There are some days I just feel so overcome with gratefulness. Today is such a day.
As most of you know, I started The Frankie Wheelchair Fund to help other disabled dogs after my beloved dachshund, Frankie passed away in 2012.
You know, I remember when it all happened so clearly – the day she became paralyzed. What was my life going to look like from there on out? Writing books about her, visiting schools, doing therapy dog work were certainly not what I had planned for my life. But, oh what joy it brought me. Such a clarity of purpose was that time in my life.
No plans what-so-ever of founding a day called National Walk ‘N Roll Dog or starting The Frankie Wheelchair Fund were even a part of my thought process of how my life would unfold.
I remember though, at the beginning, feeling alone in that I didn’t know of any other dogs in wheelchairs. It felt odd and I worried others would not understand why I decided to put my dog in a wheelchair– and there were, and still are, some that don’t.
I remember starting The Frankie Wheelchair Fund – now a one woman operation, of which my two-wheeled friend was now gone, and it was up to me to carry on her legacy. I do it with the utmost joy and each time another disabled dog is helped I feel Frankie’s spirit warm my insides.
It started with helping six small dogs and now has grown to just today granting a wheelchair for dog #32, named Lady who found on the side of the road paralyzed. She is being cared for my a pre-med veterinarian student.
The best part of it all? All those that have come forward to help me. Those that support what I do and believe in helping these special needs dogs. You all know who you are. I’m grateful for each and everyone of you.
And it happened again today. A note arrived in my email box from The Smoothe Store who opened their online shop this past June 21st with a portion of sales to be donated to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund. I didn’t ask them. But it is their kind and giving hearts and their belief in what I do that they want to help. There is no greater compliment!
Here is a portion of what store owner Sarah had to say:
Hi Barbara,
I’ve enjoyed reading about the adventures of Frankie and seeing all of the great effort you’ve made in spreading awareness for IVDD and the quality of life that our two-wheeled friends can enjoy!
On June 21st we opened an online shop,The Smoothe Store, that features a variety of dachshund-focused items. We have a line of IVDD awareness products where a portion of profits are earmarked for Frankie’s Wheelchair Fund. Just wanted to let you know in advance since we’ve mentioned that a portion of profits go to this wonder fund!
Also, you featured my Mom’s fun loving Daisy (Barbara Whittington) a couple of months ago on your facebook page – she was so thrilled! You, along with the folks at Dodger’s List, have been a huge help and inspiration as our family as we’ve adjusted to life with a Daisy in wheels. Thank you!
Thank you very much,
Sarah j Whittington
Sarah started the store in loving memory of her adorable dachshund (whose photo is above), Smoothe. I checked out the store and they have some very adorable wheelie dog items you just might want to see for yourself!
But I sit here in complete awe once again of the generosity of others and their extending of wanting to help me with my mission. It’s just one of those things you never see coming, but each time it happens, it expands my heart even more of all the good and kind there is in this world.
Thank you Sarah and everyone at The Smoothe Store! I’ll be adding you to our list on National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day donate/store page soon!
Check out The Smoothe Store today!
This Sunday, Sept. 21st I will be having an online auction for this sweet and beautiful artwork donated by artist, Brianna Brunsell. You may be familiar with her work through Silly Dog Magnets.
