author visits

Our Recent Visit To Notre Dame Elementary School

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

Elementary students from Notre Dame School of De Pere were treated to a visit from author Barbara Techel, right, and her inspirational pet — Frankie, the Walk ‘n Roll Dog — on Jan. 19. / Submitted

Reprinted from the Green Bay Gazette:

Notre Dame School of De Pere

The elementary students were treated to a visit by Frankie, the Walk ‘n Roll Dog, on Thursday, Jan. 19. Frankie and her owner, author Barbara Techel, shared their touching story with the students.

When Frankie, a dachshund, suffered a spinal injury, Ms. Techel had her fitted with a custom wheelchair. Frankie persevered and now volunteers as a therapy dog at local hospitals and nursing homes, spreading joy and hope wherever they go.

Their message to the Notre Dame students was threefold: think positive, make a difference and keep on rolling.

Students were able to purchase books about Frankie and have them signed by both Barbara and Frankie — with her paw print. A portion of all book proceeds is donated to various disabled animal charities.

This Thing Called Life. Changes. Expecting the Best.

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

We have been experiencing a warmer than usual January here in Wisconsin. All this week it has been in the 40’s. I’m loving every moment of it.

I am struck by people who comment on our wonderful weather and then the next statement out of their mouth is, “But we are going to pay for it.” Really? What does that mean?

Instead of just enjoying the here and now of this glorious weather why do we think something bad is going to happen next? Why do we automatically go to thinking we are going to be in deep trouble for having such nice weather?  It’s all going to end seems to be the impending dread.

Things end. Life changes. Isn’t that what this thing called life is all about?

I caught myself in a sad moment of endings as I looked at the above photo of Frankie. On Tuesday we visited Shepherd of the Hills Catholic School and a teacher sent me this shot of Frankie. This is right before I throw a treat for her so the kids can see her walk in her wheelchair.

But I felt this twinge of sadness start to envelope my heart. As I made the decision to semi-retire Frankie this year, I see each school visit as even more precious- not knowing when will be our last. But I stopped myself. I reminded myself to be grateful for each moment with Frankie– enjoy the here and now- don’t look forward- that will come all on its own. And when it does, I’ll then move through it- but not now. These days are just too precious.

I looked at the photo again and was reminded of how my heart feels when I throw the treat for Frankie and she runs after it. The kids excitement of cheers and clapping always makes my heart swell with pride. I am reminded again of all the blessings Frankie is to my life… how far we have come together… the lives we have impacted… the joy and love she has brought to so many.

So no doom and gloom here- but living in each precious moment of each precious day… whether it is 40 degrees, or 40 degrees below zero. This is life and I plan to keep living it.

 

Green Bay Gazette: Author Shares Uplifting Story of Wheelchair Dog

Posted by Barbara Techel

Thank you to the Green Bay Gazette for the wonderful write up of our recent visit to Kress Family Library in DePere, Wisconsin.

Reprinted from Green Bay Gazette


Author Barbara Techel’s wheelchair-bound miniature dachshund Frankie rests her head on the table as Techel reads one of her award-winning books at the Kress Family Library Branch in De Pere on Friday. / Evan Siegle/Press-Gazette

Author Barbara Techel simply wants to uplift children through her books.

The self-proclaimed animal lover spent time on Friday at the Kress Family Branch Library in De Pere doing just that with her words — and with an adorable assist from her canine companion.

Frankie, an 11-year-old miniature dachshund, is the inspiration for Techel’s series of children’s books that promote positive attitudes. “Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog” and “Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House,” tell how the dog overcame a major medical challenge and has been spreading joy to others ever since.

“Frankie’s story is so uplifting,” said Techel, who lives in Elkhart Lake. “Even faced with a hardship, she has remained positive.”

Five years ago, Frankie ruptured a disk in her back, leaving her confined to a dog cart. Not knowing how her dog was going to respond to being unable to walk on all four paws, Techel was pleasantly surprised at Frankie’s willingness to continue as if nothing had happened.

“Frankie was really challenged as she was put into a wheelchair. Despite that, her spirits remained positive,” she said.

Already an author by the time Frankie began to have medical problems, Techel was inspired by the dog to share her story through children’s books. The two of them have made more than 300 visits to schools, libraries and organizations in Wisconsin to help encourage children and adults to overcome adversity.

After the reading at the library, there was a long line of children waiting to talk with Techel, purchase books, and of course, pet Frankie.

“I wanted to take Frankie home with me,” said 7-year-old Venna VanRemortr. “It was really good.”

VanRemortr and her older sister, Athena, come to the summer readings at the library with their grandmother Sybil Warner. This time, they say they were happy to be able to interact with the dog.

“We loved it,” Warner said. “She was so articulate when reading, and it all flowed nicely.”

— kmccrae@greenbaypressgazette .com and follow her on Twitter @PGKelcieMcCrae