dogs in wheelchairs

Tuning Into Our Pets We Can See Ourselves.

Posted by Barbara Techel

IMG_1625 1200pMy understanding of how each dog that comes into our lives and have new lessons to teach us continues to deepen. Or as they say, each dog comes into our lives just at the right time for whatever it is we need at that time.

Joie and I have had to make our adjustments. But in being honest with myself, I realize it was me that needed to be more open and pay attention to who Joie is as a dog. Ever since I had a reading with animal communicator, Dawn, concentrating on what Joie needs, I’ve felt a beautiful shift in my relationship with her.

Now don’t get me wrong– I loved Joie from the minute I saw her. I wanted her with all my heart and I’m so glad she is mine. But I still had work to do on myself, and quite honestly, I’ll always have work to do. This is what life is all about, right?

Joie is the first dog I’ve ever adopted, so I didn’t know how her day to day was before me. It is also interesting that when I share with people that I adopted her, and she is paralyzed, many assume she was abused. As far as I know, that is not the case.

Whatever Joie was used to before she came to live with John and I, I’ve learned to be more aware of her needs and be more observant. I discovered one morning as she was watching out the patio door, that maybe she wanted to be out on the deck while I was getting ready. Sure enough, I opened the door, out she went, and she seemed to have the best time exploring all by herself. I hadn’t thought before to let her do this because Frankie didn’t like being alone outside and would whimper if I wasn’t out there with her.

I love cuddle time with Joie, but I’m also enjoying seeing her as the independent little dog she is.  How interesting as I think she is helping me to be even stronger in what is right for my own life as well.

We (hopefully) have many years ahead of us to grow into the relationship that is meant to be just right for us. But Joie is a reminder to me to stay tuned in not only to her needs, but mine as well.

Kylie Speaks: Life with my Wheelchair Dog Pal, Joie

Posted by Barbara Techel

kylie and joie on deck eDear Joie,

If I could really talk so human’s could understand me, this is what I’d say.  But of course, you already understand me because we speak the same language, which is love.

So, little squirt, I must say, you are so dang cute. The minute I saw you I knew we’d be best of friends.

I loved Frankie very much. But you see, Barb was quite nervous and new at having a wheelie dog around a big ol’ bear like me. She was often afraid I’d forget my strength and hurt little Frankie.  She’s come a long way in trusting me. She is so much more relaxed and at ease now. I like that.

This has meant a whole new world for me having you live with us. I get to run along beside you outside in the yard which is one of my favorite things to do. I loved when you first arrived and I got to show you “the way.”

Mouth wrestling with you in bed is really fun too. It’s fun to see you lay on your back with your black belly pointing to the ceiling. I like to pretend I’m tickling you when I sniff your sweet belly.

I hope you know I’m just teasing you when I try to take a toy from you. I think you do. But the fact you are young and love to play has given me a whole new energy that makes my tail go thump, thump, thump.

I love to look out for you in the yard making sure no harm will ever come to you.  Watching you run beside me with your ears flapping in the wind makes me smile.

Best of all, I love when we hang out on the deck together.  You know why?  Cause Barb and John are at their happiest when we all get to be together. Can’t you just feel the love that oozes out all around us?  All of us being together makes my heart swell with happiness.

Oh, little wheelie squirt, such a delight to have you here in our quaint cottagey home. You brought a new love and light to my days. A thousand Lab kisses and wags of my bushy tail will never be enough to show you how very much I love and adore you. But I think you already know.

Love,

Kylie

July is IVDD Awareness Month: “Through Frankie’s Eyes” at Special Price to Benefit Dodgerslist

Posted by Barbara Techel

ivdd awareness

As you may know July is IVDD Awareness Month.

On a very personal note, I’m so grateful for Dodgerslist and the peace of mind they gave me when Frankie was diagnosed with IVDD in 2006. It has become a passionate mission of mine to continue to spread the word about IVDD sharing that it is not a death sentence.

I’ve teamed up with Dodgerslist this month to help with their mission of saving lives and getting more information into the right hands so no other dogs are put to sleep needlessly. As we all know, these dogs can go on to live a happy and quality life with the right education.

Through Frankie's Eyes w award stickerFor the month of July I’m offering a special price on my new award-winning inspirational memoir about my journey with Frankie, her IVDD diagnoses, and her life in a dog wheelchair– Through Frankie’s Eyes: One woman’s journey to her authentic self and the dog on wheels who led the way. **20% of the sales of the proceeds will be donated to Dodgerslist for printing and distribution of brochures or for however they feel will be beneficial in continuing to get the word out.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!  (be sure to use this special link to order so Dodgerslist is credited for the sale)

If you’ve already purchased a copy of my book perhaps you would be consider purchasing a copy to two as gifts for family and friends. It makes a great inspirational gift!

Each copy will be autographed by me and stamped (pawtographed) with Frankie’s authentic paw print. (for more about my book click here for reviews and excerpt)

**Not only does 20% of proceeds benefit Dodgerslist, but a portion of the proceeds also benefits the Frankie Wheelchair Fund helping dogs with mobility challenges that need a dog wheelchair.  Good feeling vibes all the way around!