Little Did We Know…It was All Aligned in the Stars

Posted February 26, 2015 by Barbara Techel

It was already in the making, aligned in the stars, this moment of serendipity that would take a few years before it made itself known.

Walking alone in the vast, vacant cement parking structure, I realized I was sweating even though it was chilly for March. It was a cold, nervous sweat.

I don’t like to travel alone or stay in a hotel by myself for that matter. Somewhat of a homebody, I feel better tucked into my own surroundings.

But this was important to me. I had to be here, even if it meant going by myself again and not knowing anyone.

As I made my way closer to the door I saw another lone solider heading in the same direction.

We smiled at each other.

She said, “Are you by chance going to the writer’s conference?”

“I am.” I said.

“Do you mind if I walk with you? I’m not sure where to go.”

“That would be great. I was here last year, but still get nervous coming to these things by myself,” I said.

I was relieved and excited all at the same time to have a writing kindred spirit beside me as we navigated our way through the large building.

“My name is Abby.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Abby. My name is Barbara.”

One thing led to another as we talked about, well, what else? Writing!

Having just published my first children’s book two months prior, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog, I shared with Abby that it was about my dachshund who was in a wheelchair.

Her face lit up and she said, “I have a dachshund named Ernie!”

Before I knew it all my nervous energy fell away.

Any chance to talk with a fellow lover of the the short-legged, oftentimes comical, loyal and lovable breed of doxie’s is a joyous occasion. And to combine it with talking about writing, well, I was floating on a cloud.

We could have talked doxie’s and writing through the whole 3-day conference, missing out on all the classes.

But we were both eager to learn all we could about writing and publishing so we contained ourselves the best we could and not getting too carried away.

Abby would end up asking me for a signed copy of my book, which I just happened to have a few copies with me. She said she was excited to share Frankie’s story with her kids.

We parted ways after the conference, promising to keep in touch. Lucky for us, Facebook was really beginning to be the trend for staying connected and we promised to “look each other up.”

It would be two years later when I got an email from Abby.

Ernie wasn’t able to move his back legs. While Abby feared it was Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) she was also relieved to know she could reach out to me for advice.

Having been through this with Frankie in 2006, I was able to provide her with helpful information and options.

But what most people want when their beloved pet becomes paralyzed, is to know there is hope.

I could give her that and reassure her.

And that serendipitous moment came flashing into my mind when we met two years before, walking through the cold and damp, cold parking garage.

It was serendipity that brought us together, but I also happen to believe that Spirit aligned it all perfectly…

All perfectly put in place to help Abby, and her kids who could go on loving and having fun with their beloved Ernie.

And for me to give back in a way that to this day gives me much joy when I can give hope to someone whose dog is diagnosed with IVDD.

And best of all, Ernie just celebrated his 11th birthday with this message Abby tagged me on via her Facebook page:

Happy 11th birthday to Ernie Dog! We’re so glad we’ve been able to give him 5 more years of happy life after his injury (and probably several more, with his stubborn streak!), thanks to a serendipitous meeting with Barbara Techel before it happened, who showed us what wheelie dogs are capable of!

Happy, Happy Birthday dear Ernie! Warms my heart to be a part of your beautiful journey. Keep on rolling!

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Wednesdays With the Wisdom of Dog: Just Be.

Posted February 25, 2015 by Barbara Techel

This is part of a weekly series of lessons I’ve learned from my dogs, and/or something I feel they are trying to teach us. I welcome your thoughts on any of the lessons or teachings that resonate with you.

Dog has the answer for we humans who can sometimes become so obsessed with doing, striving, and achieving. They are witness to how oftentimes this leaves human exhausted and looking like they are lost.

Find a quiet place to sit. Perhaps under a tree. Now just be. There is nothing to do and it’s okay. Feel that? A slowing down of your heart beat? A wave of calm wash over your frazzled nerves?

You are a human being. So just be. Practice at least once a day for 5-10 minutes and you will understand the secret of Dog. I double dog dare you.

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Give Paralyzed Dogs the Gift of Mobility

Posted February 23, 2015 by Barbara Techel

Since 2012 I’ve been carrying on Frankie’s legacy – a mission her and I started together – to be a positive voice for paralyzed dogs – to help others see that dogs do live fulfilling lives even when using a dog wheelchair.

As many of you know, who follow my online journal (thank you!), this fund has granted to date, 40 wheelchairs to dogs in need. The majority we have granted the full amount of the cost of a wheelchair, some partial if their owner is able to contribute something toward the wheels, and two we have covered the cost of shipping.

It all matters. To be a part of giving the gift of mobility to a paralyzed dog truly is rewarding.

So while I have the Frankie Wheelchair Fund set up to donate via Paypal on National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day website, I was also recently encouraged to start a Go Fund Me campaign. It will run indefinitely as that is the beauty of Go Fund Me. It’s also another great avenue in which to get the word out about this special mission.

So here is where I’m asking for your help. While I know money can be tight for many, and I understand that completely – but if you’d be willing to share this campaign on your Facebook page, Twitter, Pinterest, blog, or with family and friends, I’d be so grateful. It would really help me to spread the word, so that more dogs can be helped. And of course, if you know of anyone who would like to donate, that will allow the fund to help even more paralyzed dogs.

I take the funding very seriously and have an application process in place. Not everyone is approved, but I feel the process I have is needed and fair. If I’m not quite sure about an applicant, I have others I turn to to help me in the decision making process.

Just to review also The Frankie Wheelchair Fund requirements for those granted a wheelchair:

1.) A photo to be submitted once dog is up and rolling in their wheelchair so I can share via my social media avenues – and they are forever displayed on National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day website.

2.) The wheelchair is donated to another dog when it no longer needed, or it is donated back to Eddie’s Wheels (where they are originally purchased from) – so that they may be adjusted to fit another dog in need.

I’m excited about this new avenue with Go Fund Me, but also know that I can’t do this alone. And gosh, if not for everyone who helped me along the way, I couldn’t have helped so many already. I welcome your help in helping me spread the word and say right now a grateful thank you!

…and if you have any helpful suggestions in other ways to spread the word, I’m open to that too.

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