Meet Maggie: The 36th Paralyzed Dog Granted a Wheelchair thru The Frankie Wheelchair Fund with help from Hailey’s Wheels for Life

Posted by Barbara Techel

annie cA picture is worth a thousand words, right? Well, I think this picture says that and so much more!

Meet little Maggie who was recently granted a wheelchair. Her wheelchair granted as a collaborative effort with The Frankie Wheelchair Fund and Hailey’s Wheels for Life working together, combining our funds, and helping this little girl gain mobility.

I heard about Maggie through Matt Pike, founder of Hailey’s Wheels for Life. He forwarded an email from Annie, who was trying to help her friend, Beverly (who as you can see also has physical challenges) and her dog, Maggie who has IVDD and is paralyzed.

This joint effort was such a joy! To see little Maggie wheeling down the ramp of her home brings tears to my eyes — and to see Beverly’s smile, knowing her little girl now has a quality life — well, that is just priceless.

Annie also shot some video footage which I compiled together in one video – sorry for the sideways shots – this is how the videos came to me and I wasn’t sure how to fix. But you will see how happy Maggie is and wait until you see her roll down the ramp!

Maggie’s wheels custom-made by Eddie’s Wheels.

**To learn more or donate to help other paralyzed dogs in need please visit National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day (for the Frankie Wheelchair Fund) and/or Hailey’s Wheels for Life. Both foundations rely solely on the generous donations of others.**

Back Online: And Introducing a New Friend with No Name

Posted by Barbara Techel

20150121_165208My website was hacked yesterday, which you probably realized if you tried to view it and you were unable to.

I’m so happy to have it up and running again (thank you to my web gal extraordinaire, Caryn!).

But you know what? It was a reminder of how much I really enjoy connecting with you via my online journal. It felt like I was missing an arm yesterday. Or like someone tied my hands behind my back and I couldn’t share my thoughts via my fingers flying across the keyboard.

This place, while here on the web is so “public” it also feels so much like home to me. To feel connected with you – to know you are there in your own cozy little place, reading my thoughts. So thank you! Thank you for being here. I’m glad we are now once again connected.

I had to share with you this adorable construction dachshund my mom gifted to John a few weeks ago. Now John can’t say he’s alone running his construction business anymore.

As you might recall, we started out with three employees, two of which we had for over 12 years, who left last year. Then our last employee, Joe, left in November.

It was an interesting transition. And as John has eased into a new way of doing business, he is loving being on his own. It’s been great seeing how happy he is, even though he was unsure how he was going to handle being a one man operation.

But he’s never alone, as I’m here to be his support when he needs to talk things through. Kyie and Gidget here to remind him of what matters. And well, his new construction buddy that hangs out on the ledge of his office window to make him smile when he may feel overwhelmed. Would this little guy be considered a construction muse like I have writing muses?

I’ve yet to think of a name for him. He has to have a name. Any suggestions?

Friday Fun – I See You.

Posted by Barbara Techel

Friday funDachshunds are notorious for burrowing in blankets. Gidget is no exception. I think she is under her blanket more than she is not.

Such was this case this morning. I was deep into some writing, lost track of time, and almost lost track of where I was which happens sometimes when I’m in full out writing mode.

After I was done writing, still somewhat dazed, I looked up from my computer, and glanced Gidget’s way to see her sweet little face slightly peeking out of her blanket. Well if that didn’t break the spell I was under, as a big grin spread across my face, I let out a small chuckle, and before I knew it, I was grounded back in place again.

Ah, the magic of dogs!