Well, the big day had finally arrived this past Saturday! Frankie’s induction into the WI Pet Hall of Fame in the companion category. I woke up that morning determined to enjoy each and every moment, which I am happy to say I did. I tried hard not to be nervous, but just so happy for this recognition for Frankie. This honor meant more than a medal. It meant sharing Frankie’s message that disabled animals can live a quality life to a room full of Veterinarians and their staff.
As I learned from Frankie’s vet, Dr. Bohn, who nominated her, sometimes vets only look at Point A which is the paralysis and point B being able to fix the situation and having the animal walk again. Though we all had hoped Frankie would walk again, what is gained from knowing Frankie and watching her optimistic attitude is that life goes on. And does it ever! Making the most of our journey’s in life, despite our obstacles or challenges, is what makes life what it is all about.
The Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association started the WI Pet Hall of Fame 15 years ago with these goals in mind:
- To honor the outstanding contributions our animal companions make to human lives;
- To heighten public awareness of the human-animal bond; and
- To allow WVMA members to share in celebrating their patients’ accomplishments by serving as nominators for the WVMA Pet Hall of Fame
Two other pets were also honored and I felt so privileged to meet Chloe, a yellow lab and beagle mix who is her owner, Fran’s best friend and helper. Fran’s life would be close to impossible without the help of Chloe. When Fran spoke at the event, Chloe hopped up onto her lap and put her paws on Fran’s arms. My eyes began to sting and my heart could feel the power of connection they feel for each other. It was so beautiful. Below is a photo of Fran and Chloe. Peaches ‘N Cream, a Maltese is credited with saving her owner’s daughters life, who is diabetic and almost went into a diabetic coma. Peaches ‘N Cream was unable to attend the event due to her owner being sick, but they did send a wonderful video for all of us to watch.
I will always be so grateful to Frankie’s vet, Dr. Greg Bohn for rrecognizing Frankie’s message of hope and inspiration. I can’t say enough good about him and his staff. I was so happy to see so many of them at the ceremony.
It was the best day ever!! Even when Frankie decided to put the brakes on and refused to leave the stage after I spoke. Little stinker!! There were bags of food on the stage which were donated by Hills Science Diet to the inductee’s and Frankie was wanting to get into the bags in the worst way and refused to leave the stage. Amazing how a 13 lb. wiener dog in wheels can lock up the brakes and refuse to budge. Her papa fixed that and swiftly lifted her off stage as the crowd chuckled.
Below is a snap shot of Frankie’s medal, front and back. We will have more photo’s posted to our blog once we receive them, so stay tuned.
