donations

Celebrating #Giving Day from the Heart and in Memory of Kylie

Posted by Barbara Techel

Celebrating #Giving Day from the Heart and in Memory of Kylie

Kylie loved her toys. She had a whole basket full that resided in the kitchen where she could choose which one she wanted at any given moment.

This past year, the red heart, which had been at the bottom of the basket for quite a long time, all of a sudden, became one of her favorites.

The white bear was one I picked up about six months ago at a second-hand shop. It just called out to me to bring it home for her.

They now bring me some comfort as they rest on our bed. Though the presence of Kylie being gone is such a large void. Crawling into bed last night, my heart heavy with grief. I so wanted to hug her again.

Realizing it is #Giving day today I thought what better way than to celebrate not only giving, but giving in honor of someone you love and something that is meaningful to you.

Most of Kylie’s toys, except for the heart and bear, I am giving as a donation to a second-hand shop for another dog to love. 

I tend to get overwhelmed with all the charities that need help because I wish I could help everyone.

Which to choose?

And then it came to me. I decided to donate to a local organization, Holyland Donkey Haven and Sanctuary, that rescues, rehabilitates, and teaches about donkey care.

Why donkey’s?

John and I always fondly referred to Kylie as our little donkey because of the way she sat on her haunches. While she wasn’t pessimistic like the donkey character, Eeyore, she did have that relaxed, laid back way about her and so often she just reminded us of a donkey.  And also because of my love of donkeys and hoping that someday I can volunteer and help with them, as this is a dream of mine.

And so this becomes so meaningful as a way in which I could narrow it down and give what I could for this day of giving in memory of Kylie, who gave John and me so much…and it’s her beautiful heart and giving that will remain in our own hearts for eternity.

And in the spirit of giving, I want to say a grateful thank you to each of you that reached out to us and your generous giving of love and support with the loss of Kylie. Thank you so much. We are never alone in this journey of grief, as we have all walked this path more than once…and so your understanding helps as we journey forward.

Much love and gratitude,

Barbara

CBS News Spotlights How Paralyzed Dogs Are Helped with Wheelchairs

Posted by Barbara Techel
CBS News Spotlights How Paralyzed Dogs Are Helped with Wheelchairs
Click on photo to watch CBS NEWS story on Pepper & Eddie’s Wheels

CBS NEWS spotlights Eddie’s Wheels for Pets. As founder of The Frankie Wheelchair Fund, I’m so proud to share this video of the most recent recipient, Pepper, getting her wheelchair because of donations from my fund.

Because of donations from so many over the years, I’m able to help families in financial stress who have a paralyzed dog in need of a wheelchair, or for paralyzed dogs in rescue.

It’s not often I get to see a dog being fitted in action at Eddie’s Wheels for Pets that the fund was a part of…. and then see the dog rolling for the first time like in this clip done by CBS.

It brings a lump to my throat and joy to my heart to be a part of a paralyzed dogs new journey in this way!

Thanks to Eddie’s Wheels for Pets for their dedication in helping disabled animals and to CBS for spotlighting the fact that paralyzed dogs can live a quality life if given a chance.

Thank you for subscribing to my blog updates.

Meet Pepper Who Will Soon Have a New Lease on Life

Posted by Barbara Techel
Meet Pepper Who Will Soon Have a New Lease on Life
Lily (pomeranian) and Pepper

Let me first say that all dachshunds tug on my heart when I see them. But this dachshund named Pepper, tugged at my heart strings even more.

She reminds me so much of my Joie who passed away in August 2013. Pepper was diagnosed with IVDD in April and is paralyzed, along with other issues that need to be dealt with. But the issues are easy enough to remedy with the right care which she is being helped with right now.

I heard of her story through Hearts 4 Doxie’s and asked if she was in need of a wheelchair. She is. The Frankie Wheelchair Fund will provide the funding so this sweet girl can regain mobility when she is well enough.

This is extra special because a few weeks ago I received a generous donation from Skippy Johnston’s mom, Angela in memory of Skippy for the Frankie Wheelchair Fund.  That money received I’ve decided needs to go to Pepper. I think Angela and Skippy will approve.

Pepper’s wheelchair will be custom made by the fine folks at Eddie’s Wheels.

Once Pepper is up and running in her wheels I’ll be sure to post an update here, so stay tuned.

If you’d like to help me with my mission of helping disabled dogs in need of a wheelchair, please consider a donation to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund. To date, the fund has granted 43 wheelchairs to dogs in needs. Thank you!!