Going Out on Top. My Last Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Presentation.

Posted by Barbara Techel

Our last official Frankie presentation today at Intergenerational Senior center

As many of you know, I announced Frankie’s retirement from therapy dog work as well as visits to schools, etc. about two weeks ago.  We still have two therapy dog visits to do and one short talk in August about Frankie’s work as a therapy dog— But today was my official last time of sharing Frankie’s story with a “live” audience. While we will still do presentations via Skype to classrooms, (and I encourage schools to book us for those), this was the last in-person and “in-dog” presentation.

I shared on my Facebook wall this morning that today was one of those days I was wishing I wasn’t so dang sentimental because I feared I may cry at some point during my presentation. My very wise Mom said to me that my being sentimental is what makes me uniquely me. While I’ve for the most part embraced that as what makes me, me, I was glad to be reminded.  I also appreciated Jill’s comment on my post on Facebook to look at this as “going out on top.” I like that. We are going out on top and we did just that today.

When I first began my work with Frankie five years ago I really thought we’d keep doing this until the day Frankie passed. But I know now this is the right time and it is the right decision for both of us. While I know of some therapy dogs and other “celebrity” dogs that have done their work until their last days which may have been right for them, I didn’t feel this was right for Frankie.  One very important thing I’ve learned through working with Frankie as a therapy dog is that her needs come first and it was a promise I made to her at the beginning.  I think it is important  that those who work with or have a therapy dog, that careful thought is given to when it is time for their pet to ease out of their work.

So did I cry today during my presentation?  Well, I did get choked up at the beginning explaining this was my last presentation and how much my work with Frankie has meant to me. I heard a chorus of sweet awwww’s come from the audience and wrap around me like a big hug. It made it easy for me to go on. I wanted to give them my 100% best and leave them with a positive impact.   And like Jill said, “We are going out on top.” What a way to go!

I’ll continue to share Frankie with all of you as she enjoys her retirement years.  I’m also working on a special announcement that will be part of Frankie’s legacy- and I hope to announce that in early August. So our work is not done- it is just evolving in a new way. I plan to embrace our new path and continue to give thanks for all that God has blessed me with.

 

A Book about the Healing Love of Animals- Win a Copy!

Posted by Barbara Techel

My friend and colleague, author Peggy Frezon is giving away a copy of her new book, Heart to Heart: Hand in Paw. I had the wonderful opportunity to review this book and shared my video review in a recent post.  Be sure to visit her blog post soon to enter the giveaway, as the offer is only good through this Friday, June 15th, 2012.

GOOD LUCK!

 

The Heck with Expectations. Follow Your Heart.

Posted by Barbara Techel

In 2005 I decided enough following my head, I was going to follow my heart and see what happens. What a journey it has been. Has it been easy? Not always. Has it been worth it? Absolutely yes.

Following my heart means I make the choice to live by my rules (within the law, of course), my authenticity, and by what matters to me. To some, I suppose that may sound selfish. But as I’ve travel this path, I realize it is more selfish to not follow your heart. When you follow your heart and live into who you truly are not only do you give others permission (and hopefully courage) to do the same- but you also give the gift of the real you to those around you.

Following my heart means I may look and seem “different” to some of my family and friends. But truth be told, this was me all along, I was just finally owning and living into that ME.  It was darn lonely at times, and quite scary too.  But the more I am me, the more I don’t want to go backward, I have to keep moving forward. There were times, and yes, still are, but further time in between now, where I think it might be “easier” to just go with the flow. But you know what I realized?  No one else lives inside this head of mine, or this heart of mine. If they are not happy, then I am not happy. That does me no good, nor those around me.

Imagine a world where everyone felt confident to follow their heart. I imagine it as a world of complete peace. Society can put so many expectations on us and we fall into that trap and drown out the message of our hearts.  Our hearts won’t scream out to us- it will just be a slow, dull ache and we will feel not quite ourselves. But the heart being the way to your soul, can only be heard if you sit in silence and allow the message just for you to come forth.

As I move into my new chapter with Frankie who will soon retire from her work as a therapy dog and visiting schools (mid summer), I have felt very uncomfortable at how this feels. I’ve had to remind myself that it is perfectly OK to be still, and listen to my heart for the next step in my journey. I’ve come to realize that I’m being given another gift– a time of soaking in every moment I can with it just being Frankie and I… and her special time with John and Kylie. I’m being given a gift to concentrate my full efforts on my new book and give thought to a next book. Though I’ve shed a few tears (which come at the most unexpected times) about closing this last chapter, I find more and more peace melt into my heart. And I think tears do truly cleanse the soul to make room for another blooming on the path of our journeys.