dachshunds

Forever Friends in Spirit. Puppy Picasso & Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog. A Book Review & Remembrance.

It’s like Dee Dee Murry and her dog Hallie, and me and my dog, Frankie, lived parallel lives.

While my dachshund, Frankie, became paralyzed and was ultimately fitted for a custom dog wheelchair, and learned to move through the world in a new way, and became known as Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog, Hallie became blind and learned to navigate the world in her own unique way too and would become a star in her own right also and become known as Puppy Picasso.

Standing beside these two pint-sized dogs were two women— each determined to do whatever they could to help their furry companions live a quality of life. From that, each found a purpose and a calling they couldn’t deny. All four would ultimately positively affect the lives of thousands of others through the sharing of their stories to inspire and encourage young and old through difficult times.

When Dee Dee contacted me asking if I’d consider reviewing the book she was writing to share the story of Hallie— Puppy Picasso the true story of a little blind dog who could paint— I was beyond honored. The journey we each walked separately with our pups, but together in a bond that will never be broken, was something I wasn’t about to turn away from.

I knew reading Hallie’s story would bring back memories of my life with Frankie and would likely cause some tears to be shed, but I also knew that I’d likely be reminded of the joy, rewards, and love that can be encountered when we open to see our challenges in a positive way through the eyes of our animal friends.

And I wasn’t wrong. There were tears mixed in with smiles and giggles, but most of all, a depth of connection and understanding that I had relating to what Dee Dee and Hallie went through and how it ultimately and profoundly changed both their lives for the better.

The love between a human and a pet is an extraordinary experience that has the potential to change one’s life in unimaginable ways. Such is the deeply enriching and touching story of Hallie, the blind dachshund who learns to paint, and her devoted human and artistic mom, Dee Dee. Their story of triumph in the face of adversity will open a tender place in your heart. Not only do they each flourish despite obstacles, but they find a way in which to give back to dogs in need, and forever and positively change the lives of countless others—both canine and human. There is nothing the human spirit can’t do with a furry friend as your guide and champion!

Dee Dee and Hallie’s book is available here on Amazon.

To learn more about Dee Dee and her exquisite animal art and pet portraits visit her website here.

XO

Barb

                  

Love Is A Doxie – Storyteller Mitchell Jordan Interviews Me – Joy on Wheels

Recently I was contacted by a sweet and kind gentleman from Australia. His name is Mitchell Jordan. His labor of love is a podcast he has created called, Love Is a Doxie, and he asked if he could interview me.

Of course, I was enthusiastic about sharing my love of dachshunds and how they have positively changed my life.

Mitchell’s style is that of a storyteller and while the podcast is short in length, it is BIG on impact. 

Click here or on the graphic above to listen to my interview titled: Joy on Wheels.

The story behind why Mitchell began curating these storytelling creations is an episode titled: My Sister’s Keeper. You might want to check that one out too. Though fair warning – you’ll need a few tissues in hand when you listen.

I also loved the episode titled, Big Steps with Hercules. I appreciated the honesty of Matt, who shares how he wanted nothing to do with a mini-dachshund his wife brought home. And boy-oh-boy (!) could I relate to that one recalling the memory of bringing my first dachshund home and John wasn’t happy. But those of us who have loved a dachshund or two know how they can wiggle into just about any heart! And just as all three dachshunds I’ve brought home, they did indeed wriggle and waggle right into John’s heart…and as you’ll soon find out, they had the same affect on Matt’s heart.

Enjoy this special podcast I’m so glad to have been interviewed for and will now follow with great enthusiasm.

XO,

Barb

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The Nurturing Remains: Refreshing Gidget’s Memorial Marker

Yesterday John and I spent most of the day refreshing the gardens around our house and Joyful Pause Cottage with chocolate-colored mulch. We will finish the rest today. Yay!

This marker in a shape of a heart with a small heart-shaped rock in the center, a sacred spot I can see right outside my cottage window when I’m at my writing desk, is where my sweet Gidget rests. Her heart within mine forever. Though I see the big heart as hers because that was truly who she was – she had such a large heart and capacity for love.

May 11th will mark two years since she moved on for greater travels. The ache of missing her isn’t as acute anymore. Her spirit is quieter now and her visits from the other side not as frequent. But I still sometimes sit in quiet moments and bring up in my mind favorite times with her. It always brings me a great deal of joy and comfort.

To place new mulch over the spot where she rests I found it a sacred and welcoming opportunity to gently set the stones aside, brushing away the dead debris and refreshing the area with fresh mulch. With each stone, I put back into place I did so with a deep appreciation and love as I remembered Gidget and all her wise teachings, silliness, and being the best cuddler ever.

Sometimes it’s hard to believe I’ve actually gone almost two whole years without another dog. There are times I really miss a dog companion, while other times I’m okay. I continue to trust (though sometimes I have to remind myself) that when the time is right I will know.

In honor of the two-year passing of Gidget and the recent Rio Award for our book, I’m Fine Just the Way I Am, I’ve been working on a special project. I’m recording a short video with an excerpt from each chapter of our book, along with an extra bit of discussion, that will be available on my Youtube channel. My hope is to release the first video on May 11th. So I hope you’ll stay tuned!

As I woke this morning thinking about how good it felt to renew Gidget’s memorial marker yesterday, I was reminded once again of how alive I feel when I can nurture that which I love. Though Gidget isn’t with me on this earthly plane I found that gently and lovingly attending to her place of rest was an enriching way in which I stay connected with her.

And my nurturing her sacred space of peace and all that she means to me, in turn, brought peace and nurturing to my heart.

XO

Barb

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