Ok, Here Goes. I Have Another Secret to Share with You.

Posted by Barbara Techel

Top-SecretI know what you are thinking… and no, I’m not getting another dachshund. GRIN.

I have to confess and say I had no intentions sharing this so soon. But a little voice in my heart kept urging me to do so even though if feels vulnerable and scary. I feel like I have butterflies in my stomach Also many thoughts are running wildly through my mind questioning my ability and the what if’s.

But I pause to remind myself to just let go. Life always has a way of falling into place as it should. It always has.

The other part of  this is this has been in my head for a few months now, swirling around, trying to take shape.

It has begun to wake me at night. Sentences and thoughts forming together. I feel nervous and super excited all at the same time. This is a sign of what I learned years ago which is when these feelings hit, you gotta go with it. Just begin. Give it a shot. Spread those wings and fly. Reach into your heart and listen.  Start now.

Whew!  Ok, now that I got that all off my chest, here goes…my secret revealed…

I have begun work on my next nonfiction book!  There, I said it!  I really said it!

So now, for the working title (and this may change), but this will give you an insight to what it will be about…


Joie’s Gift- Finding Purpose in the Pause


Ever since I came back from my two month sabbatical at the end of October, I’ve had many people asking me what I learned during my time away. I’ve been wanting to write about it. But I also want to keep with my thoughts of the lessons my dogs have taught me. It  took me awhile to move to a deeper level of what that would actually look like.

Even though I know Joie was a vital part of my sabbatical, it has now moved to a whole new level of meaning for me. This is when the book idea really started to take shape because I’m feeling the familiar stirrings of wanting to share the gifts of what a dog can do for our lives…the gifts that Joie gave me.

I’m in the early stages of writing, having just begun. At this point, I don’t know if I will have enough material for a print book, though I’d certainly like to see that happen. But it may be an ebook. I will have to see as I progress with the writing. But this is the oh, so lovely thing about the world of publishing these days– we have options.

It does feel good to be back to a writing schedule that has me reflecting, thinking, evolving, and yes, even furrowing my brows in frustration when the right words won’t come to me— which means I think I’m on the right track for a book to be born in the next nine to twelve months. Stay tuned!

What is It About Gidget’s Eyes? Come Hear What Others Are Saying.

Posted by Barbara Techel

IMG_1910 bwWhen I first saw Gidget’s photo, after finding her via a Google search for dachshunds with IVDD, I was drawn right into her soul through her eyes. I felt this immediate connection. 

Feeling a connection is so important to me. I had looked at other IVDD dogs I found via searches and while I wish I could take them all, I didn’t feel a connection like I did with Gidget. There was just something there—in those tiny, almond shaped eyes. I truly believed we were destined to find each other.

Once I knew it was official that I would be adopting her, I made a collage of photos of her that the owner of rescue had sent me. Call me strange and peculiar, but every day, usually a few times, I’d stop and look at the pictures of Gidget. I’d talk out loud to her and tell her I loved her. That I couldn’t wait to take care of her and be her friend. Though I already felt like we were friends.

I’d often sit for minutes at a time (and still do) looking into her eyes and wondering, what is it about those eyes of hers? I wasn’t quite sure. All I knew, was that I was head over heels in love with her and I felt a strong bond with her.

Once I had her home and started taking photos of her, posting them here on my blog and on Facebook, did her eyes start intriguing others. It started with one person saying her eyes are so intelligent. Then another said smart. Someone else said wise. That was it!

It’s as if she is an old soul that has been on this planet before. Like she is this wise Buddha having been here thousands of years ago. Now I imagine she has returned in the form of an endearing, quirky, little wobbly doxie body, to share some great bits of wisdom with me.

She is just the most interesting little creature and I marvel at her uniqueness everyday, often pinching myself that she is really mine.  I am planning on having my animal communicator friend, Dawn do a reading with her as I’m anxious to hear what Gidget will share with me. I just need to set some time aside to do that, so stay tuned.

Gidget may also take part in a group talk during an animal communication workshop Dawn and I are planning at my home in March.  I’ll be working on the information and including in a future blog post for those of you in the area that would like to attend the workshop.  It is going to be great fun!  I can’t wait.

Last, but not least, stay tuned to a blog post I’ll be doing tomorrow as I’ll be making another special announcement!

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Ramp Training for the IVDD Community by Dodgerslist

Posted by Barbara Techel

Today I want to share with you a wonderful video and article done by Dodgerslist for Ramp Training your IVDD dog.

Choosing a Ramp Offering your dog a ramp to assist him on getting onto furniture or onto the bed seems like a simple idea, but actually getting the dog to use the ramp could be more challenging that you may expect.

As a professional trainer and behavior consultant living with several Dachshunds, including some who have suffered back injuries or ailments, I have taught many dogs to use ramps.  I am happy to share these ideas with others in hopes that it will help people assist their dogs in becoming accustomed to using these helpful tools.

Read rest of article here.