I have shared this ranch with you in an earlier post.  They are simply the most amazing and inspiring ranch!!  Steve & Alayne Smith recently had a story done about their ranch of handicapped animals.  The slide show and them talking about their life and why they do what they do is so incredibly moving.  It will definitely pull at your heart strings in the most beautiful way:  http://rollingdogranch.typepad.com/rolling_dog_ranch_animal_/2008/04/aarp-writes-abo.html?cid=110968674#comments

A package stuffed full of letters from a 4th grade class arrived in the mail yesterday.  The class was Mrs. Barton’s 4th graders from Oklahoma.  The letters made me cry and they made me laugh!

In March of this year I came across a story about Mrs. Barton and what she teaches her students each year.  Taken from www.handicappedpets.com the newsletter heading stated:  "Each Year Kathy Barton takes her 4th grade class on a journey to acceptance and understanding. The kids learn about handicapped pets by saving then, raising money for carts and more."  To read the full story click on this link:  http://www.handicappedpets.com/school/.

I was so touched Mrs. Barton teaches in her students each year compassion for handicapped pets.  I was moved to tears.  I could not help but donate a copy of "Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog" to her class.  I believe her lesson in teaching children to be kind and not judge animals will also teach them to do the same for people.  What a truly wonderful lesson!

The package of thank you letters arrived thanking me for Frankie’s book.  John and I sat at the kitchen table before dinner last night and relished in reading what the children had to say.  Here are a few comments:

"The story we read that you gave us was great.  The story you sent has changed my life.  I thank you for that.  I’m so sorry sorry about Frankie.  My grandma just died of cancer.  I know how it feels.  I hope you know God will be with you."  -David

"I love Frankie and Kylie.  We help handicapped pets so this book helped us a lot to keep our confidence.  I love the way you made it like Frankie was saying the story."  -Nikki

"That book is sad, happy, and exciting!"  -Chris

"I loved the pictures in the book.  They were FANTASTIC!!!!!!  I feel bad that happened to Frankie.  Well bye I have to do more school work."  -Shaylee

"Our teacher read us that book of yours.  Its probably the best book I ever read.  And the pictures are brilliant. My favorite author is Bill Wallace.  You should read him sometimes.  He is good."  -Megan

"We got that book you sent us, it was very good.  It touched my heart like never before."  -Colby

Didn’t I tell ya?  Joy in a manila envelope!  I will treasure these letters always… always!

Dachshund love is like no other.  OK, I guess I am a bit one-sided in my opinion when I say that.  But,  dachshunds really do become very attached to their owners.  Frankie is very attached to me.  Sometimes to the point when I leave she whines and whines.  That does not make her papa too happy.  He tells me, "You created that monster."  I know he means it lovingly.  I think….

Before I share the story below, I hope you like the new banner/heading on my blog.  I am in the process of having my website re-done and am excited to unveil it soon!  But, the banner is a sneak peak!

Here is a story of a little guy who misses his owner who recently passed away.  It will tug at your heart strings.  If you don’t believe there is a higher power at work in this world, this just might make you believe.  http://dachshundlove.blogspot.com:80/2008/04/loyal-dachshund-dog-finds-way-to-owners.html