disabled dogs

Give Paralyzed Dogs the Gift of Mobility

Posted by Barbara Techel

Since 2012 I’ve been carrying on Frankie’s legacy – a mission her and I started together – to be a positive voice for paralyzed dogs – to help others see that dogs do live fulfilling lives even when using a dog wheelchair.

As many of you know, who follow my online journal (thank you!), this fund has granted to date, 40 wheelchairs to dogs in need. The majority we have granted the full amount of the cost of a wheelchair, some partial if their owner is able to contribute something toward the wheels, and two we have covered the cost of shipping.

It all matters. To be a part of giving the gift of mobility to a paralyzed dog truly is rewarding.

So while I have the Frankie Wheelchair Fund set up to donate via Paypal on National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day website, I was also recently encouraged to start a Go Fund Me campaign. It will run indefinitely as that is the beauty of Go Fund Me. It’s also another great avenue in which to get the word out about this special mission.

So here is where I’m asking for your help. While I know money can be tight for many, and I understand that completely – but if you’d be willing to share this campaign on your Facebook page, Twitter, Pinterest, blog, or with family and friends, I’d be so grateful. It would really help me to spread the word, so that more dogs can be helped. And of course, if you know of anyone who would like to donate, that will allow the fund to help even more paralyzed dogs.

I take the funding very seriously and have an application process in place. Not everyone is approved, but I feel the process I have is needed and fair. If I’m not quite sure about an applicant, I have others I turn to to help me in the decision making process.

Just to review also The Frankie Wheelchair Fund requirements for those granted a wheelchair:

1.) A photo to be submitted once dog is up and rolling in their wheelchair so I can share via my social media avenues – and they are forever displayed on National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day website.

2.) The wheelchair is donated to another dog when it no longer needed, or it is donated back to Eddie’s Wheels (where they are originally purchased from) – so that they may be adjusted to fit another dog in need.

I’m excited about this new avenue with Go Fund Me, but also know that I can’t do this alone. And gosh, if not for everyone who helped me along the way, I couldn’t have helped so many already. I welcome your help in helping me spread the word and say right now a grateful thank you!

…and if you have any helpful suggestions in other ways to spread the word, I’m open to that too.

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Moments that take My Breath Away

Posted by Barbara Techel

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First, just two weeks ago came the check from Darla the dachshund, her wheelie dog brother, Doolittle, and mom, Tricia who raised $350 for The Frankie Wheelchair Fund through a Jamberry Nail campaign they did in January. You may recall, The Frankie Wheelchair Fund granted a wheelchair to Darla when she was with Fuzzy Pet Rescue before Tricia and her family adopted her.

Then today, came a card and a $500 donation from someone I’ve never met that read an article in the Wisconsin State Journal when reporter Barry Adams interviewed me in April of 2013, six months after I had adopted Joie. He said, “I cut the article out intending to send a contribution then. Well, almost 2 years later I am finally following through. You are doing wonderful things and your story and the animals you care for are a blessing.”

I showed the check to John and started crying. He should know me by now and how sensitive (and appreciative!) I am as he said, “Why are you crying?” He meant it nicely and he understands how much this means to me. He smile, hugged me and said, “My emotional girl.”

How can one not be emotional when total strangers give of their hard earned money to support disabled dogs who need a wheelchair, right? Every single dollar that is donated to the fund means the world to me.

It’s moments like this that truly take my breath away and I am reminded of all the good people there are in the world.

Stay tuned for two recent dogs The Frankie Wheelchair Fund was able to grant wheelchairs to:  Nora and Nimby. This makes 40 dogs helped so far through the fund! I hope to have photos soon to share with you.

You can also follow inspiring dogs in wheelchairs on the Facebook page I created for National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day.

frankie wheelchair fund logo

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Should you enjoy the writing you find here, you may wish to subscribe to my newsletter (on right hand side of post) or my RSS Feed. I’d love it if you would also share through your favorite social media network. Thanks for visiting!

Two Wheelchair Dogs on a Mission to Help Disabled Dogs in Need

Posted by Barbara Techel

darla and doolittleYou may remember Darla from a few years back. When she was in a foster home, The Fuzzy Pet Foundation contacted me asking if The Frankie Wheelchair Fund could help with funds for a wheelchair for Darla.

I was so happy to help this sweet girl, who reminded me so much of Frankie. Well, that did the trick and she was then adopted to a wonderful family and mom, Tricia.

Fast forward to now and Darla now has another wheelie dog sibling. Tricia and her family adopted another special needs dog named Doolittle. Wow, talk about big hearts!

Tricia, Darla, and Doolittle want to give back and help other disabled dogs who need wheelchairs. Isn’t that great? And what’s so special is that they want to help with a donation to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund. I’m so very honored.

So you may be wondering, how can you help?  Well if you love to paint your fingernails and toes, too, you will love this.

It’s a Jamberry Nail Party and Tricia is donating 100% of her commission for the month of January to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund!

To shop for fun nail products click on this link:  Jamberry Nail Party for The Frankie Wheelchair Fund.

To follow along on Facebook click on this link: Fundraiser for The Frankie Wheelchair Fund (you can ask Tricia questions here, as well as learn more about the products).

I would also like to say a very special thank you to those that have also been sending donations directly to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund. I am thrilled for donations that came through yesterday. It means so much and it fills my heart up with such love for the many kind and generous friends out there.