barbara techel

How Vulnerability Can Be A Beautiful Gift in Memoir Writing– Plus Giveaway for a Copy of “Through Frankie’s Eyes”

Max, our Golden boy, reads about Frankie

Kathy’s dog, Max even thought he should perhaps read ” Through Frankie’s Eyes”

If someone would have told me years ago that being vulnerable is actually a beautiful thing, and not a weakness, I think I would have saved myself a lot of heartache.

This week on my Joyful Paws Jaunt blog tour Kathy Pooler hosts me on her memoir blog. Kathy is such a kind and open soul.  She cares deeply about helping others write their memoir’s as well as encouraging others to share their story.  We talked in early February about what might be best for a guest post for me to write for her blog.  Being scared to write ones story came up for me as I was soon launching my new book.  It was also relevant to Kathy as she is working on her memoir as well.

Vulnerability really struck a chord with each of us, as well as we believe for others, so the subject seemed a good one to write about.  So I invite you to click on over to Kathy’s blog and check out my guest post.  Please do leave a comment and you will have a chance to win a copy of “Though Frankie’s Eyes.”  Even if you have purchased a copy, still do leave a comment and if you win, giving my book might be a great gift for a friend.

There really seems to be much talk about vulnerability lately with Dr. Brene Brown sitting down recently to talk with Oprah about her book Daring Greatly after researching and studying vulnerability and shame for the past twelve years. If more of us embrace vulnerability and leave shame behind, imagine the possibilities!

**If you have read my book and would like to have your dog featured on my special board on Pinterest, please do email me (barb (at) joyfulpaws (dot) com) your dogs photo posing with my book!**

We Are 1 In Spirit Interview: A Special Message about Grieving You May Find Refreshing

wao small logo

On this weeks Joyful Paws Jaunt blog tour, I was interviewed by author and coach, Yvonne Perry on her podcast, We are One In Spirit

Click here to listen to the interview.

Introduction from Yvonne about my segment 

Do you remember when you first began exploring your spirituality? What inspired you to seek answers to life’s greatest questions? For Barbara Techel, it was her dogs that helped her to live more authentically and more joyfully.
After her dachshund, Frankie, suffered a spinal injury, Barbara had her custom-fitted for a wheelchair that allowed her to be mobile in spite of being partially paralyzed. Barbara quickly realized the beautiful opportunity she had to spread a positive message that animals with disabilities can and do live quality lives if given a chance. This translated into also helping people see their challenges in a positive way. Today, she is a passionate advocate for special needs pets such as dogs in wheelchairs, and those in particular that are diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).

From the inspiration she gained from her little wiener dog on wheels, Barbara has found her life’s purpose. She let go of her fears, and began doing hospice work with Frankie as a therapy dog team. She let go of her fear of death and began to appreciate each day of her life. She has a special connection with all her animals, but two of them have let her know they are still with her now that they have passed into the afterlife. In the audio below, she offers a special message about grieving that you may find refreshing.

Barbara is the award-winning author of the children’s book series Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog which are true, inspirational stories about her paralyzed dachshund. From 2008-2012, Barbara and Frankie made over 350 appearances to schools and libraries in Wisconsin, as well as many visits to classrooms across the US and Canada via Skype. They were also a therapy dog team visiting local facilities and logged over 250 visits spreading joy wherever they went.

In August 2012, she founded National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day in memory of Frankie and in honor of all dogs in wheelchairs. She also started the Frankie Wheelchair Fund, which helps families who can’t afford wheelchairs for their disabled dogs. To date, this fund has helped thirteen dogs, who may not otherwise had the opportunity, to get a wheelchair.

In her newest book, Through Frankie’s Eyes Barbara takes you on a journey that led her to live her own truth and live with more joy, all because of what Frankie taught her along the way. Enjoy this interview as Barbara shares her story with Yvonne Perry on We Are One in Spirit Podcast.

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For more intuitive and inspiring podcasts with Yvonne, I invite and encourage you the visit her website today.

Don’t forget!  You can win a copy of my new book through Goodreads!  I’m giving away two copies, but hurry as you must enter by midnight on Monday, March 25th!  Good luck!

It’s Here! Through Frankie’s Eyes Special Limited Edition! Surprise!

3D2 book cover tfeYou know what they say– life happens while you are busy making other plans!!… And so it is that my book has decided it needs to be out the world now and not as I had originally planned which was a week from now.  I have a feeling Frankie had something to do with this! And I took a moment of silence to sit with her in my heart and thank her for this amazing journey.

So here it is- The Special Limited Edition. Just click on link below that says order your copy today and you will see why this is a special edition with something picked out just for you my loyal followers. For my local friends stay tuned for the announcement coming soon about my book launch and book signing. SAVE THE DATE for  the evening of Thursday, Feb. 28th. I’d be honored to have you join in the celebration with me (and Joie!).

Order your copy today!  Limited offer good through February 22, 2013.