barbara techel

Going Out on Top. My Last Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Presentation.

Posted by Barbara Techel

Our last official Frankie presentation today at Intergenerational Senior center

As many of you know, I announced Frankie’s retirement from therapy dog work as well as visits to schools, etc. about two weeks ago.  We still have two therapy dog visits to do and one short talk in August about Frankie’s work as a therapy dog— But today was my official last time of sharing Frankie’s story with a “live” audience. While we will still do presentations via Skype to classrooms, (and I encourage schools to book us for those), this was the last in-person and “in-dog” presentation.

I shared on my Facebook wall this morning that today was one of those days I was wishing I wasn’t so dang sentimental because I feared I may cry at some point during my presentation. My very wise Mom said to me that my being sentimental is what makes me uniquely me. While I’ve for the most part embraced that as what makes me, me, I was glad to be reminded.  I also appreciated Jill’s comment on my post on Facebook to look at this as “going out on top.” I like that. We are going out on top and we did just that today.

When I first began my work with Frankie five years ago I really thought we’d keep doing this until the day Frankie passed. But I know now this is the right time and it is the right decision for both of us. While I know of some therapy dogs and other “celebrity” dogs that have done their work until their last days which may have been right for them, I didn’t feel this was right for Frankie.  One very important thing I’ve learned through working with Frankie as a therapy dog is that her needs come first and it was a promise I made to her at the beginning.  I think it is important  that those who work with or have a therapy dog, that careful thought is given to when it is time for their pet to ease out of their work.

So did I cry today during my presentation?  Well, I did get choked up at the beginning explaining this was my last presentation and how much my work with Frankie has meant to me. I heard a chorus of sweet awwww’s come from the audience and wrap around me like a big hug. It made it easy for me to go on. I wanted to give them my 100% best and leave them with a positive impact.   And like Jill said, “We are going out on top.” What a way to go!

I’ll continue to share Frankie with all of you as she enjoys her retirement years.  I’m also working on a special announcement that will be part of Frankie’s legacy- and I hope to announce that in early August. So our work is not done- it is just evolving in a new way. I plan to embrace our new path and continue to give thanks for all that God has blessed me with.

 

Postively Impacting the Life of a Young Artist

Posted by Barbara Techel

Third graders from Immanuel Lutheran school, Haley, winner of our “Be Creatively You” contest.

One way in which I define success is being able to leave a positive impact on the life of a child. So it was especially rewarding to have partnered with the talented young artist, Cassy Tully for a design contest to encourage the arts in children.  Since the idea was to have children design an outfit for Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog, we also encouraged the children to read about Frankie in her book series, which also then encouraged reading.

Having Cassy, the artist and me, the author come together for this project was one those magical days I will forever cherish and remember.  The super wonderful thing is that Haley, our first place winner, truly wants to be an artist.   Many of her fellow students want to be artists, as well as authors.

Haley and her classmates were treated to a presentation this past Tuesday by Cassy and me, with Cassy talking about how art is made and I talked about how a book is made. The finale was sharing a little bit about Frankie’s story and then having the kids pet her.

The third grade students of Immanuel Lutheran School all went above and beyond in the design of the outfits for Frankie, so in our eyes, they were all winners!

Be Creatively You Design Contest Winners Announced!

Posted by Barbara Techel

We are so excited to announce the winner of our “Be Creatively You” Design Contest!  Haley of Immanuel Lutheran School takes 1st place! Cassy Tully of Cassy Tully-Fine Art and I sponsored a design contest for  third grade students at our local schools in Sheboygan county.  They were provided a Frankie template and encouraged to design an outfit for her.

We had a hard time deciding as so many of the entries were so creative and fun!  What we loved about Haley’s entry as well as all her classmates were how they went above and beyond with embellishments and design.  We loved the added touch of the bow on Frankie, as well as all the details to her vest and background.  Great job Haley!

We also picked 2nd and 3rd place winners.

Congratulations to 2nd place winner, Hannah of Wilson Elementary!

We loved all the sparkles and pink of this design and so neatly colored.

Congratulations to 3rd place winner Brooke of Cooper Elementary!

Frankie as a hula girl really made us smile!

Some of the many entries we received.

Cassy and I posing with some of the entries.  We truly loved looking through all the entries and thank each and every school and student who participated!!