Dear Frankie,

Today we celebrate the 3rd year of National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day.

A day that would have likely never been founded if not for you, dear girl.

You were my inspiration to create this day.

Remember that first day you got your wheelchair?

How you stood still as a statue and you didn’t know quite what to do?

But then with a few treats lined up on the sidewalk, you began to roll…and from that day on, for six more years you rolled and rolled and rolled.

You helped me to see that despite paralysis, that a dog could go on to live a quality life.

You showed me that it didn’t matter that your back legs were now wheels instead.

Oh, the places they took you and me!  To schools where kids fell head over heels in love with you and they learned to see their challenges in a positive way. And to a senior assisted living facility, local hospital and hospice where you brought oodles of smiles to people’s faces.

So much good you did in the world!  And I knew that somehow, someway I’d have to find a way to carry on your message and joy.

I’m so proud to have this day to not only have in your memory, but to honor all dogs in wheelchairs around the world who bring the very same love and blessings to their many caretakers.

And to show the world that dogs in wheelchairs are truly remarkable!

Love you forever, Frankie!

PS:  Check out the newest little doggie that is being helped with a set of wheels because of The Frankie Wheelchair Fund Foundation, which you also inspired me to start.  This makes 45 dogs helped with a wheelchair because of you and your fund!

Along with Sarah, of The Smoothe Store, who ran a campaign the last few weeks called #Teal4Wheels and raised over $2,000, we will together be helping Cricket who is in need of a wheelchair.  Cricket is currently with Furever Dachshund Rescue.

We invite you to stay tuned to see Cricket in her wheelchair once they are custom built by Eddie’s Wheels.  We can’t wait to see Cricket mobile again!

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To everyone who has supported this near and dear to my heart mission over the years, I can’t find adequate words to truly express my gratitude. But know that my heart bursts with joy and love because of the support – it means the world to me.

And I know Frankie is with each of us in spirit as we continue, in her beautiful memory, this work that gives the gift of mobility to many and spreads a positive message that dogs in wheelchairs matter….and deserve a chance at living a great life.

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