Remembering Frankie with Joy and Gratitude.

Posted June 21, 2015 by Barbara Techel

A friend on Facebook, who also has had dogs in wheelchairs, sent me a note remembering that it is 3-years since Frankie passed today. He thought perhaps I may be sad.

I appreciate his kindness and thinking of me. But I do have to say that I’m not sad. I’m really just so grateful to have had Frankie in my life. When I think of her these days, I smile. I feel happy. I feel blessed.

To continue to be sad, I think, would be dishonoring her, and all our pets who bring us so much joy and lessons learned that we may never have learned if not for them.

I think of all the love I had for Frankie — still do — it never goes away — it never will. It fills me up with nothing but gratefulness.

If not for her, I’d never had Joie, and now Gidget. Each time one moves on, it opens the door for another. We get to experience joy and love all over again.

That is their gift…. and I say thank you little one. Thank you for all the love you gave me that changed me forever.

We shall meet again someday. I’m counting on it.

Meet Pepper Who Will Soon Have a New Lease on Life

Posted June 19, 2015 by Barbara Techel

Let me first say that all dachshunds tug on my heart when I see them. But this dachshund named Pepper, tugged at my heart strings even more.

She reminds me so much of my Joie who passed away in August 2013. Pepper was diagnosed with IVDD in April and is paralyzed, along with other issues that need to be dealt with. But the issues are easy enough to remedy with the right care which she is being helped with right now.

I heard of her story through Hearts 4 Doxie’s and asked if she was in need of a wheelchair. She is. The Frankie Wheelchair Fund will provide the funding so this sweet girl can regain mobility when she is well enough.

This is extra special because a few weeks ago I received a generous donation from Skippy Johnston’s mom, Angela in memory of Skippy for the Frankie Wheelchair Fund. That money received I’ve decided needs to go to Pepper. I think Angela and Skippy will approve.

Pepper’s wheelchair will be custom made by the fine folks at Eddie’s Wheels.

Once Pepper is up and running in her wheels I’ll be sure to post an update here, so stay tuned.

If you’d like to help me with my mission of helping disabled dogs in need of a wheelchair, please consider a donation to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund. To date, the fund has granted 43 wheelchairs to dogs in needs. Thank you!!

A (video) Peek Inside (and outside) My ‘She Shed.’

Posted June 16, 2015 by Barbara Techel

In order to follow inner wisdom, we have to first know it. In order to know it, we have to hear it; to hear it, we have to be still. – Anne D. LeClaire

With all the talk about ‘She Sheds’ lately and having the honor of having mine profiled on Today.com, ABCnews.com and the interview I did with Weekend Sunrise out of Australia, I thought it would be fun to give you a sneak peek inside (and outside) the place I love to be everyday.

To be in silence and hear myself think has been such a gift in so many ways and my ‘she shed’ has been my sanctuary for that and so much more. Though as many of you know, I still prefer to call this my Zen writing cottage.

Little did I know when my husband built this 10 x 12 quaint space for me in 2009 that they would become such a trend as they are today. But if they encourage others to find their creativity and listen to their hearts, as I did, well, then I say, go for it!

I put this little video tour together in hopes that it will be inspirational to those wishing to carve out a little place of their own. Everyday I’m so thankful for this sweet spot in my backyard that has evolved over the years and has been the place I come to continue to grow and be the best that I can be.

Be sure to watch until the very end when I share my favorite spot inside my writing cottage.

Enjoy the video tour!