children’s books

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.

 

Miss Frankie & Miss Lyla- Best Friends Forever

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

Miss Lyla visiting her BFF at a recent Bookworm Gardens Event

Miss Lyla will be three in January. She has known Frankie her whole life! Lyla’s mom Julie, is someone who came into my life because of my work with Frankie. She is an elementary teacher and one of the first teachers to book me for a Frankie presentation in her classroom. We were destined to be friends from the first day we met…

Julie saw in Frankie a therapy dog, which had been a dream of mine to have a therapy dog. She calmed my fears that just because Frankie was in a wheelchair didn’t mean she couldn’t pass the test to become certified. At the time she was a tester for Therapy Dogs Incorporated and worked with us so we could become a team, which happened in 2008. I’ll always be grateful to Julie for her belief in us.

In return Julie was able to take her mind off her disappointment of not having a baby for seven years. She had resolved herself to the fact that she may never have children, though this was hard for her. Frankie and I worked with Julie, visiting a nearby nursing home, to earn our certification, throughout the summer of 2008.

On our last visit to the nursing home, which was also our “graduation” day I noticed something different about Julie. With a glowing smile she said, “I’m pregnant.” What a gift to share in that moment with her. It only made our friendship even more special.

Julie’s beautiful daughter, Lyla was born in January of 2009. I dedicated one of the characters in Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House as Lyla, as well as Julie is featured in the book when we are going through the training process.

As Lyla has gotten older she has become good friends with Frankie. Today, Julie and I had lunch in my kitchen and Lyla got to visit with her BFF. Lyla told me that she likes it when Frankie smells her ears.  🙂

Every time Frankie makes a connection with a child it warms my heart to know she could be a part of their lives… but it is especially endearing and special because of the connection we all share together.

Miss Lyla and Miss Frankie hanging together at a recent Bookworm Gardens Event

Moo Kitty Finds a New Home- Book Review

Posted by Barbara Techel

I was so honored and tickled to be asked to review an advance copy of this new book, “Moo Kitty Finds a New Home.” I’m now head-over-heels in love not only with Moo Kitty, but the story that will no doubt help many shelter animals find forever homes. So without further ado, here is my review:

Moo Kitty purred his way right into my heart! Oh, how my heart ached when Moo Kitty’s beloved elderly parent passes away, and was also then abandoned by family members. Left to fend for himself he is guided by three guardian angel kitties to have faith he will find a new home-such an incredibly beautiful lesson in just that for children- to believe and not give up hope. Valerie Lee Veltre has tackled a tough subject with compassion and grace, shedding a positive light on shelters, and the truly amazing work they do each and every day to help all pets find loving homes.

This book will help our younger generation to understand that an older pet has just as much love to give as a young one, as well as encourage adults to think about doing the same.

I see only good, and many happy shelter animals finding their way to loving, forever homes with the help of Moo Kitty leading the way. Bravo to Valerie for sharing a truly inspiring story to change the lives of many pets now, and in the future.

This book will make a great gift for youngsters or buy a bunch to donate to your local shelters to use as a fundraiser.

Pre-order Your Copy Today!