Therapy Dog Reading Program Reads Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Book Series

Posted by Barbara Techel

Julie Hauck, third grade teacher at Longfellow Elementary School believes in the power of dogs and the positive impact and many benefits they provide children.  Her passion for teaching, and educating with the help of animals inspired her to begin “Pages for Preston” quite a few years ago.  Preston is her King Charles Spaniel who she adores and loves.  He is a registered therapy dog with Therapy Dogs Incorporated and each week goes to his “job” in Julie’s classroom. He performs with extraordinary magic his amazing healing powers as the children feel at ease while they read to him and improve their reading skills.

Imagine how very tickled Frankie and I were when they applied for a grant with Thrivent Financial and received money so they could include Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog book series as part of the “Pages for Preston” program!!

Julie shared with us photos of her classroom and the “Pages for Preston” reading day!  We are so proud of each and everyone of Julie’s students… and especially proud of our dear friend, Preston.

Teacher Testimonials for Skype Visits with Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog

Posted by Barbara Techel

Frankie and I are having so much fun visiting classrooms via the technology of Skype.  Some schools have their own video conferencing and that has worked out just as well.  If you are thinking about bringing us into your school with the help of the Internet, please check out what these teachers had to say about the experience.  For more information visit our special teacher section on our website.  We would love to meet you and your students!

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

Our visit with you and Frankie was fabulous! The children couldn’t stop talking about it. Not only did you make Frankie’s story come alive for these students, you were able to make writing more real. Not one of these students have ever met an author, much less had a visit with one. I believe they received your message and also came away with a better understanding of what writing really is. ~Susan Ownens, special education teacher, Cheatham Park Elementary, Springfield, TN

Replay of Animals as Spiritual Teachers

Posted by Barbara Techel

In case you missed Blog Talk Radio show host, Lynn Serafinn talking with me and Ingrid King about how the animals in our lives have helped awaken each of us to so many blessings… here is the link.

Connecting with Ingrid, I found another kindred spirit in my belief's about aniamls.  I wish with all my heart everyone could feel what we feel about animals- it is such an amazing way to live and see the world.  I hope you will enjoy the show as much as I enjoyed doing it- what a thrill it is to share my message and hear others journey's as well.