Review of Frankie’s Newest Book Hits the Big Times!

Posted by Barbara Techel

Having a review from not just one little girl, but two, is the best review you can ask for when you have a children’s book.  You know they don’t hold anything back, are honest, and speak from their hearts.  A few weeks ago when I read Madeline and Sophia’s reviews of my newest book, Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House  I was touched beyond words.

Today I found out their review made it into the big times!  WOW! This is so thrilling!  And thrilling to just picture these two young girls, gleaming with pride that their review made it into the Chicago Sun Times! Fantastic!!  Congratulations, Madeline and Sophia… and thank you again from the bottom of my and Frankie’s heart.

 

The Healing Work of Therapy Dogs

Posted by Barbara Techel

One of the people Frankie and I talk about in our new book is Lyla, and she is one of our favorite residents.  As I say that, all the residents really are all our favorites…  They each have something unique and special about them that is so endearing.

Lyla just turned 96 years old and every time I see her, I just want to hug her.  At our recent book launch I did find out that Lyla’s heritage is German.  She never married or had children.  My husband met her for the first time at the book launch and said, “She looks like Aunt Clara from Bewitched.”  She especially did when she put on this darling mustard wool hat to make her way back to her room.

I laughed and said, “Oh my gosh, you are right!  She does!”  Bewitched is my all time favorite shows and I have all the shows on DVD.  As hard of a time as my husband likes to give me about watching the episodes over and over again, he picked up on the Aunt Clara in Lyla that I didn’t even see.  This has made Lyla even more endearing in my eyes.

You cannot understand when Lyla talks and it sort of sounds gibberish with no rhyme or reason.  But one day as Frankie was licking and licking her hand, clear as a bell she said, “Kisses.”  I looked at Lyla, as my hand flew to my heart and said, “Lyla you just said kisses!”  She smiled and went back to her gibberish.

So you see, even though her communication is different than what we are used to, her spirit is alive and well- the healing nature of a therapy dog, like Frankie, brought out the best in her.  And the fact she said kisses really warmed my heart.  I love it when moments like this happen.

The name of Lyla is not her real name, but changed to protect her privacy.

Nadine M. Rosin- The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood

Posted by Barbara Techel

Nadine M. Rosin, author of The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood

Last week I took part in a Twitter party sponsored by Blogpaws.  Met many interesting people who love to blog anything dogs and animals- right up my alley!  In fact, the first ever conference dedicated to blogging animals is coming up April 9th and 10th in Ohio, so check out the details.

During the Twitter party we were able to follow along and answer questions to win prizes.  I was thrilled to win a 1/2 consultation with Nadine Rosin.  She is a Holistic Pets/Toxic-Free Living Consultant, Pet Bereavement Facilitator, Speaker and Author.  Her book is The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood.

Her dog, Buttons was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 8 and was given weeks to live.  She took the holistic approach and buttons lived to almost 19 years old.  From Buttons inspiration, her book was born and now she helps other pet parents.

I learned many things on the call with Nadine.  The food we feed our pets, as well as our environment is vital to their well being.  Feeding our pets nutritious food, and home cooked if you can, is important.  If kibble is a way you need to go she suggested checking out Azmira dog food, as well as their supplements.  She suggested Dr. Lisa Neuman’s book, Three Simple Steps to a Healthy Pet which you can download for $5.95.

Nadine had many helpful suggestions on cleaning up our environment for the health of not only ourselves, but our pets, as well.  Suggestions about cleaning supplies from laundry to kitchen, to the lawn to the bowls we put our pets food in, and some things that surprised me that I was unaware of.  They are all a common sense approach, as well as affordable and easy to start implementing right away.  To get started and learn more Nadine offers a 15-minute phone consultation with a donation that is comfortable for your budget.

We also talked about pet loss.  I shared with her that at times I worry when I lose Frankie because she is everything that I do.  Most of my days center around sharing her message and it brings me so much joy.  Her suggestion was to spend time with Frankie. Just sit and be with her.  I loved that idea!  In fact, I told her I had just done that before our call.

Frankie was soaking up the mid day sunshine in front of our patio door, so I laid down next to her and sat in the moment with her.  It was divine.  She nuzzled her nose into my hair and was intent in looking into my eyes.  Nadine said, “Those are the moments that will be with you when Frankie is with you in body and then in spirit someday.”  That brought tears to my eyes and comfort and peace to my soul.

To learn more about Nadine, please visit her website.  She has a wonderful video about her dog Buttons, which moved me to tears.

Be sure to also check out her book, The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood, the true story about the human-animal bond, healing cancer holistically, senior canine care, and an empowering new take on the grieving process when a beloved animal passes away. My copy is on it’s way, so will look forward to reading it.