dogs in wheelchairs

Living with and Caring for a Dog with IVDD and Kids

Posted by Barbara Techel

 Video made about Sophie by Abby’s friend Jo

Awhile back I shared with you a new friend I made whose dog, Sophie, has IVDD and is in a dog wheelchair. Abby’s love runs deep for her special wheelie dog. As you can imagine, we easily connected because of our love of our weenie’s on wheels.

I admire Abby for her devotion in starting a blog, just as I did years ago, to get the positive word out about dogs with IVDD to help save lives. What I admire even more about Abby is that she cares for Sophie along with two young children. I can imagine on many days she has her hands quite full. But the lessons she is instilling in her children with a dog in a wheelchair, I think,  are priceless.

So I wanted to share the beautiful video a friend of Abby’s did of pictures of Sophie. I love that it is done in black and white. I also couldn’t help think of Frankie watching the video and how she will always be in my heart… as well in all of your heart’s too.

You can also find Abby’s sweet Sophie on Facebook to follow along.

PS:  Stay tuned as I’ve been working on a special video the past weeks of Frankie that I’ll release soon. I hope you will watch and join me in walking down memory lane with her.

Valentine’s Day at Our House- No Gifts or Cards

Posted by Barbara Techel

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 Chickie took 1st place at Paws-a-Palooza in FL for her Valentine’s Day Chick costume

Yesterday I received this photo of Chickie and a few more which you can see on Facebook on National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day page.   Chickie belongs to Kevin.  I’ve never met Kevin, but consider him a friend because of our love of wheelie dogs.

The sweet photo of Chickie made me think of Valentine’s Day coming up tomorrow. John and I no longer buy gifts or cards for each other and haven’t for quite a few years. I’m not against Valentine’s Day as after all it is about love. But what I don’t care for is the pressure to do something or buy something for the one you love.

I didn’t always feel this way. Years ago I’d get so upset if John forgot, or if he would ask me what I wanted. I just wanted to be surprised and not asked– and to quote the Nike ad, Just do it.  

I’m not really sure what changed, but over time it just didn’t matter to me anymore. I love my life with John. We have so much fun together just about every day. And I’m not going to say it’s Valentine’s Day every day around here, but for the most part, we ebb and flow quite nicely.

It’s also been so heart warming to me to see John expand in this thoughts and love for Frankie and now Joie. One of the best gifts he has given to me is his understanding that my soul needs to care for these special pups- this is who I am- this is what makes my heart sing.

Not only that, he has supported my dreams of writing my children’s books and now my new book. He is the main bread winner as I try to make my way in the publishing world. He also supports my mission and my passion for my continuing efforts of wanting to educate others about IVDD as well as bringing a positive face and voice to dogs in wheelchairs. To me, this is love. No cards or gifts could convey this to me but his actions and support of all that I do.

So this Valentine’s Day I will likely take a moment to say an extra grateful thank you for the love of my life, my sweet Johnnie. And I’ll also hug and kiss Kylie and Joie a few more times than usual… if that is even possible.  <WINK>

What I Love About My Dachshund in a Wheelchair

Posted by Barbara Techel
  • wheelchair joie 3

I LOVE…

  • Her zest for life
  • How she never feels sorry for herself
  • How she makes me smile every time I see her crusin’ in her wheels
  • Her sweet personality
  • Her love for me, her papa and dog sister Kylie
  • How she easily goes over speed bumps in her wheelchair (a.k.a. my feet)
  • How she picks herself back up and keeps going even after stumbling in her wheels
  • That she only knows one speed in her wheels- FAST!
  • How she barks at me each morning as if to say, “Hurry up!  I’m hungry!” (Ok, so some mornings this is annoying.)
  • How she makes me smile every day and appreciate that obstacles are learning lessons
  • How she snuggles next to me each night as I read
  • How she made the sad part of my heart feel all happy again
  • That she loves me unconditionally