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

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 Thursday, June 24th 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

Blind Dog has Her Own Seeing-Eye Dog

The beauty of animals and how they help each other.  Thanks to Petville for alerting us to this story, and UK Manchester Evening News for doing this story:


From the UK’s Evening Manchester News:

When you’ve suffered such a bad start in life and are only so small, it could feel scary having a dog this size looming over you.

But this little blind mite, one of a litter of five rescued by RSPCA inspectors, has found her champion in new friend Leo. The German Shepherd cross, which weighs over 40 kilos, has become little Ellie’s eyes.

Jean Spencer, manager of the Rochdale RSPCA animal shelter in Redcross Street, explained: “Ellie has cataracts on both eyes and is only aware of shadows.

“But Leo, who’s an absolutely massive dog, has become her eyes. It’s touching to watch them together – she follows him around and snuggles up to him.”

Leo’s owner, who has also adopted Ellie, is RSPCA volunteer Julie Lander.

She said: “As well as having cataracts, Ellie’s eye muscles haven’t developed as they should have as she’d been kept in the dark. The puppies had no light or heating.

“I felt so sorry for her when she arrived her and knew she’d need a special home.

“But I also knew she would be all right with Leo, as he just loves little dogs and they took to one another straight away.”

Julie, who lives in Royton, added: “I take them for walks in the park and Leo guides Ellie around. He is so protective and herds the more boisterous dogs away from her.”

Jean said: “Ellie needs an operation which will cost £2,500, but we need to raise the money and she needs to get a little bit bigger.”

Deputy manager of the animal shelter Chan Taylor had already pledged to raise money through a parachute jump before Ellie’s arrival.

She explained: “I originally wanted to do it for Blue, my own dog. He arrived here in a state of collapse two years ago after being pumped full of drugs. The vet’s bill was £2,000.

“I fell for him and adopted him, now I want to give something back.”

The centre, which is self-funding, is also full to capacity with 83 cats and kittens – among them Oakley, another of Chan’s favourites.

She said: “He’s a tabby and white kitten and was found on an allotment, just a few days old. There were three, but a magpie was seen taking off with one of the kittens and Oakley’s sister didn’t make it.

“My original sponsorship target for the parachute jump was £1,500. So far just over £1,000 has been pledged, but if I can raise more it will also help pay for Ellie’s operation.”

Jumping from 10,000ft Chan’s fund-raiser is due to take place tomorrow (Sunday) from the Black Knights Parachute Centre in Cockerham. She said: “It’s been cancelled once but hopefully there will be no further setbacks. I would really appreciate people sponsoring me.”

To do so, go to the Just Giving charity website link via www.rspca-rochdale.org.uk – or call the animal shelter on 861897.

A Dog’s Wish

If only all of the world knew how vitally important it is to treat our animal friends would we then, I believe, know true peace.  Because if we can respect and treat with dignity our fellow furry friends, just maybe, we could do the same for all humankind.  These are just some of the lessons our animals/pets teach us if we can open our minds and hearts to those lessons.

Help spread the message by sharing this touching video, “A Dog’s Wish.”  Thank you to my friend, Mary Shafer for sharing this with me.