life, past and present, along with animals in nature and spirit animals, have been, and continue to be, some of my greatest teachers.

Along with the wisdom of animals and working with oracle cards, they continue to serve me in a positive way, as a mirror, I welcome looking into, even when it’s difficult. But I’ve come to understand both as Divine messengers that help guide me in taking positive steps every day to live my best and most meaningful life.

I chronicled and published this personal and life-changing experience in my recent memoir, Wisdom Found in the Pause – Joie’s Gift.

I’ve been on a spiritual path since 2001 expanding more fully into who I am every day through various personal mastery programs and teachings I’ve been through and continue to immerse myself in. I owe many of the teachings I’ve come to understand and integrate into my life from my beloved dogs, past and present. Hence the reason my website is called Joyful Paws. One of the greatest lessons they have taught me is to follow my heart by pausing often to think about what it is that brings me joy.

Tuning into my heart as part of a regular self-care ritual continues to be one of my most treasured ways in for the truth of what matters to me. It’s in my Zen writing cottage where I begin each day by centering myself with meditation and yoga before I move into my continued desire to make a difference in the world.

In June of 2016, I was so excited that CBS 58 Milwaukee interviewed me about my “she shed.” They beautifully captured the heart and soul of what my sacred space means to me. Click here or below to watch the interview.

 

My zen writing cottage is featured in She Sheds – A Treasure Trove of Women’s Creative Spaces and has been featured on ABC.com. Today.com and Australia’s #1 breakfast show, Weekend Sunrise.

My writing cottage today…it is my space that embraces me and nourishes my soul.

It was my first disabled dachshund Frankie, who helped me understand that I had a choice as to how I wished to live my life. Never having had the experience of living with, and caring for a paralyzed dog, I marveled at how this ten-inch tall dog rolled along in a wheelchair with gusto and confidence.

The more I was in her presence and saw how others positively reacted to her that my own confidence grew. I was able to heal guilt and shame I’d carried with me for a good part of my life, gently letting go of a burden worrying what others thought of my choices, which had often stopped me from moving forward.

I was profoundly and forever changed for the better for the lessons Frankie taught me about perseverance and having a positive attitude.

My first memoir Through Frankie’s Eyes: One woman’s journey to her authentic self, and the dog on wheels who led the way shares the heartwarming journey that we embarked on together.

WINNER of the MERIAL HUMAN-BOND AWARD

from Dog Writer’s Association of America

From the time Frankie was seven years old and rolling in her wheelchair until the day she left this planet at almost thirteen, we were an amazing team helping children and adults see their challenges in a positive way. We logged over 400 visits to schools and libraries, plus using Skype, and made over 250 visits as a therapy dog team to a local hospital, senior assisted living facility, and hospice community.

Frankie’s story touched thousands of lives through the children’s books I published about her. Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog and Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House.

National Indie Excellence Award for Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog

Indie Finalist for Frankie the Walk N’ Roll Dog Visits Libby’s House

                                               

Frankie’s legacy lives on in National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day which I founded in her honor and as a way to carry on her message that dog’s in wheelchairs can live quality lives.

The Frankie Wheelchair Fund, which I also established and ran from 2012-2017 granted seventy wheelchairs to paralyzed dogs in need. This was done entirely from the generous monetary donations from others who support my special mission.           

Frankie’s likeness and positive message is memorialized at a storybook garden in Sheboygan, Wisconsin called Bookworm Gardens.  She continues to touch the lives of thousands who visit each year.

 

 

Visiting Bookworm Gardens June 21st, 2017 on the 5th Year Anniversary of Frankie’s passing. Good stuff for the soul.

My work with Frankie has been featured on numerous radio shows, in magazines and on blogs, plus in the following books:

Awakening the Ancient Power of Snake: Transformation, Healing, and Enlightenment

She Sheds – A Treasure Trove of Women’s Creative Spaces

Magical Dogs: Love and Lessons from our Canine Friends

Faithfully Yours: The Amazing Bond between Us and the Animals We Love

Dogs and the Women Who Love Them: Extraordinary True Stories of Loyalty, Healing, and Inspiration

Animals and the Kids Who Love Them: Extraordinary True Stories of Hope, Healing, and Compassion

Every Dog Has a Gift: True Stories of Dogs Who Bring Hope & Healing into Our Lives

Lost Souls: FOUND! Inspiring Stories About Pets with Disabilities (Volume 1) 

AS A LITTLE GIRL…

I’ve always felt a deep connection to animals. To this day, when I see a cat, dog, horse, squirrel, or any animal for that matter, it floods my whole being with a vibration of joy.

Me at about 3-years old with kitten, Tiger

Growing up, there were times I often felt different, though I couldn’t name exactly why that was. It wouldn’t be until my early 40s that a life coach would introduce me to a book called, The Highly Sensitive Person.

Reading that book and giving myself the gift of inner exploration with a compassionate life coach, is when I finally began to feel at home in my skin and soul.

Understanding I was empathetic, helped me to recognize and trust my intuition in a new way. This would lead me to live a more meaningful life with integrity, intent, and joy.

During a moment of self-reflection, a memory surfaced of my eighth-grade teacher who encouraged me to write even though I had a difficult time understanding verbs, nouns, adjuncts, etc. Oh, how it frustrated me! But my teacher saw in me that writing was a way in which I could express what was truly in my heart. How grateful I am for her encouragement! 

Writing and journaling is now part of my life as a way for me to tap into my inner world, allowing me the quiet and still space to give voice to all the many parts of myself in a compassionate and gentle way. While I graduated from college in 1983 with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing, and I love fashion, I’ve come to realize that we are so much more than what society inundates us with its portrayal of external beauty.

It’s really what’s inside, that when we take the time to care for and nourish, that makes us glow and shine a brilliant beautiful light into this world.

As I continue this journey of awareness and what a meaningful and spiritual life looks like for me, it is the willingness to be open to symbols and signposts the universe generously gifts me, asking for help when I need it, integrating creativity into my daily existence, understanding the wisdom of animals and nature, and connecting with my inner self through various rituals that I’ve discovered is when peace is allowed to find a soft place to land within me….and it is this peace within that I wish for everyone.

Much love and gratitude,

Barbara

P.S. I have a fascination with donkeys and I’m a huge fan of the late Tasha Tudor (illustrator of children’s books and who lived as if she was living in the 1800s in the 20th century!)

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All images and designs are ©Barbara Techel. Some photography by © Lisa A. Lehmann