Invite Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog & Her Author Mom to Your Classroom or Library Via Skype- No Cost!

Posted by Barbara Techel

Special Announcement:

Award-winning children’s book author Barbara Techel and her dog Frankie who is well known as the Walk ‘N Roll Dog because she gets along in a doggie wheelchair are offering free Skype programs (see details below) to the first 10 teachers or librarians that contact them.  Frankie is the star of her own books, Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog and Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House.  Both books are true, inspirational stories about overcoming challenges by thinking positive and giving back to the world in our own, unique way despite our challenges.

Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Book Trailer

Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House Book Trailer

Enjoy a program where children can virtually meet Frankie via the technology of Skype, learn about disabilities, help students overcome their own challenges in a positive way, see a demonstration of how Frankie’s wheelchair works and how she can “fly” in her wheels, as well as hear a selected reading of Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog book.  Overall you and your students or patrons will have a dog-gone good time meeting and learning about Frankie and her mission to bring a positive face and voice to all animals with disabilities, and encourage others who also have challenges.  To learn more, visit Barbara and Frankie on their author visits link on their website at or Skype an author.

We are offering 10 free presentations via Skype (one Skype presentation per school or library), first come, first serve and this is for a limited time and expires March 31st, 2010.  If you are interested please contact us via email at joyfulpaws@yahoo.com  Please feel free to share this information with the teachers and librarians in your life!

Testimonial

Students at my school in Canada used Skype to connect via the Internet with Barbara and Frankie who live in  Wisconsin. The students were so excited and were amazed at the experience.  It seemed as if Frankie and Barbara were sitting right in their classroom!   The students were able to interact with Frankie and Barbara and asked and answered many thought provoking questions. They learned a lot about animals with disabilities and how to stay postive no matter what challenges they might face.  The Skype has been their favorite part of the school year!

~Karen Keys, Teacher Librarian Canada

Grieving the Loss of a Loved Animal Companion

Posted by Barbara Techel

I came across this excellent article (link below) on what animals mean to so many of us, and how real the pain and grief is for many when they pass on.  I truly hope as a society we can understand what those of us go through who love animals deeply… or at least respect our feelings.  Sadly, there is still a stigma and people feel "embarrassed" or "weird" to openly share their grief at the loss of an animal.

It is my belief that animals are living, breathing beings.  They are different from us in that they are God's creatures, but they still bring to our lives purpose, compassion, kindness, love and understanding.  Why wouldn't we feel pain and loss when they pass on?  It is real and it hurts deeply… but the JOY they bring to our lives cannot be said in words… it can only be felt with the heart… and that is why our hearts break when they die.

So here is the link to the article.  Do share it with others and your vet office.  I belong to a pet support group and have shared this with the facilitator to have as a hand out.  I think it will greatly offer comfort to those missing there sweet furry friends.

Injured Dachshund Shares her Story

Posted by Barbara Techel

Thank you to fellow dachshund friend, Jerry for alerting me to this story about Bailey.  I love reading stories of dachshunds her triumphed after a spinal injury… and better yet that they were given a chance to survive and thrive.  Dachshunds are so determined and I don’t think the word disability is even a word to them… if they could speak, that is… but they always have a “can do” attitude… just like Bailey… so check out her story.  And isn’t it amazing how much Bailey looks like Frankie?  Wow!