The Kindness of Those I’ve Never Met

Posted by Barbara Techel

I continue to receive notes of sympathy from others that are first hearing of Frankie’s passing– many people I have never met, but who followed Frankie’s journey.

One such kind soul, Alicia, contacted me a few weeks ago sharing with me that she wanted to make me a special necklace honoring the work Frankie and I had done.  Though I feel funny at times accepting gifts like this, I realize I must honor how others wish to share their way in which they wish to acknowledge Frankie’s passing.

Alicia makes very fun and unique jewelry.  I also love the name of her company which is called “Must Love Tiaras.” As you can see by the photo her jewelry is hand stamped light metal disc’s.  She asked me if there was a saying I would like on one of the disc’s and she said the other disc would have Frankie’s name.  Of course I had to choose, “Always be positive and keep on rolling!”   She also added the darling little dachshund charm.  Alicia also included a set of earrings which I think are absolutely adorable.  I really love it and want to say once again, a huge and heart felt thank you to Alicia for being so kind and gifting me with these pieces to be a wonderful reminder of my sweet girl Frankie and all she represented.

Alicia happens to also be a dachshund lover having three of her own, so though we never met, I guess you could say we are dachshund kindred spirits.  Check out her three lovely little ones below.  And as she said about this photo, “Looks like there is room for one more!” Yup, why not?  What’s one more?

My heart continues to heal from the loss of Frankie because of so many generous and kind souls in the world like Alicia and all of you who have helped me through this in your own special and unique ways…. thank you. thank you. thank you.

Special Needs Pet Feature: Meet Sailor

Posted by Barbara Techel
I used to do a special needs feature of the month on my blog and featured some wonderful pets.  Recently I heard from Danielle. Her dog Sailor become paralyzed over a year ago.  So it has been one year since Sailor had his wheels and she emailed me a picture of him and the questionnaire I always had people fill out who had a special needs pet.  So I hope you enjoy hearing about Sailor today!  I sure did!
1. What is your pets name?
Sailor
2. How old is your pet?
Six
3.Where did you get your pet?
He came from a breeder in Arizona.
4. What is your pet’s physical challenge?
He has IVDD and is paralyzed from T12 down. He cannot walk with his hind legs or go to the bathroom on his own.
5. What is your pet’s favorite thing to do?
Hang out on the docks and play with his brother Sammy (a 5 year old dorkie. Part dachshund and part yorkie) and his girlfriend Millie (a 2 year old yorkie) chasing ducks around the marina.
6. What is your pet’s favorite thing to eat?
Anything! But if I had to pick one thing, I would say blueberries. He would do anything for a blueberry!
7. What do I love most about your pet?
That’s a tough one! I love how he likes to snuggle with me.
8. What has your pet most taught you?
Perseverance, strength, don’t look back, move on!
Danielle added in her email to me that the picture above of Sailor was taken at the Winthrop Yacht Club on July 4th. Almost exactly a year after we got his wheels. She said, “He is loving life and rolls around the docks ‘owning’ them as only a dachshund can! His nickname around the marina is “hot rod” or as sometimes I like to say, “hell on wheels!”
Thank you so much for sharing Sailor with us, Danielle!  He is truly inspirational!

Happy 13th Birthday Frankie & Frankie’s Recent Visit as a Hummingbird

Posted by Barbara Techel

In my newsletter this past Friday I shared the story of Frankie recently visiting me as a hummingbird.  It resonated with many people, so I thought it fitting to share here today on what would have been her 13th birthday for those of you who may not subscribe to my newsletter.  I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as many others did.

I’m a very open person believing in many things. I like living my life this way as it makes it exciting, fresh and full of wonder. So it was quite magical when Frankie appeared to me as a hummingbird last weekend.  I was sitting on my Adirondack chair late afternoon listening to Pandora radio on my computer.  One of my favorite songs came on that always makes me think of Frankie. It is called Landslide by Fleetwood Mac. It is a song I knew would make me cry after Frankie was gone one day. There is a line in the song where Stevie Nicks sings, “Well I’ve been afraid of changing because I built my life around you.” One of my biggest fears was I would not be able to go on after Frankie died because I had built my life around her.  She was my passion and sharing her special messages with others truly made my heart sing.

As I was listening to the song, a hummingbird was drinking from the feeder I have on the front of my writing cottage.  As the words played about being afraid of changing cause I built my life around you, my eyes filled with tears.  Somewhat out of sadness, but also out of realizing I am going on without Frankie.  Just then the hummingbird swooshed over to me and was right in front of my face, fluttering its tiny wings.  She stayed there for about 45 seconds, and flitted from side to side as if she was dancing.  I was in complete awe because in all the years I’ve had a feeder a hummingbird never came that close to me.  I whispered, “Frankie is that you?” She flitted again side to side and then flew away.  My heart filled with a warmth of love that is hard to describe. I smiled. I knew it was Frankie. I felt her presence very strongly in my heart.

Monday morning I was reading comments from a guest post I did called, “Evolving Spiritually through the Love of Animals” on Kathy Pooler’s memoir blog. The reaction to my story of Frankie and also my Lab from years ago, Cassie, sparked many wonderful stories from other readers.  As I kept reading the comments, all of a sudden I saw something out the corner of my eye while sitting at my computer in my writing cottage. I slowly turned my head to the right and there was the hummingbird again, looking in the window, fluttering her little wings.  I felt again it just had to be Frankie reminding me that her legacy continues…. always will… and as if she was saying, “Have no fear, I will always be here.”

I would have been afraid to tell any story similar to this years ago for fear that people would think me “woo-woo.” But now I know it does not matter if others think that because I know in my heart what I felt. And how incredibly blessed I feel to have had that magical moment.  It is moments like this that I wish for everyone.

Have you had similar things happen where a loved one or beloved pet came back in another form to reassure you all was well?  Please post in the comment section below- I’d love to hear!