Photo courtesy of Barry Adams and Wisconsin State Journal
I was so thrilled when reporter Barry Adams of the Wisconsin State Journal contacted me a few weeks ago to do a story on Frankie, Joie and me. I’m so happy with the wonderful article and his help in spreading the positive message about IVDD dogs and dogs in wheelchairs!. Thank you, Barry!! Read the article here.
How cute is this girl? And does she remind you of anyone? I swear I’m looking at Frankie!
About two months ago, Sheila Choi of The Fuzzy Pet Foundation (TFPF) contacted me asking if the Frankie Wheelchair Fund could help with this sweet girl. I was thrilled because of donations I’ve received from many of you for the Frankie Wheelchair Fund, that we were able to provide the funds for Darla’s wheelchair from Eddie’s Wheels.
Darla will soon be getting on a plane with a volunteer from TFPF and flying to Connecticut for her potential forever home. As you might guess, my heart strings really pulled toward this little one. I could have easily taken her in. But alas, I have my love dog on wheels, who I love so very dearly. But if I could have a whole short, wheelin’ herd of these little ones I’d love it! But I’m crossing my fingers (toes, arms, legs, eyes…) that when she gets to Connecticut it is the perfect match. I do think whoever gets this sweet girl is going to be so lucky! Just like me with my Joie.
So please wish Darla luck as she now begins to explore the world once again on her happy wheels and as she transitions to a new life. And again, a huge thank you to everyone who has made donations to the Frankie Wheelchair Fund to make this possible. My heart grows ten times its size every time I can help another little one get their wheels.
If you know of anyone who is interested in donating to the Frankie Wheelchair Fund I’m always accepting donations…. and as always, I’m deeply grateful!
As a reminder if you live in or around the Milwaukee, WI area, the Pewaukee Veterinary Service is offering two upcoming pet massage seminars. One is this Saturday, March 23rd and the next one is April 4th. There is no cost for this two hour hands on seminar, but they are asking for a donation for the Frankie Wheelchair Fund. Their first seminar raised $170! Massage is great for all pets, but especially those with conditions such as IVDD, arthritis, etc.
This is “I know you want to take more pictures of me, but I refuse to look at you” from Joie
A friend of mine received her invitation to my book launch in the mail the other day. She told me when her teenage son saw it he said, “I thought Frankie died. Did she get a new one? Does she do this on purpose?” She told me he just had no idea there was another dog that had a disability like Frankie.
This surprised me at first. But it also reminded me of why I do what I do and will continue to. It’s important to me to bring awareness to special needs pets and those in wheelchairs. It does happen to other pets- and it happens more often than I think some may realize. There is much work to continue to do. And from what I know, since it is the world of which I’ve immersed myself, that dogs with IVDD that end up in rescue (if they are not full or able to take them) are not so easily adopted out. They require more “work” in terms of helping them with going to the bathroom as well as if they need physical therapy and/or wheelchair. It can be a tough road for them to find a loving, forever home.
So though my friend’s son’s comment took me by surprise I thought, “Yes, I do this on purpose.” It didn’t start out that way as I never imagined Frankie would become disabled, nor did I think in my future I’d adopt a special needs dog, just as I told freelance writer, Deanne in a recent blog interview. But now I just can’t imagine my life being any other way. I purposely adopted Joie and someday (which I hope is many moons away) if I can, I will gladly open my arms and heart to another IVDD dog.