children’s books

Announcing Release of Second Book in Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Book Series!

Posted by Barbara Techel

 Author Releases Second Book to Inspire Children and Seniors Who Have Special Needs or Disabilities

Author Barbara Techel and her 10-year-old daschund announce the release of their second book, Frankie The Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House.

We all face challenges in life, but dealing them is much easier when there’s support and understanding from significant others—even animals. Frankie is a dachshund who is paralyzed in her hind quarters as a result of an injury. But, she does not allow her physical challenges to limit her purpose or her gift of healing to others. Custom-fitted for a doggie wheelchair (dog cart), Frankie The Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog uses her disability to bring a message of hope and encouragement to young and old.

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House is a true story told from a therapy dog’s viewpoint. This, the second book in the series, tells how Frankie became a registered therapy dog and gives several personal accounts of her visits to the residents of Libby’s House, a senior facility where many residents have Alzheimer’s or dementia www.libbyshouse.com.

Frankie’s human mom and the book’s author, Barbara Techel, hoped for years to have a therapy dog and share the love that only a dog can bring. She wanted the dog to visit people who may not have animal contact on a regular basis.

“When Frankie was fitted for a doggie wheelchair, I wrote the first book and started taking her to local schools to entertain children,” says Barbara. “I realized Frankie would make a great therapy dog for adults as well as children. The fact that she is in a wheelchair makes her a bit more unique as she helps people in nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice identify on a deeper level. She has a challenge like many of them.”

Visiting Libby’s House once a month opened Barbara’s heart and eyes to realizing that people may not always understand what the elderly are going through, and all they want is someone to listen and spend time with them.

“I especially want children to not fear seniors who face the challenges brought on by aging,” says Ms. Techel. “I hope to encourage children to spend and cherish time with their own grandparents. I hope children will realize the beauty and wisdom in the elderly.”

“All one needs to do is see the expression in the eyes of those Frankie touches to know she is tangible love,” says Christine Thill, owner and RN administrator of Libby’s Housewhere Frankie volunteers. “When the body fails, the spirit soars! Frankie’s visits along with Barb’s gentle nature are a true blessing to Libby’s House.”

Because she is bringing positive awareness to animals with disabilities through her therapy dog work, Frankie was awarded the Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame Companion and is the official mascot for National Disabled Pets Day. This little dog teaches us that patience, listening, and understanding opens our hearts to what matters most—love.

Through Frankie’s example, Barbara hopes to encourage anyone facing a challenge.

Having a disability does not mean we don’t have gifts to offer. Each of us can give back to the world in our own, unique way. Frankie’s volunteer work is a great way to prompt others to get involved in their own communities and find a way to be of service. Barbara says the rewards are beyond anything she could have ever imagined.

Even though she and Frankie visit Libby’s House once a month, Barbara still enjoys sharing with children the messages in her books. In fact, she has found a new way to share Frankie’s story via Skype an Author Network whose mission is to provide K-12 teachers and librarians with a way to connect authors, books, and young readers through virtual classroom visits. See

http://tinyurl.com/SkypeBarbara to learn more.

Children are invited to follow Frankie, The Walk ‘N Roll Dog’s adventures on Frankie’s Blog: http://www.frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com/. Adults will find more information about caring for special needs animals on Barbara’s blog at http://www.joyfulpaws.com/.

You can order your copy today at our website or Amazon!

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Contact: Barbara Techel

Phone: 920-377-1749

E-mail: barbtechel (at) verizon.net

Web site: http://www.joyfulpaws.com/

Coming Soon! Virtual Classroom Visits with Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog!

Posted by Barbara Techel

This is soooo exciting!  I imagined this about a year ago and wondered if it could be done… well, it is the up and coming thing for authors to offer;  Virtual visits/presentations via Skype.  Now teachers can bring authors and students together with the help of technology.  It is a win-win situation for all involved.  Cost effective for both schools and authors, and the students can learn valuable insight from authors around the world! You can read what Publishers Weekly had to say about this fascinating new option!  I took part in a pilot program with a school in Canada with Q & A from the students.  Click here to read what Karen Keys, District Media Specialist of shool in Canada had to say about my Skype session with her students.

I now will be able to offer a way to show my powerpoint and do a full presentation to students.  I am currently working out the details. So it won’t be long and I will be announcing my Skype Virtual Visits so students can learn about Frankie, which will instill in them compassion, integrity and hope, as well as help them face their challenges with a positive attitude.  This is pretty much the same presentation I now offer our local schools, but it will be done via webcam and Skype.

So please do stay tuned!  If you have friends or family that are elementary teachers please encourage them to sign up for Frankie’s updates on our website so they are first to know when we launch these visits!… or to follow along on my blog!

My Buddy Butch Radio Show, July 30th

Posted by Barbara Techel

Ok, so sometimes things get lost in cyberspace e-mail, but boy-oh-boy was I excited when I received a "reminder" notice that Frankie and I will be on My Buddy Butch Radio Showtomorrow, July 30th, 7:00p EST/6:00pCST.  The beauty is you can listen via your computer… and yes a download will be available after the call if you can't make it.  AND, you can call in and ask questions if you like.  The number to call is 718-664-9653.

A little about Jeff Marginean, host of My Buddy Butch Radio Show and Author of My Buddy Butch, Confessions of a New Dog Dad:

Jeff Marginean is a new dog dad, author, musician, music producer, and a voting member of the National Academy for Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc. for the annual Grammy Awards. Having 2 college degrees in the engineering field he is a process control engineer by day and a nationally recognized music producer by night. He lives in a nice quiet little city in Ohio with his new dog son Butch and gets his best ideas while mowing the lawn.

Summary of My Buddy Butch, recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award:

My Buddy Butch is a humorous, touching true story of how a little rambunctious Boston terrier gives Jeff a new perspective on single parenthood, unconditional love, and learning to slow down in this hectic world we live in today. After Jeff’s mom passed away the family decided to get dad a little female Boston terrier puppy to keep him company. This was just what the doctor ordered and when “Buttons” had her first litter of pups, Jeff was not far behind from his own furry bundle of joy! From eating the carpet to taking over an entire king sized bed, Butch went to great lengths to turn Jeff into a “New Dog Dad!” The book illustrates how these little dogs eased the pain of the loss of a wife and mother and brought a son and his father closer together giving them something in common to discuss.