USABookNews.com, the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses, announced Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog as a winner of The National “Best Book” 2008 Awards in the children’s picture book non-fiction softcover category.

Winners and finalists traversed the publishing landscape:  Simon & Schuster, Tarcher/Penguin, HarperCollins, Hyperion,

’s Press, McGraw-Hill, John Wiley & Sons & hundreds of independent titles contributed to this year’s outstanding NBBA competition

Author, Barbara Techel looked for the blessing in her dog, Frankie’s paralysis and decided to write Frankie’s heart warming story to bring a positive face to animals with disabilities. A nine year old boy after hearing Frankie’s story said, “It does not matter what you look like on the outside, but what is inside.”  Barbara knew at that moment she was teaching children (and adults alike) a very valuable lesson.

Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog is a true, inspirational story about Frankie whose life started out just like any other dog walking on all four paws until a spinal injury leaves her paralyzed.  Frankie is custom fit for a wheelchair and learns to keep on rolling. Her zest for life will have you cheering and she will give you hope that all things are possible.  Frankie will leave an everlasting and loving paw print on your heart.  A book for all ages to teach overcoming challenges and also compassion for the physically challenged.

To learn more about Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog, purchase a copy of her book, or watch Frankie’s heart warming video please visit www.joyfulpaws.com.  Barbara is available for interviews and can be reached at barbtechel@verizon.net or 920-377-1749.

(Names have been changed to protect their privacy)

There are moments in life when you feel pure joy.  I feel so blessed to feel many moments of joy and the more I do, the more I want.

Yesterday Frankie and I made our monthly visit to the assisted living facility.  A new wing was added, so we met some new residents.  First we met with a lovely couple enjoying time in their room.  A man, who told me he is 95 years old, was breathing through oxygen tubes and was sitting comfortably in a recliner.  The petite white haired woman was by his side in her own recliner.  The minute we walked in and they saw Frankie, a story of their own dog and children came pouring out.  Dogs do that so naturally, brining back happy, warm memories.

Patricia the activity director said we just had to visit with Darren. She said, “Darren just loves dogs.”  Okay, I’ve heard that before.  As we entered the room, Darren did not see Frankie at first.  But I saw him sitting on his bed, stroking a large stuffed lab toy.  I heard a small voice in my head say, “aw.”  The minute Darren saw Frankie, his feet and legs flew back in the air, his hands went up in the air and a smile spread wide across his face and he said, “Oh my!” with such glee.  The moment Frankie rolled close to him he was down on his hands and knees hugging and petting her.  His smile was contagious.  You could feel his love of dogs ooze out into the room and hug you.  Okay, this man really loves dogs.  He then lay on his side and kissed Frankie all over her head.  I turned to Patricia, as she was leaning over the end of Darren’s bed, put my hand to my chest, and with tears in my eyes said, “Oh, this just made my day.”  This was a moment of pure joy.  You know how you sometimes just want to feel like it mattered you were here on earth and made a difference?  Seeing Darren in that moment made me feel like I made a difference.

Patricia asked Darren if he wanted to come along with us and go visit with others out in the main living room.  He happy obliged as he smiled even bigger watching Frankie roll ahead of him.  As we walked, Patricia shared with me that Darren used to be a policeman in a big city and was in the crime scene investigation department.  I always want to know more and wish I could delve in deeper to what their lives were… but, here they are in the quiet times of their lives and I must respect that.   

At some point, I gave Darren Frankie’s leash and he walked her up and down the hallway… so content… so happy…. so full of joy.  That is what joy is made of… reaching out to others to let them experience joy and in return joy comes back to you one hundred times… and then some.  It is so rewarding making a difference.  And what is so amazing to experience is the difference Darren just made in my life… and I will remember it for a long time to come.

I waited one full year for this day… being married to a carpenter has it advantages… and ah yes, its disadvantages… the disadvantage being I am last on the list for work to get done… but when it does, it is cause for GREAT CELEBRATION… I am thrilled!!  MySpace.calm’s front is completely sided and I think it is simply spectacular.  I’m so so HAPPY!!  Thank you my Johnnie, I LOVE YOU!!