Video: Paralyzed Dachshund, Darla Now Has Quality of Life thank you to The Fuzzy Pet Foundation, The Frankie Wheelchair Fund & Eddie’s Wheels

A few weeks ago I shared with you that Darla a paralyzed dachshund at The Fuzzy Pet Foundation was the recipient of a wheelchair through the Frankie Wheelchair Fund and Eddie’s Wheels.  Well, wait until you see the video of her! Be still my heart!  Grab a tissue… or two… or three… and be ready to smile, cry and have your heart ooze over with love.

If you’d like to help in my efforts in helping paralyzed dogs in rescue that are in need of a wheelchair, please visit National Walk ‘N Roll Dog website where the Frankie Wheelchair Fund is set up for contributions.  To date the fund, because of the generosity of others has helped fourteen dogs!  Thank you!!

Forward March to Turning 50– the Beginning

(Today was a busy blogging day for me, so if you subscribe via google or another reader, just wanted to give you a heads up that you may have to scroll down to see all three posts.)

Barb's 6 month picture

Six months old

As I’ve mentioned in a few previous posts, as well as in my last newsletter, I will be devoting two blog posts a month to the big countdown to my 50th birthday which is July 18th (watch for posts on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month). So what does that have to do with Joyful Paws you might ask?  Well, according to my mom I was a happy little girl. I’ve also always loved animals, so as I approach this milestone in my life and reflect back, I realize I’ve been Joyful Paws all along… with a few forks in the road, but always finding my way back to what brings me joy!

Just like bringing a positive message to others through my blog and my books and sharing all the positive about dogs in wheelchairs, dogs with IVDD, and the amazing lessons our pets teach us, I also want to share the good things about turning 50 (as well as a few humorous things). I think too often, or at least what I hear from others, they dread turning 50 or perhaps 40. The other day someone I know that recently turned 50 told me she couldn’t find one good thing about it. She was having a hard time with it.  It honestly made me really sad.

Maybe it’s because it is setting in that yes, realistically half our life could be over. I can understand that thought process. But the reason I’m embracing it is because I finally feel comfortable in my own skin (for the most part– still have my moments!).  I think about the things I used to worry about and those are long gone. No more drama.  Living more simply and enjoying the simple moments and joys of life– getting this thing called life– to me, that feels really good.

So a little walk  down memory lane…

Just as cute as I can be

Two years old

Barb goofing off in Mom's wig and glasses

Goofying off with my mom’s wig and glasses

I got an octopus for Christmas

Oh how I loved this stuffed octopus I got for Christmas one year!
Ready for school--Columbus AvenueReady for school!

SF school picture

I believe this is my freshman picture.  Nice wings!

Barb's graduation picture

Graduation picture. I wouldn’t smile because I had braces.

B & J looking at rings

Got married at the age of 21.  Still my sweetheart!

Antie and Uncle with Krysta

John and I with our first niece, Krysta.  And yes, big hair was in!  All the time I used to spend doing my hair!  Geesh!

Techel-9040 e

Almost 50!

I got the idea about blogging about my countdown to 50 from my kindred spirit on line friend Lisa Taron, who started a blog devoted to the fact she is also turning 50 in August, so I invite you to check her blog out also.

Reminder:  Now through Monday, March 25th I’m giving two copies of Through Frankie’s Eyes away through Goodreads!

We Are 1 In Spirit Interview: A Special Message about Grieving You May Find Refreshing

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On this weeks Joyful Paws Jaunt blog tour, I was interviewed by author and coach, Yvonne Perry on her podcast, We are One In Spirit

Click here to listen to the interview.

Introduction from Yvonne about my segment 

Do you remember when you first began exploring your spirituality? What inspired you to seek answers to life’s greatest questions? For Barbara Techel, it was her dogs that helped her to live more authentically and more joyfully.
After her dachshund, Frankie, suffered a spinal injury, Barbara had her custom-fitted for a wheelchair that allowed her to be mobile in spite of being partially paralyzed. Barbara quickly realized the beautiful opportunity she had to spread a positive message that animals with disabilities can and do live quality lives if given a chance. This translated into also helping people see their challenges in a positive way. Today, she is a passionate advocate for special needs pets such as dogs in wheelchairs, and those in particular that are diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).

From the inspiration she gained from her little wiener dog on wheels, Barbara has found her life’s purpose. She let go of her fears, and began doing hospice work with Frankie as a therapy dog team. She let go of her fear of death and began to appreciate each day of her life. She has a special connection with all her animals, but two of them have let her know they are still with her now that they have passed into the afterlife. In the audio below, she offers a special message about grieving that you may find refreshing.

Barbara is the award-winning author of the children’s book series Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog which are true, inspirational stories about her paralyzed dachshund. From 2008-2012, Barbara and Frankie made over 350 appearances to schools and libraries in Wisconsin, as well as many visits to classrooms across the US and Canada via Skype. They were also a therapy dog team visiting local facilities and logged over 250 visits spreading joy wherever they went.

In August 2012, she founded National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day in memory of Frankie and in honor of all dogs in wheelchairs. She also started the Frankie Wheelchair Fund, which helps families who can’t afford wheelchairs for their disabled dogs. To date, this fund has helped thirteen dogs, who may not otherwise had the opportunity, to get a wheelchair.

In her newest book, Through Frankie’s Eyes Barbara takes you on a journey that led her to live her own truth and live with more joy, all because of what Frankie taught her along the way. Enjoy this interview as Barbara shares her story with Yvonne Perry on We Are One in Spirit Podcast.

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For more intuitive and inspiring podcasts with Yvonne, I invite and encourage you the visit her website today.

Don’t forget!  You can win a copy of my new book through Goodreads!  I’m giving away two copies, but hurry as you must enter by midnight on Monday, March 25th!  Good luck!