dogs

“I’m Fine Just the Way I Am” Receives Rio Award from Dog Writers Association of Amercia

Posted by Barbara Techel

Sunday night with a fire in the woodstove, an adult beverage in hand, and John sitting across from me on the sofa, we tuned in on Facebook live to watch as Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) announced the winners of the 2020 writing competition.

Since 1935 DWAA has been helping writers spread the word about all things dog. What’s not to love about that, right?

Every year they sponsor this competition to recognize the best essays, articles, blogs, websites, photos, and books, plus a new category this year from young writers.

I’m not sure if it was because of Covid and everyone had more time to write plus the fact many were home more with their pets, but the host, Carol Bryant shared that this year they received many more entries than usual.

I was honored when I received notice late last year that I was a nominee in two categories for my latest memoir, I’m Fine Just the Way I Am:

Regular Category

Human/Animal Bond

Special Award Category

Rio Award – profiles a dog who changed someone’s life in a profoundly positive way sponsored by award-winning journalist, Jen Reeder and her husband, Bryan Fryklund in honor of their beloved Labrador retriever mix, Rio.

No matter what, I was honored to have been placed among the nominees. Though secret be told, my heart was really drawn to the Rio Award – I could just feel something deep and special about it and though I don’t know Jen and Bryan or their story with Rio, it just felt right at home in my heart and the impact dogs have had on my life.

So yes, truth be told, I was thinking how lovely it would be to win the Rio award. And just before they announced the winner of the award, my heart began to flutter, and when they announced my name, yup, I got very emotional and teary-eyed. I’m not ashamed to admit to that!  🙂

Writing I’m Fine Just the Way I Am was one of the hardest books I’d written to date in regards to sharing the shame I’d carried for most of my life that repeated often in my life in different circumstances. But it was Gidget, my dear, sweet, and wise Buddha dog who so lovingly walked beside me to help me heal.

And so it was beautiful to be recognized in this way.

After my name was announced I jumped up from my chair, ran to what I call my ‘wall of love’ with photos of all the dogs I’ve had to date in my life and photos of John and myself. I grabbed the photo of Gidget and said, “We did, Gidget! We did it!” and I kissed the photo of her.

The next morning lying in bed, I took a moment to connect with Gidget and thank her once again for all she was (and still is!) to me. In my heart, I saw myself rubbing her belly, and kissing the side of her face, both of which I could never get enough of doing when she was here on the physical plane.

A big congratulations to all the nominees and winners – and in the end – I’d say without a doubt in my mind that we are all winners for the opportunity to have the love of animals in our lives. 

XO

Barb

New Offering: For Animal Lovers! When Our Pets Feel Better, We Feel Better (and vice versa!)

Posted by Barbara Techel

Animals are the bridge between us and the beauty of all that is natural. They show us what’s missing in our lives, and how to love ourselves more completely and unconditionally. They connect us back to who we are, and to the purpose of why we’re here. ― Trisha McCagh

I’m excited to share with you the new offering I now have for pets and their people!

As you likely know by now, I’ve been fascinated with and passionate about the animal-human connection for over 25 years.

Animal or human each have their own thoughts, emotions, and feelings. When we pause, tune in, and listen to each other we are given the beautiful opportunity to blossom and deepen in our relationship not only to each other but with ourselves too.

When our pets feel better, we feel better…and vice versa!

SEEKING ANIMAL LOVERS

  • Are you caring for a pet with chronic issues or a senior pet and are experiencing pet caregiver burden or compassion fatigue?
  • Are you feeling anxiety around negative behaviors from your pet?
  • Are you pre-grieving or grieving the loss of a pet?
  • Are you feeling not as connected or bonded with your pet as you’d like and would like to explore why?
  • Do you wish to explore on a deeper level the reason you and your pet are together?
  • Is there a situation/area of concern I didn’t mention that you are seeking guidance for? I’d love to explore with you to see if I can be of service.

INTRODUCTORY OFFER & SUMMARY

  • My new offering is called, Wisdom in the Paws Oracle Readings and Guidance Sessions.
  • Special introductory price of $45 per session (for a limited time).
  • One session per person/per pet.
  • You are open to complementary and alternative forms that feel therapeutic in nature. 
  • Optional: 
    • Provide a brief testimonial if you find the session helpful and beneficial.

Oracle cards are the tool I use to guide you and your pet toward a more harmonious relationship when navigating a challenging situation.

They help me see energetic patterns, tap into intuitive insight, and gain an expanded and beneficial perspective, to not only positively support the sacred relationship you share with your dear animal friend but to enhance the relationship to yourself also.

Each oracle card contains images, words, and symbolism that serve as an invitation to gently and honestly observe and witness not only your story in motion but also your pets.

As a certified oracle guide, an intuitive mentor, and a compassionate listener, I hold space for both you and your pet to be heard. I connect the links from the messages of the cards in conjunction with what unfolds in our conversation that ultimately leads to valuable insight to help you move forward with more confidence and in a mutually favorable way.

The beauty of working together as a team is that both you and your pet will feel more content and in balance, be more present for each other, and understand each other on a deeper level and in a more meaningful way.

Healing heart-to-heart and deepening our connection with animals and ourselves is something I’m excited to help people and their pets with!

To learn more about how a session works and to book a session click on the link below:

Wisdom in the Paws Oracle Reading and Guidance Session

I look forward to connecting with you and your dear animal friend soon! Or if you know of an animal-loving friend who you think may benefit, please feel free to share this with them.

xo,
Barbara

Vintage Camper, Inspiring New Author & Sweet Zoe the Dog Makes for A Heart Fulfilled Day

Posted by Barbara Techel
Me and Zoe

On Monday I spent part of the day inside a fixed up vintage camper named Beatrice. It’s a quaint and delightful writing retreat that rests on the property of my friend Lori Helke. It was her dream to have a space of her own and with the help of her husband, they renovated the camper which now has a book about her story!

Beatrice will be traveling this summer in Wisconsin as Lori will be doing some book signing events with her newly published children’s book.

I spent the morning interviewing Lori inside her Paris themed camper. I’ll be sharing the interview, plus photos of Beatrice this Sunday in my newsletter and right here on my blog. So stay tuned!

We had so much fun! I think you’ll find the interview inspiring and insightful. We talked about Lori’s love of travel and how it fulfills a special space in her heart, overcoming fear, the inner journey, mid-life, the power of an oracle reading, and her children’s book, plus a sneak peek at what she is working on writing next.

It really made my day that Lori’s dog, Zoe wanted to be with us inside Beatrice. She even jumped up on the bench next to me and let me hug and pet her all I wanted. I think she knew my heart needed it.

Here’s a sneak peek of Lori’s children’s book. I smiled the whole way through reading it when I got home yesterday. It’s endearing, touching, funny, and heartwarming. And Zoe is on the cover!

You can get a signed copy on Lori’s website here.

I can’t wait to share the interview with you soon!

XO,

Barbara

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