Meet Digby a Dachshund with IVDD Inspired by Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog

Posted by Barbara Techel

Digby’s Mom, Emily emailed me today asking if she would be upset if she shared a video she made of her dachshund, Digby who also has IVDD to help bring positive awareness to this disease to those in the UK where she and Digby live. She told me she used the same music I did in my video about Frankie, but was so inspired by Frankie that she wants to do to help IVDD dogs in the UK. Emily told me she didn’t want me to be upset that the video is similar to mine about Frankie’s and if I was, she wouldn’t share it. Stay tuned to end of post for touching video of Digby.

I was so touched about her concern, but I was thrilled that she wanted to do what she could to help bring more awareness to this disease that is often looked at as a death sentence for dogs. It is so far from that. I told her I was honored she did something similar and by doing so and sharing with those she knows, together we can help save even more dogs with diagnoses with IVDD. Now that is a beautiful thing.

So I asked Emily to send the video on over and I’ll share with my readers and Frankie’s fans. So check out Digby, living a quality life despite an IVDD diagnoses. Could he be any happier?  Thank you, Emily and Digby for this video that will be another extension of our work that will no doubt save more lives. Blessings! Blessings! Blessings!

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Staying Positive By Building Your Tribe

Posted by Barbara Techel


Living with more joy and being positive is a path I’ve been on for a little over 10-years now. Staying positive in a world that can seem to thrive on negativity can make it challenging for me to stay positive. It’s a choice I make to look for the good out there. It’s a choice I make to find joy in each day. Am I always successful? Do I fall back into old patterns? Yes, I do, because I am that one thing I can’t escape, which is being human. But I also know that what I am seeking is to be a more spiritual person, winding my way back to which I came from.

I’ve got so many people in my life that keep me on my positive and joyful journey. I am very grateful. I call them my tribe. But my tribe really began because of a chocolate lab named Cassie who made me stop and think about living more fully. I carry her with me in my heart daily. Then, of course, my biggest lessons learned to date have come from my dachshund, Frankie, who was diagnosed with IVDD in 2006 and was fitted for a doggie wheelchair after losing the loss of her hind legs.

My tribe has grown immensley since then. As Frankie ages (now 12) and we have slowed down a bit in our work together, I feel this new transition taking place inside me. I can’t quite name it or see what the next path ahead is… but I feel something new wanting to blossom. I know in time I will know. I’ve learned to trust that process more. And I get excited about it even though I can’t quite name what it is I’ll be doing next.

My tribe also expands as I find myself seeking deeper meaning. One connection that has been helping me in my expanding, as well as in my writing is author Jon Katz and his farm journal entries on his website, Bedlam Farm. I’ve followed him for years and see a new transition in him, which most days has me awash in tears (good, not bad) and saying, “Oh My God” because something he says sends off a spark of resonating in my heart.

Another newly discovered blog is Mary Muncil from White Feather Farm. She’s given me many joyful goosebumps lately. And another new one is Jenna Woginrich and her blog is Cold Antler Farm. Jenna is a young woman in her 20’s who went after wanting to have her own farm. Her courage and zest for living her dreams is so inspiring. Her new book, Barnheart had me eagerly turning the pages and then sad that I came to the end. I wanted to read so much more about her. I have no doubt though that she will continue to write books.

When we connect with our tribe there is no doubt that it helps to keep us in balance, to think deeper, to live more fully, and to share that piece of ourselves in the world, hopefully setting off a spark in another. We may not always know who we touch, but if we live into who we were truly meant to be, the universe takes care of the rest.

So today I’m making a choice to make it a good day- to find joy no matter what- to expand on my thoughts- and live more deeply from my heart.

Thank you, Mary Muncil of White Feather Farm for sharing this TED video which was the start to my joy today and making it a good day. I hope others will take the time to watch and listen to this thought provoking 10-minute video. Stop the to-do lists, the worrying, the hustle and bustle of the season, kick back… and “just be” as you watch…

Risk. Truth. Courage

Posted by Barbara Techel


“Its hard to tell the truth, but once told, it’s hard to keep it back.” ~Sharon Green

My brother, 9-years younger than me, became a soldier at 38-years old. Joined the National Guards, quit smoking, went off to boot camp and followed his heart just last year.

A troubled young man for much of his youth – in what seems an instant,  he changed and went after what he wanted for his life. I couldn’t be more proud.

Our difference in age had me not much involved with his life- but it never meant I didn’t love him or care about him. We lived our own lives- finding our own way. That has always seemed to be an understanding between us.

Little did I know that by finding his courage to join the National Guards at what most would say was “too old” he would recently  help me build my courage to share some truth I had been holding in for quite some time.

A truth that was hard for me because I realized how deep it ran for me to  not want to disappoint others, but now facing full on that I had only been disappointing myself. It was, and still is, a hard place for me to be… but I’m beginning to see the light of some blessings that have come to light.

My “little” brother leaves for overseas soon, after the holidays, and will be gone for a year. Though the war is “officially” over it is still a risk. One he is willing to take for what he believes in. That risk he believes in led him to wanting to clear up other issues in his life before he leaves, which helped led me to clear some issues too. Though still painful for me, it is a gift, I realize… he helped me to speak my truth… which I can feel in time will only lead me down the road to more of who I am. I can feel it, but not quite see it, but I know it’s there. I truly believe he helped take me a step further in my evolution. For that I am grateful. Truly and deeply grateful.

My “little” brother who may have thought he didn’t have validation in what he had to say for so many years gave me another piece of courage to live more fully into what I want for my life. So I want to be sure to say thank you the only way I know how, which is through my writing. Thank you. Thank you. May God be with you as you travel afar and know you will be held tightly in my heart. Godspeed.

“This brings rest to my heart. I feel like a leaf after a storm, when the wind is still.” ~Petalasharo, Pawnee from 365 Days of Walk the Red Road, The Native American Path to Leading A Spiritual Life Every Day.”