dog wheelchairs

Living Worlds Apart – Love of Special Needs Dachshunds Brings Us Together

Posted by Barbara Techel

paulo, ellen and me

Gidget, me, Paulo and Ellen at our local cafe in Elkhart Lake, Off the Rail

When I decided to take a leap of faith and write my children’s books about my dachshund, Frankie, in a wheelchair, and then my memoir Through Frankie’s Eyes, little did I know who I’d meet along the way.

I just knew I had to tell Frankie’s story. I just knew I wanted to make a difference. I just knew I wanted to give others hope.

Writing my books has connected me to some truly wonderful people. Paulo and Ellen are two of those people – friends, really, because we will forever share a bond because of our love of dachshunds.

Not only that, but both our dogs came down with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and needed a wheelchair to help them move around.

Paulo, half way around the world, lives in Brazil and found out about me, Frankie, and our story. Initially he came across me via the great organization, Dodgerslist which helps pet owners whose dogs have been diagnosed with IVDD.

I still remember receiving an email from him asking if I could send my memoir to him in Brazil even though it was going to cost him quite a bit to have me ship it internationally. I was so honored and touched.

Paulo is Italian, but his parents feared Hitler and what was happening in Germany during that reign of terror. His parents traveled to Holland thinking they’d be safe there, but after crossing into Holland without even realizing it, they feared Hitler and his army could do the same just as easily.

His father wanted an ocean between him and his wife and that terrible time in history, so they ventured to Brazil. This is where Paulo was born and has lived for most of his life.

He attended an American school in Brazil which helped him to get into UW-Madison, Wisconsin, where he studied for 12-years.  To think he was only two hours away from me during that time!

But it would first be yesterday that we met in person right here in my small village of 950 people in Elkhart Lake.

Being a car enthusiast he has been to Elkhart Lake a few times and the last time in 2011 to see the races at our well known track, Road America. When I think about the fact that he was here about 9 months before Frankie passed away, I wish he could have met her.

But it wasn’t meant to be and it was only when his Poncho went down with IVDD that he discovered my story and the connection was made.

Back in Elkhart Lake this weekend for the spring vintage car races at Road America, he looked me up on Facebook and sent me a message—could we meet for coffee?

It was sunny and in the upper 60s yesterday and perfect for us to sit outside. I was able to bring Gidget along for him and his wife, Ellen to meet, and their friend Tom, who joined us also.

The spirits of Frankie and Poncho were in my heart as we sat together, talking about our beloved dachshunds and getting to know each other better.

paulo and poncho

Paulo and his belated, beloved Poncho

I really didn’t want the time to end because being with them felt familiar in that our journey’s so similar. But most of all, the love we shared for our special needs dogs is something that has changed us all for the better.

And what brought us together even though we live worlds apart.

It was a magical morning and a memory I’ll carry in my heart right along with Frankie who resides snug and sound as the little dog on wheels who made this all possible.

Safe travels home my friends always, Paulo and Ellen!

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You’ve Just Got to Meet Chelsea!

Posted by Barbara Techel

chelsea

Chelsea is only two years old. This is the first time since being born that she is standing upright.

While her mom was pregnant with her she had parvovirus which caused Chelsea to be born with Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH)- a condition in which parts of the cerebellum have not completely developed. The cerebellum makes up a large part of the brain, lying under the cerebrum and toward the back, above and behind the brainstem.)

Because of CH she is not able to stand upright to get around. But now she can because of being granted a wheelchair through The Frankie Wheelchair Fund.

Andrea, her angel here on earth, adopted her about a month ago from the humane society, where Andrea is a volunteer. Chelsea was found with over 60 other dogs and likely inbreeding of many of the dogs with Chelsea having had several litters of pups herself already.

Andrea told me that every day she is practicing with Chelsea to help her to learn to roll in her wheels. She said that she can tell that Chelsea is so curious and happy to be up and exploring.

It will take time as Chelsea has to build up her muscles which never had a chance to do so before this.  But now she has someone in her life who is relishing in caring for her and helping her be the best dog she can possibly be.

Chelsea is  taking little steps at a time and Andrea said she seems to be enjoying all the new smells that come from being able to explore higher up.

I don’t know about you, but I really do think Chelsea is smiling and thanking her lucky stars for finding her way to Andrea!

chelsea 2

Chelsea’s wheelchair custom made by Eddie’s Wheels.

Stay tuned to meet BlueBell, the dachshund, who is the 42nd recipient of a wheelchair from The Frankie Wheelchair Fund!

If you’d like to help more dogs like Chelsea with the gift of mobility please consider a donation via the website or our ongoing Go Fund Me campaign. I continue to be so grateful for the help so that more dogs can live full, long, quality, happy lives. Thank you! Thank you!

Meet Nora! 39th Paralyzed Dog Granted Wheelchair thru Frankie Wheelchair Fund

Posted by Barbara Techel

nora

It’s hard to believe I’m sharing that this is the 39th dog The Frankie Wheelchair Fund has granted a wheelchair to.  But how excited I am to share Nora!

She has IVDD and is permanently paralyzed, but has happily adjusted to her wheelchair. She is now free to run and play and do most dog things like she did before. Now that is cause for celebration, don’t you think?

To think about Nora and so many dogs who now have wheelchairs, going for walks and enjoying life to the fullest, well, that just makes my heart soar with joy!

Nora’s wheels custom-made by Eddie’s Wheels.

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As always, I welcome donations to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund which helps me to help disabled dogs from low-to-no income families or in rescue who are in need of a wheelchair. I can’t do it without the generosity of others and I’m grateful for every $1 others are willing to donate.

The average cost of a wheelchair is about $380 and go as high as $1,500. It all depends on the need of the dog.

You can donate in one of two ways. Either by clicking the photo on left which will take you to our site where you can donate via paypal or credit card. Or by clicking on the GofundMe photo. Or please help me spread the word!

frankie wheelchair fund logo

 

To learn more please visit National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day (for the Frankie Wheelchair Fund).

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