disabled dachshunds

The Fishing and Shopping Dachshund Named Olive

olive oneOlive and her mom, Jill were one of the first people that became my friends via my website, books and Facebook when I began my work with Frankie many years ago.  Olive has IVDD and though she has a dog wheelchair, she’d rather not use it these days.

Jill keeps me updated on Olive and I really do feel like Olive is part of my family too. I’ve come to love her so much.

She is now over 14-years old, and though her health is not the best, Jill and her husband, Eric enjoy every minute they can with her. She is one lucky dog!

Here she is fishing and below she got to go shopping at Lowe’s. The love and devotion Jill and Eric have given this sweet girl is so beautiful. I’m so proud and happy to call all of them friends.

olive 2

Reflection of Sending My Story Out Into the World & Joyful Paws Jaunt Blog Tour Ends Today at Peggy’s Pet Place

Through Frankie's Eyes 304 x 404 awardIt feels a bit surreal that here it is, the end of my blog tour, for “Through Frankie’s Eyes.” I invite you to check out my last stop which is over at Peggy’s Pet Place. Peggy is a pet columnist and author who has written about the animal-human bond for quite some time now. I really enjoyed her interview questions and I think you will too.

All the excitement, angst, ups and downs of releasing a book are beginning to fade a bit from my memory being this far along in my journey of having written, published, and now sharing it. I feel so grateful for all those who were willing to host me on their blogs and radio shows. So many of these wonderful people I’ve never even met in person, but they have generously supported my work. Pretty amazing, that we, as authors, have this at our fingertips these days to share our story. Also amazing is the fact I’ve been able to connect with so many of you, that I otherwise may not have been able to. One of the greatest rewards is hearing from many of you who have shared your thoughts with me in regards to my new book. It means more to me than you will ever know… thank you.

While at times I questioned if my story would touch others, I also knew that it would find its way to those that needed to hear what I had to share. It continues to find its way to others and it makes my day when I hear from those who say my story has helped them look at their life in a new (and better) way.

The publishing world continues to change rapidly, with authors taking their own fate in their hands with the tools available to us to get our message out into the world. It is not always easy, while at the same time, we have so many more opportunities now, so in a sense it is easier—though there is a lot of noise out there to compete with.  But I remind myself how important my work is to me.  I want to continue to help others through my words and stories, and plan to do just that.

So while my online tour officially ends, it truly is just the beginning. One is never done and I look forward to new avenues in which to share my story and my work.  As always, I welcome your feedback. In the new world of authors and publishing, it also greatly helps if you would consider leaving a review for “Through Frankie’s Eyes.” A huge thank you to all those of you who already have. I’ve shed a few tears of joy at how my book has touched others. Nothing better than that knowing you touched a chord with another, so again, I say a deeply grateful thank you.

Meet Sophie & Abby– Dachshund in Wheelchair With Special Mom– My Interview on their Blog

img_4584It is such a sweet honor to share with you Abby and her Dachshund on wheels, Sophie. Can you believe how much Sophie looks like Frankie?

On Abby’s blog today over at, Our Dachshund Sophie, she shares an interview she did with me as part of my continued Joyful Paws Jaunt blog tour for Through Frankie’s Eyes.

I discovered Abby and Sophie a few months ago– but for the life of me I can’t seem to remember how I came across them.  It is likely synchronicity, no doubt!  I feel like Abby and I are kindred spirits for our love and devotion to wheelchair dogs as well as giving hope to others who may be facing their dog diagnosed with IVDD. It was destined that we “meet” and how blessed I feel everyday for blogs and Facebook that I get to learn more about people like Abby and her wheelie dog, Sophie.

Abby asked me some wonderful questions about Frankie’s therapy dog work, how children responded to her, and why I decided to get another disabled Dachshund. So please stop on over at her blog today– you just might want to also stay in touch via her blog or Facebook too. She always has wonderful posts and beautiful photos.  Abby has a heart of gold and I’m so glad to have a wheelie dachshund friend in her!