dog wheelchairs

Dog Barks from the Other Side

Posted by Barbara Techel
Dog Barks from the Other Side
Photo: @Brookburlingphotography

Today marks the 4 year anniversary of my dear dachshund Frankie’s passing. While I never thought my heart would heal from the loss of her, time has, for me, replaced sadness with so many beautiful memories that often bring a smile to my face and a flood of joy to my heart.

And I just have to tell you how amazed I am at how Frankie’s spirit continues to dance around me. It especially seems so this time of year.

It’s as if she is barking from the other side reminding me that we are still connected. And she’s been sending messengers in the form of people reaching out to me talking about her, recalling stories of her, or a time when they met her.
frankie 2

One such case that really moved me deeply was an email I received from Danielle last week. She emailed me once before sharing with me how much my children’s book Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog helped her children to deal with, and understand, their own dachshund Dixie’s paralysis.

Dixie has seen passed away and this time Danielle wrote:

I wanted to contact you, this time to share with you how much my kids (my 5-year-old twins) have been enjoying your “Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Coloring and Activity” book.  They love the paper-dog Frankie!  For them, it was especially important that Frankie was in her cart, so we had to get the cart cut out right away.  🙂   Since they each had a book, they each pretended to be a “Frankie” and talk to the other “Frankie”.  🙂  

My daughter loved putting as much on Frankie as she could possibly fit!  My son loved having Frankie more plain so he could still recognize her. They could not get enough of cutting, trying on, and role playing!  

The whole activity also helped them reconnect with Dixie’s spirit and life and remember her in a fun way since her passing.

twins
Danielle’s five year old twins dressing Frankie paper dog cut out

I can’t even begin to find the right words to tell you how much this means to me! But there I was, sitting at my computer, tears of joy rolling down my face. And a few tears wishing I could hold Frankie… just. one. more. time.

But it was just another reminder that as my mom said to me last weekend that “love never dies.” And she is right. It just takes a different form, but it is always there. Always.

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Update on Roo & His Special ‘Thank You.’

Posted by Barbara Techel

Update on Roo & His Special 'Thank You.'

A few weeks ago I shared the story of Roo and how the Frankie Wheelchair Fund provided funds to have a custom made wheelchair built for him by Eddie’s Wheels for Pets.

Yesterday I got this photo of him and his special thank you card! Isn’t it so sweet?

It is so rewarding helping this sweet dogs and I love seeing photos of them in their new wheels… and getting a thank you card such as this? Well, that is divine icing on the cake!

And an update on Roo that he is beginning to take to the wheels, understanding they are giving him a freedom he didn’t have before. He wasn’t quite sure about them at first.

Keep on rolling Roo!

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Why the Standards of Care for Animals with Spinal Cord Injuries in Are Changing

Posted by Barbara Techel
Why the Standards of Care for Animals with Spinal Cord Injuries in Are Changing
Gidget in a cart from Eddieswheels.com

Earlier on my blog today I shared that Gidget isn’t able to use her hind legs, though after a visit to the vet, we aren’t exactly sure why. She’s not new to IVDD having been “down” before and rehabilitated by the rescue I adopted her from. And since I’ve gotten her she’s never fully walked “normally” but with a wobbly walk. But she is pretty much completely down in the hind quarters once again.

After I shared the post to Facebook about this, I received a note from Kim who runs Hotdog Hill Sanctuary in Virginia where she cares for disabled dachshunds, many with IVDD.

She shared a recent article she came across about the culture shift in veterinarian medicine regarding treatment of animal spinal cord injuries and disc disease.  I felt it worthy passing along the article. Just click on the link here:

Why the Standards of Care for Spinal Cord Injuries Are Changing

While I’m not an expert or a veterinarian, I have had my share of experience with three dachshunds with IVDD, as many of you know.

This newest information makes sense to me. And as Kim also stated via our discussion on Facebook having much more experience than me, “You know with so many- each different- we have to change up our routine to meet them- some get too stressed by crate/pen rest and it did more harm than good thrashing around, etc- – we know our dogs best and we have to use our experience too.”

With my recent episode with Gidget not walking again I must say also that I realized again how education is key. I was able to deal with this much more calmly as I know my options. I also feel I know Gidget best and what will, and won’t, serve her. I think this is crucial.

I’ve also come to accept that sometimes no matter what one does, the outcome may be the same. Being paralyzed isn’t a terrible thing and I do believe the stigma is becoming less and less. At least I hope so.

From my experience, paralyzed dogs don’t realize they can’t use their hind legs. It’s really no big deal to them. They continue to live life just like they did before. I’ve found often it is much harder for their care taker to handle it. And yes, I can personally speak to the fact that I didn’t want to accept this when my first dachshund went down. Oh! Did I learn a lot and I’m so grateful!

Another factor in sharing this article is that as always, I want to give hope to others who may face this with their pet. There are options! It just takes a little research, talking with your vet, determining your pet’s specific needs, patience, and most of all love.

I know so often people who are facing a pet with paralysis have carried a huge amount of guilt that they couldn’t afford surgery. But clearly, there are many ways in which you can help your pet. There is hope!

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