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It’s a Contest for 2015 National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day!

Posted by Barbara Techel

Contest for National Walk 'N Roll Dog Day 2015!

In August 2012 I founded National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day. As many of you may know, I founded this day in memory of my dachshund, Frankie who was in a wheelchair due to paralysis from disc disease.

Frankie rolled for six years touching the lives of many through visits to schools and many facilities as a therapy dog. Her life is chronicled in two children’s books I wrote about her and my memoir, Through Frankie’s Eyes.

I wanted her legacy to live on after she passed away on June 22, 2012.  And I also wanted a way in which to honor ALL dogs in wheelchairs around the world.

You know why?

Because they deeply inspire me and still do to this day!

The official day of celebration is September 22.  Along with this day and bringing positive awareness to the public that dogs in wheelchair can and DO live quality lives, I have a campaign to raise money for The Frankie Wheelchair Fund.

This fund, in Frankie’s name, has granted 43 wheelchairs to date to paralyzed dogs in need.

Yup! That is worth a Yahoo, don’t you think?

And this year to celebrate, artist Brianna Brunsell of Silly Dog Magnets has generously donated her time and talent in creating a illustration for the special day which will be available for sale as t-shirts coming soon!

And here is where I need your help!

We need a slogan for this year so I’m running a contest and have created a Facebook page just for the contest which you can check out here. This is where you can also leave your idea for a slogan!  And I welcome all ideas!

Winner will receive a t-shirt with their slogan on and the illustration Brianna is working on to celebrate National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day 2015. I will also include a signed copy of my memoir, Through Frankie’s Eyes to the winner.

Funds raised from the sale of t-shirts will benefit the Frankie Wheelchair Fund to help more paralyzed dogs in need. Yup, we need another yahoo!

The average cost of a wheelchair is $385 so as you can see we hope to raise a nice chunk of change to help as many deserving disabled dogs in need as we can.

So head on over to our Facebook page for the contest, give it a “like,” leave your idea, and please help spread the word.

Thank you!

Please note that contest is open to US residents only due to shipping costs.

Contest ends August 1, 2015.

Thank you for visiting!

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Meet Pepper Who Will Soon Have a New Lease on Life

Posted by Barbara Techel
Meet Pepper Who Will Soon Have a New Lease on Life
Lily (pomeranian) and Pepper

Let me first say that all dachshunds tug on my heart when I see them. But this dachshund named Pepper, tugged at my heart strings even more.

She reminds me so much of my Joie who passed away in August 2013. Pepper was diagnosed with IVDD in April and is paralyzed, along with other issues that need to be dealt with. But the issues are easy enough to remedy with the right care which she is being helped with right now.

I heard of her story through Hearts 4 Doxie’s and asked if she was in need of a wheelchair. She is. The Frankie Wheelchair Fund will provide the funding so this sweet girl can regain mobility when she is well enough.

This is extra special because a few weeks ago I received a generous donation from Skippy Johnston’s mom, Angela in memory of Skippy for the Frankie Wheelchair Fund.  That money received I’ve decided needs to go to Pepper. I think Angela and Skippy will approve.

Pepper’s wheelchair will be custom made by the fine folks at Eddie’s Wheels.

Once Pepper is up and running in her wheels I’ll be sure to post an update here, so stay tuned.

If you’d like to help me with my mission of helping disabled dogs in need of a wheelchair, please consider a donation to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund. To date, the fund has granted 43 wheelchairs to dogs in needs. Thank you!!

Skippy Runs his Final Race – a Tribute

Posted by Barbara Techel

Skippy Johnston Runs His Final Race - a Tribute.

A little dachshund with a huge spirit, Skippy Johnston, loved by so many, ran his final race to heaven yesterday.

The wheelchair dog community lost a very special little guy.  In a wheelchair for almost 12 of his 14 years he ran many races. But better than that, he spread such a positive message that being in a wheelchair was no excuse to not enjoy life.

Sadly, a mis-step he took left him with a broken neck and there was nothing that could be done. It was time for him to hop upon his chariot one last time and make his final trek to heaven.

He was so very brave to the end. His last note on his Facebook page filled with such an uplifting, positive spirit, I laughed and cried:

“Thank you everyone who prayed for me! My miracle has come! My body is whole again! And the streets here may be paved with gold for you guys, but the dog paths are paved with bacon! And my toenails will never have to be trimmed, my glands never have to be expressed (that’ll be Heaven for Mom, too!) I love you all, and we’ll meet again one day! Love for eternity, Skippy J.”

Tears fill my eyes once again as I write this post. Skippy or as he was also called, Skipster, was just that special. He brought so much joy to so many.

I’ll never forget a week after my Frankie passed away and Skippy ran a race in her honor. I like to think of Skippy and Frankie now in heaven together, meeting for the first time, sharing some pretty darn good stories together, tails wagging, and eating all the bacon they want….with a side of green beans for Skippy as those were his favorite.

frankie

I’ll say again, dogs just die way too soon – it never seems fair. But I know they’d not want us to grieve for too long – but to go on loving more dogs, expanding our hearts – and being happy.

Skippy was the happiest little fellow and I just know he wants us to smile when we think of him.  And it’s truly hard not to smile when you look at photos of Skippy because his charisma and charm were truly bigger than life.

Please hold Skippy’s mom, Angela in your heart as she learns to move through her days in a new way without her beloved Skippy. She was Skippy’s angel and now Skippy will watch over her until they meet again someday.

We will never forget you, Skippy J. Never.

skippy 1

skippy 2

skippy 3

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