Dog Barks from the Other Side

Posted by Barbara Techel
Dog Barks from the Other Side
Photo: @Brookburlingphotography

Today marks the 4 year anniversary of my dear dachshund Frankie’s passing. While I never thought my heart would heal from the loss of her, time has, for me, replaced sadness with so many beautiful memories that often bring a smile to my face and a flood of joy to my heart.

And I just have to tell you how amazed I am at how Frankie’s spirit continues to dance around me. It especially seems so this time of year.

It’s as if she is barking from the other side reminding me that we are still connected. And she’s been sending messengers in the form of people reaching out to me talking about her, recalling stories of her, or a time when they met her.
frankie 2

One such case that really moved me deeply was an email I received from Danielle last week. She emailed me once before sharing with me how much my children’s book Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog helped her children to deal with, and understand, their own dachshund Dixie’s paralysis.

Dixie has seen passed away and this time Danielle wrote:

I wanted to contact you, this time to share with you how much my kids (my 5-year-old twins) have been enjoying your “Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Coloring and Activity” book.  They love the paper-dog Frankie!  For them, it was especially important that Frankie was in her cart, so we had to get the cart cut out right away.  🙂   Since they each had a book, they each pretended to be a “Frankie” and talk to the other “Frankie”.  🙂  

My daughter loved putting as much on Frankie as she could possibly fit!  My son loved having Frankie more plain so he could still recognize her. They could not get enough of cutting, trying on, and role playing!  

The whole activity also helped them reconnect with Dixie’s spirit and life and remember her in a fun way since her passing.

twins
Danielle’s five year old twins dressing Frankie paper dog cut out

I can’t even begin to find the right words to tell you how much this means to me! But there I was, sitting at my computer, tears of joy rolling down my face. And a few tears wishing I could hold Frankie… just. one. more. time.

But it was just another reminder that as my mom said to me last weekend that “love never dies.” And she is right. It just takes a different form, but it is always there. Always.

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It Snowed in Elkhart Lake, WI Today.

Posted by Barbara Techel
It Snowed in Elkhart Lake, WI Today
Photo credit: Pam Gleichman

Out on my morning walk the sky was bluer than blue. Not a cloud in the sky. The sun warmed my skin as I pushed the stroller down the street containing my precious cargo, Miss Gidget, the dapple dachshund with special needs.

We came upon a field of wild flowers where we were greeted by a yellow finch. We watched with smiles on our faces as he glided up and down in the light warm breeze.

And just then it began to snow! “Oh look! Mr. Yellow Finch, it is snowing!” I exclaimed. “You best find a place to take cover.”

He landed quickly on a tall weed as it swayed in the wind. Looking up to the sky, a silly grin spread across his tiny, sweet face.

“Oh dear friend” he said. “Those are not snowflakes but rather wishes. Catch one in your hand, make a wish and it is sure to come true.”

“Oh, of course, silly me!” I said my face turning lightly red.

I took a moment to do just as he said. I caught a wish and lightly held it in my hands as I closed my eyes and silently said my wish.

I opened my hands and the wind gently swept it away.

Down the street, and then up, up, up to the sky went my wish –my wish for Mr. Yellow Finch to always have a place to glide free, soak up the sun, and take delight in a world where there are many good things.

And I wished the same for every living being on this earth.

The End.

YOUR TURN…Make a Wish!

wish

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