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disabled dachshunds
Learning Not To Judge- Turn it upside Down
Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog wins 1st place in Dachshund Costume contest in 2008 at
GermanFest in Milwaukee, WI
As I perused Facebook this morning, I came across this photo above of Frankie on Everyone Loves a Dachshund Facebook page. I was so grateful for the fact that they shared the photo uninitiated by me, but also because it helps spread our positive message. And here it is almost 4 years later and it has resurfaced.
As I read the comments (to date over 63- as well as this photo has been liked so far by over 450 people and shared over 130 times) there were about four negative comments… mostly that it was mean or cruel. My first reaction was to judge– “How could they say that,” I wondered? They don’t know me and don’t understand what a wonderful life Frankie leads. I had a lot of emotions bubble to the surface. All the good and positive comments were washed away because my heart hurt reading the negative ones. But then I caught myself.
I realized in that moment that I was being given another opportunity. An opportunity to educate those that may not understand. Those that don’t know how deeply I love this little dog– how I’ve poured my heart and soul into wanting to save other dogs being put to sleep through Frankie’s example– how I’ve worked tirelessly to encourage children to see their challenges as positive like Frankie does.
They didn’t know any better, I thought. They had no idea what this photo was all about. I could help them understand. So I set aside my hurt and judgment and shared my thoughts about the photo– as well as took the opportunity to educate about Intervertebral Disc Disease and dog wheelchairs.
They also say no press is bad press. I realized I was judging, caught myself, and said, “Frankie taught me not to judge.” Am I 100% good at this? No, I slip up now and then, but I will say I am much more aware and I try hard to be a better person.
So no press is bad press, so I took the opportunity to share that not only has Frankie taught me not to judge, but she has taught me many lessons which I’ll be sharing in my upcoming new book, Through Frankie’s Eyes: One Woman’s Journey to Her Authentic Self and the Dog on Wheels Who Led the Way. I invited them to check out my website and sign up for updates on when the book will be released.
So what began as what I initially thought as a bad thing– judging– being hurt– turn it upside down, and it became a beautiful opportunity in so many ways. Thank you Everyone Loves A Dachshund for this most unexpected, but welcome opportunity.
Who Me? Poop In School?
Who me? Poop in school?
Today Frankie and I visited Jackson school. It was the second time they invited us back. As I was just getting into my presentation, Frankie decides she must poop right then. Well, I suppose when a girl has to go, she just has to go!
I calmy whisked her to the side, grabbed a plastic bag, and let her do “her thing.” But of course, the kids could not let her poop in silence so there was a chorus of ewwwww’s, gross! and yuck! I found myself snickering as Frankie finished up her business.
Such a great teaching opportunity as I calmly said to the kids, “No big deal. This is a normal bodily function.”
I couldn’t help but think on the way home also about how I handled that all with a sense of calm. I guess after 325 appearances, one learns to just go with the flow. But I recall when I first wrote my children’s book and how I worried about writing about when she pooped in the waiting room of the vet’s office. I didn’t want to include that because I was embarrassed. But I was encouraged to include it, because others said kids would love it. They were right. Every time I read the part in my book when Frankie pooped there is a scream of delight from the crowd- cracks me up every time.
It also reminds me of how at the beginning of Frankie’s paralysis and my frustration in trying to figure out the timing of when she’d have to go. I about went crazy cleaning up after her. But then one day realized, oh my gosh, it is only poop! There are way worse things in life. No big deal.
So as Frankie pooped in school today I was reminded of how far I’ve come. It makes me smile… and yes, even chuckle. But the best part is, I don’t get upset, but just keep moving forward with a sense of peace and calm. What a great place to be. Thank you my little dog on wheels for teaching me patience and humility. Good dog, Frankie. Good dog.