Learning Not To Judge- Turn it upside Down

Posted by Barbara Techel



Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog wins 1st place in Dachshund Costume contest in 2008 at

GermanFest in Milwaukee, WI

As I perused Facebook this morning, I came across this photo above of Frankie on Everyone Loves a Dachshund Facebook page. I was so grateful for the fact that they shared the photo uninitiated by me, but also because it helps spread our positive message.  And here it is almost 4 years later and it has resurfaced.

As I read the comments (to date over 63- as well as this photo has been liked so far by over 450 people and shared over 130 times) there were about four negative comments… mostly that it was mean or cruel. My first reaction was to judge– “How could they say that,” I wondered? They don’t know me and don’t understand what a wonderful life Frankie leads. I had a lot of emotions bubble to the surface. All the good and positive comments were washed away because my heart hurt reading the negative ones. But then I caught myself.

I realized in that moment that I was being given another opportunity. An opportunity to educate those that may not understand. Those that don’t know how deeply I love this little dog– how I’ve poured my heart and soul into wanting to save other dogs being put to sleep through Frankie’s example– how I’ve worked tirelessly to encourage children to see their challenges as positive like Frankie does.

They didn’t know any better, I thought. They had no idea what this photo was all about. I could help them understand. So I set aside my hurt and judgment and shared my thoughts about the photo– as well as took the opportunity to educate about Intervertebral Disc Disease and dog wheelchairs.

They also say no press is bad press. I realized I was judging, caught myself, and said, “Frankie taught me not to judge.” Am I 100% good at this? No, I slip up now and then, but I will say I am much more aware and I try hard to be a better person.

So no press is bad press, so I took the opportunity to share that not only has Frankie taught me not to judge, but she has taught me many lessons which I’ll be sharing in my upcoming new book, Through Frankie’s Eyes: One Woman’s Journey to Her Authentic Self and the Dog on Wheels Who Led the Way. I invited them to check out my website and sign up for updates on when the book will be released.

So what began as what I initially thought as a bad thing– judging– being hurt– turn it upside down, and it became a beautiful opportunity in so many ways. Thank you Everyone Loves A Dachshund for this most unexpected, but welcome opportunity.

Foster Dog Petey and 8-Year Old Girl Share a Special Bond

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

There is no end to the depth of a dogs love and what they can teach our children.  Thanks to my sister-in-law, Shelly for sharing this story with me.

Reprinted in part from Everday Health:

Story by Amy Solomon

Dogs aren’t just man’s best friend. In Tucson, Arizona, a very special foster pooch means a lot to a little girl with a chronic disease.

The dog, Petey, a 1-year-old terrier mix, was abandoned outside a vet’s office in Tucson. Starving and suffering from a severe injury to his back leg, he was taken in by the Humane Society of Southern Arizona in Tucson. The leg was removed, and tests determined that Petey had diabetes.

Petey underwent months of treatment at the Society’s clinic before going to his foster home with Dr. Karter Neal, the society’s medical director, and her 8-year-old daughter, Madalaine. Madalaine was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was four.

“It makes me feel better to know that I’m not the only one here with diabetes,” Madalaine told Tucson’s Fox19 station. The two companions even test their blood sugar together, every night.

“She’s trying to show him it’s okay to be diabetic,” says Madalaine’s mother.

Read rest of the story here…

 

Dying to Be Me

Posted by Barbara Techel

Dying to Be Me, My Journey From Cancer, To Near Death, to True Healing by Anita Moorjani

I just started reading this book last night. I tried desperately to stay awake to finish it, because it is quite the page turner. I’m also anxious to learn about her true healing process… which is why I so wanted to stay awake!

The book is quite profound in that she shares why she believes she really got cancer. I think the answer will surprise many, but hopefully be an awakening for many. I won’t spill the beans, as I’d rather you read it for yourself.

I found moments of tears reading her struggles with feeling like a failure- a big core part of her life for different reasons. It’s what I’m writing about in my new book also, Through Frankie’s Eyes: One Woman’s Journey to Authentic Self and the Dog on Wheels Who Led the Way.

I’ll write more about the book and my thoughts once I am finished, which no doubt will be soon!  But if you can’t wait to learn more about the book, you just may want to go out and buy it for yourself.  Also, be sure to check out Anita’s website.