dachshunds

The Animals Know. A Message from Gidget.

Posted by Barbara Techel

Last evening, during an online class, facilitated by Tammy Billups, I had the honor of sharing once again the life-changing wisdom I received from my dachshund, Gidget.

With a group of animal lovers and practitioners in attendance, I expanded on Gidget and my story which is included in Tammy’s book, Animal Wayshowers, about animals who have helped shape and change the lives of their human friends.

During the meditation section of the class we all tuned into Gidget’s energy to listen for what she may have to offer each of us.

The message I received from Gidget what short and concise:

Love is the key. That is it.

The more I’ve sat with this, the more I appreciate the message as we humans sure can make so much ado about so many things and then lose our way, getting caught up in our mental wheels that spin and spin. But when we come back to love, so much can fade away that we wonder what all the fuss was about!

Other’s in the class shared similar messages they received of love, along with a message that we are all worthy. My heart overflowed with love and gratitude for this little dog with a big spirit – as she was in life – and as she continues now in another realm.

I then pulled a card from my Animal Reflections Healing Oracle deck asking Gidget what she most wanted everyone in class to know as we continue to navigate these challenging times. The card pulled? Penguin and message of Love.

And I felt called to to not only share what transpired last night during our time with Gidget, here on my blog too, along with the message of penguin.

PENGUIN – LOVE

Two loving Penguins side by side, flippers touching in a display of affection and commitment, is symbolic of what we all strive for in a partnership. In fact, many of us view life as complete when we have that special someone to walk beside us through the ups and downs.

There is also the devoted relationship to all aspects of yourself. Penguin reminds you to return to this love of self which is so vital to your growth. Receiving this card means it may be time to gently look at what parts of yourself you struggle with and find hard to face.

Penguin lovingly nudges you to proceed with compassion and love as you come to acknowledge those parts. It’s also important to understand these aspects are there to protect you from being hurt again.

It can be easy to get distracted and fall into the trap of thinking someone else will fill the hurt spaces or fix your perceived inadequate parts, but don’t abandon yourself. Instead, learn to be kind and gentle with the precious being inside.

Remember while the female penguin gives birth, it’s the male that nurtures the egg until it hatches. In this way, Penguin encourages you it’s important to honor the female and female energies within so you can move through life in a balanced way.

When you feel secure in your inner home, the outer world will reflect this in a supportive way. The commitment and consistency of nurturing yourself will then bring friends and partners who are in alignment with the ever-evolving and authentic you.  ©Barbara Techel

XO

Barb

    

Forever Friends in Spirit. Puppy Picasso & Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog. A Book Review & Remembrance.

Posted by Barbara Techel

It’s like Dee Dee Murry and her dog Hallie, and me and my dog, Frankie, lived parallel lives.

While my dachshund, Frankie, became paralyzed and was ultimately fitted for a custom dog wheelchair, and learned to move through the world in a new way, and became known as Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog, Hallie became blind and learned to navigate the world in her own unique way too and would become a star in her own right also and become known as Puppy Picasso.

Standing beside these two pint-sized dogs were two women— each determined to do whatever they could to help their furry companions live a quality of life. From that, each found a purpose and a calling they couldn’t deny. All four would ultimately positively affect the lives of thousands of others through the sharing of their stories to inspire and encourage young and old through difficult times.

When Dee Dee contacted me asking if I’d consider reviewing the book she was writing to share the story of Hallie— Puppy Picasso the true story of a little blind dog who could paint— I was beyond honored. The journey we each walked separately with our pups, but together in a bond that will never be broken, was something I wasn’t about to turn away from.

I knew reading Hallie’s story would bring back memories of my life with Frankie and would likely cause some tears to be shed, but I also knew that I’d likely be reminded of the joy, rewards, and love that can be encountered when we open to see our challenges in a positive way through the eyes of our animal friends.

And I wasn’t wrong. There were tears mixed in with smiles and giggles, but most of all, a depth of connection and understanding that I had relating to what Dee Dee and Hallie went through and how it ultimately and profoundly changed both their lives for the better.

The love between a human and a pet is an extraordinary experience that has the potential to change one’s life in unimaginable ways. Such is the deeply enriching and touching story of Hallie, the blind dachshund who learns to paint, and her devoted human and artistic mom, Dee Dee. Their story of triumph in the face of adversity will open a tender place in your heart. Not only do they each flourish despite obstacles, but they find a way in which to give back to dogs in need, and forever and positively change the lives of countless others—both canine and human. There is nothing the human spirit can’t do with a furry friend as your guide and champion!

Dee Dee and Hallie’s book is available here on Amazon.

To learn more about Dee Dee and her exquisite animal art and pet portraits visit her website here.

XO

Barb

                  

Love Is A Doxie – Storyteller Mitchell Jordan Interviews Me – Joy on Wheels

Posted by Barbara Techel

Recently I was contacted by a sweet and kind gentleman from Australia. His name is Mitchell Jordan. His labor of love is a podcast he has created called, Love Is a Doxie, and he asked if he could interview me.

Of course, I was enthusiastic about sharing my love of dachshunds and how they have positively changed my life.

Mitchell’s style is that of a storyteller and while the podcast is short in length, it is BIG on impact. 

Click here or on the graphic above to listen to my interview titled: Joy on Wheels.

The story behind why Mitchell began curating these storytelling creations is an episode titled: My Sister’s Keeper. You might want to check that one out too. Though fair warning – you’ll need a few tissues in hand when you listen.

I also loved the episode titled, Big Steps with Hercules. I appreciated the honesty of Matt, who shares how he wanted nothing to do with a mini-dachshund his wife brought home. And boy-oh-boy (!) could I relate to that one recalling the memory of bringing my first dachshund home and John wasn’t happy. But those of us who have loved a dachshund or two know how they can wiggle into just about any heart! And just as all three dachshunds I’ve brought home, they did indeed wriggle and waggle right into John’s heart…and as you’ll soon find out, they had the same affect on Matt’s heart.

Enjoy this special podcast I’m so glad to have been interviewed for and will now follow with great enthusiasm.

XO,

Barb

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