dogs in wheelchairs

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.

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The Surface Movie, featuring Joie, My Beloved Dachshund, Coming to More Theaters

Posted by Barbara Techel

Joie on set of the movie

Joie on the set of the movie, “The Surface.”

Joie was only with me ten short months when I had to make the most humane decision for her and help her cross over.

But boy, did she leave a lasting impact. I would have never dreamed she’d play a part in a movie the week before I had to let her go.

surface

If you believe in destiny, as I do, well, I believe this is why we found each other when we did. Along with the beautiful fact that she filled a void in my broken heart when I lost Frankie four months before.

Though the movie isn’t based on a dog in a wheelchair, it is based on a true story starring Sean Astin, Chris Mulkey and Mimi Rogers. One of the main characters, played by Chris Mulkey, had at one time, a dog in a wheelchair.

During one of the scene’s he has a flashback recalling a morning he was leaving for work. His young daughter and their dog in a wheelchair (played by Joie) helped see him off for the day.

It is a short scene and Joie is perhaps on the screen for about 15-20 seconds. There was a chance the scene would get cut. But it didn’t and I was thrilled when producer Jeff told me she made it in.

I still get goosebumps thinking about the experience and how proud I am that Joie is playing the part of a disabled dog who lives happily within a family.

Because it is an independent film it is still in the process of screenings, but now available in more cities/states. Hopefully soon it will be in all major theaters and when it is, I’ll be sure to post it here on my blog.

Check it out to see if it is playing near you now,The Surface Movie.

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…On Feeling Grateful and Delivering the Goods to Frankie’s Forever Home

Posted by Barbara Techel

helper delivering the goods

Gidget my faithful helper

Sometimes I swear there is a bit of Frankie’s spirit in the my pint-sized little Gidget. It’s hard to explain, but it’s just a certain feeling that comes over me once and awhile – like it did today.

Bookworm Gardens where Frankie’s statue likeness resides ordered more Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog books to have available for their season opening May 1st. This will be their 5th season! Miss Gidget was my helper today as we hopped in the car to make the 20-minute drive east to drop them off where they will be available yet again in their gift shop.

Where has the time gone, I wonder?  I still remember so clearly the day I walked behind John and Joe, Frankie snug in my arms, as they wheeled Frankie’s dog house (that John built) down the paved brick walk to a permanent home below a shade tree where her story now lives forever.

IMG_1772For me, in many ways, Frankie’s home in this beautiful garden feels very sacred to me. It is here that I feel her spirit very much alive.

For quite some time I’ve been giving thought to scattering her ashes there. But I’ve not done it yet. When I feel the time is right, I will approach the staff to see if that is a possibility. I’ve pictured a few times in my mind doing this and it feels right.

Time will tell. But as I drove back home today I was reminded of how far I’ve come — in big part because of Frankie. I just couldn’t help but smile and be so very grateful.

If you ever find yourself in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, do be sure to plan a visit to Bookworm Gardens. It is an enjoyable (and free!) outing for the whole family – I promise you will not be disappointed. It is such a magical and delightful place!

…And you just never know… you just may hear a distant bark of the sprite of a spirit named Frankie.

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