Frankie’s Visit to Froedert Hospital

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

Froedert hospital is a big complex in a city about 1 1/2 hours from where we live.  We had a request from Lisa, to visit her Dad, Dick, who suffered his 2nd stroke three months to the day of recovering from his first.  He was admitted to the hospital on his 72nd birthday.  He was pretty down and out when Lisa called asking if I could bring Frankie for a visit.

Dick loves Dachshunds, as does Lisa and her family.  Corky is Dick’s 5-year old doxie buddy who is anxiously awaiting the return of Dick to his home. They live about 2 1/2 hours from Lisa, so Corky and Dick have formed quite a bond.  To be apart is hard on both of them.

As Frankie and I rolled through the many halls of the large hospital, as usually happens, we were met with many smiles, giggles, and “look at the dog in a wheelchair!”  We made our way to the 5th floor and rolled down to room 15.  Dick, Lisa, her husband, and set of 5th grade twin girls were awaiting our arrival.  As Frankie strutted through the open door, Dick looked down and smiled.

What a wonderful family!  You could feel the caring and love in that room and it felt good to be there to bring some more joy.  I placed Frankie on Dick’s lap, where she began her ritual of grooming his hands and arm.  The arm she chose to groom was Dick’s right arm, of which he currently has no feeling.  As the hour wore on and we talked there was a moment when Lisa said, “Dad, you just lifted your hand.  Did you feel that?”  He didn’t. But his hand did lift and lay back down.  I said, “Oh, that must be because of the Dachshund juice.”  All Frankie’s lovin’ just might have been the right medicine at the moment.  Hope he will recover and be reunited soon with his sweet friend, Corky.

It is continually a blessing to share Frankie with others, especially those that need a little extra caring and love at the moment… to see the smile of Dick, the joy in his daughter’s eyes, the love of a family holding each other together through a tough situation.  To be a part of that circle for a moment in time is an honor.

Frankie and I are praying for you, Dick!  Be strong and keep the faith!!  Oh, and Frankie says, “Arf-a-roo!”

Dawn Kairn’s Book Review of Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog

Posted by Barbara Techel

You may recall my book reviewof Dawn's book, Maggie the Dog who Changed My Life which I posted about 2-weeks ago.  She in turn provided a book review for my book, as well as my new upcoming book, Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House.  I just love knowing other dog authors, especially one as authentic and caring as Dawn.  Here is her review of Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog.

Creatively spoken in Frankie's voice in a way that will charm children, Barbara Techel's determined and tender spirit shines through in her love and commitment to Frankie. The deep connection they share leaps from the pages of this heart warming book.

This is an inspirational true story for anyone who has had to overcome adversity. Brightly illustrated, Frankie will appeal to children and dog lovers of all ages. Children will be exposed to some of the realities of life, including handicapped people and animals, and even to death when Barbara's special heart dog Cassie dies, in a simple, non-threatening manner that teaches compassion.

Any person struggling with his/her own mobility impairment, or with a disabled pet will be inspired by Frankie and Barbara's uplifting message. The bonded pair transforms sadness and hopelessness from Frankie's tragedy into a zest as and passion for their new life mission together.

This story of dedication and perseverance can bring hope and joy to broken hearts. Not only is Frankie The Walk `N Roll Dog a great gift book, Barbara and Frankie have given a gift to all handicapped pets, their people, and veterinarians by teaching them how paralyzed dogs can lead normal, happy lives with the help of wheels so they can walk `n roll like Frankie!

American Humane Association Launches Innovative Therapy Animals Supporting Kids Program

Posted by Barbara Techel

Thank you to Dawn Karin’s blog for alerting me to this story from the American Humane Association.

 

This is such a beautiful thing!  As many of you know, Frankie is having quite the impact on children.  Still my most fond memory is of Jackson, struggling with accepting his leg brace he must wear, who learned acceptance of it after reading Frankie’s story.  He said, “If Frankie wears her brace, I have to wear mine.”

I think children and animals communicate on a level we adults forget we once had.  So this new program from American Humane Association I have no doubt will help so many children.  Bravo!!

Taken from

American Humane Association Launches Innovative ‘Therapy Animals Supporting Kids (TASK) ™’ Program

On August 17 The American Humane Association “officially launched an innovative new program that encourages and guides child welfare professionals on how to incorporate therapy animals into sessions with children who have been abused or neglected or who have witnessed violence. When children have suffered trauma, it is often difficult for them to speak of their experiences. Incorporating a therapy animal into the process can help a child open up and promote the healing process.

The new program is called “Therapy Animals Supporting Kids (TASK) ™”. It was created by Allie Phillips, J.D., vice president of American Humane’s Public Policy Office and a former prosecuting attorney, and Diana McQuarrie, director of animal-assisted interventions for American Humane and a certified therapy-animal handler. They worked in cooperation with Delta Society® and top child protection professionals to produce the program. TASK was unveiled at the 21st Annual Crimes Against Children Conference in Dallas, which is considered the largest child abuse conference in the United States.

‘As a former prosecutor, I understand the importance of helping children feel comfortable when disclosing and testifying about abuse or trauma,’ said co-author Phillips. ‘Therapy animals provide that comfort and security. The TASK manual was written to help professionals understand this important dynamic that can help a child through the daunting court process.’

American Humane has long acknowledged the power of the human-animal bond, and currently trains and provides registered therapy animals to help people in need, especially children who have been abused or neglected or have witnessed trauma to others. To further support and advance this work, American Humane developed the new TASK national initiative.

It is widely accepted that therapy animals can help individuals who have suffered physical or emotional trauma, but TASK takes this concept one step further. The TASK Program provides guidance to child welfare professionals, attorneys and prosecutors, child protection workers, social workers, police officers, and any other professionals who work with children who have been maltreated and could benefit from involvement with therapy animals…”
You can learn more at:

http://www.americanhumane.org/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/09-task.html