elderly

Announcing Release of Second Book in Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Book Series!

Posted by Barbara Techel

 Author Releases Second Book to Inspire Children and Seniors Who Have Special Needs or Disabilities

Author Barbara Techel and her 10-year-old daschund announce the release of their second book, Frankie The Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House.

We all face challenges in life, but dealing them is much easier when there’s support and understanding from significant others—even animals. Frankie is a dachshund who is paralyzed in her hind quarters as a result of an injury. But, she does not allow her physical challenges to limit her purpose or her gift of healing to others. Custom-fitted for a doggie wheelchair (dog cart), Frankie The Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog uses her disability to bring a message of hope and encouragement to young and old.

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House is a true story told from a therapy dog’s viewpoint. This, the second book in the series, tells how Frankie became a registered therapy dog and gives several personal accounts of her visits to the residents of Libby’s House, a senior facility where many residents have Alzheimer’s or dementia www.libbyshouse.com.

Frankie’s human mom and the book’s author, Barbara Techel, hoped for years to have a therapy dog and share the love that only a dog can bring. She wanted the dog to visit people who may not have animal contact on a regular basis.

“When Frankie was fitted for a doggie wheelchair, I wrote the first book and started taking her to local schools to entertain children,” says Barbara. “I realized Frankie would make a great therapy dog for adults as well as children. The fact that she is in a wheelchair makes her a bit more unique as she helps people in nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice identify on a deeper level. She has a challenge like many of them.”

Visiting Libby’s House once a month opened Barbara’s heart and eyes to realizing that people may not always understand what the elderly are going through, and all they want is someone to listen and spend time with them.

“I especially want children to not fear seniors who face the challenges brought on by aging,” says Ms. Techel. “I hope to encourage children to spend and cherish time with their own grandparents. I hope children will realize the beauty and wisdom in the elderly.”

“All one needs to do is see the expression in the eyes of those Frankie touches to know she is tangible love,” says Christine Thill, owner and RN administrator of Libby’s Housewhere Frankie volunteers. “When the body fails, the spirit soars! Frankie’s visits along with Barb’s gentle nature are a true blessing to Libby’s House.”

Because she is bringing positive awareness to animals with disabilities through her therapy dog work, Frankie was awarded the Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame Companion and is the official mascot for National Disabled Pets Day. This little dog teaches us that patience, listening, and understanding opens our hearts to what matters most—love.

Through Frankie’s example, Barbara hopes to encourage anyone facing a challenge.

Having a disability does not mean we don’t have gifts to offer. Each of us can give back to the world in our own, unique way. Frankie’s volunteer work is a great way to prompt others to get involved in their own communities and find a way to be of service. Barbara says the rewards are beyond anything she could have ever imagined.

Even though she and Frankie visit Libby’s House once a month, Barbara still enjoys sharing with children the messages in her books. In fact, she has found a new way to share Frankie’s story via Skype an Author Network whose mission is to provide K-12 teachers and librarians with a way to connect authors, books, and young readers through virtual classroom visits. See

http://tinyurl.com/SkypeBarbara to learn more.

Children are invited to follow Frankie, The Walk ‘N Roll Dog’s adventures on Frankie’s Blog: http://www.frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com/. Adults will find more information about caring for special needs animals on Barbara’s blog at http://www.joyfulpaws.com/.

You can order your copy today at our website or Amazon!

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Contact: Barbara Techel

Phone: 920-377-1749

E-mail: barbtechel (at) verizon.net

Web site: http://www.joyfulpaws.com/

Snickers the Therapy Horse

Posted by Barbara Techel

Dogs and horses are my two top favorite animals.  So while at the Farmer’s Market a few weeks ago I was drawn to Becky and her daughter’s, and their eight week old black and white puppy named Snoopy.  We began talking and I soon discovered Becky has a miniature horse who does therapy work.  I knew right then I had to share her story!

On a warm, windy Wednesday I was eager to start my morning.  This would be the day I would meet Snickers.  My short car ride took me to the tiny town of Ada.  If I dared blink I would have missed Becky’s property as the last house out of town.

As I pulled into the long gravel driveway, the house sat to the left, and the stable and horses grazed to the right.  It was picture perfect. I felt my heart fall into a meditation state as my eyes soaked in all the beauty around me.

I rang the doorbell and Mandy, the oldest daughter, let me in. Becky’s home is warm with rich earth colors and horse décor.  Snoopy, now 12-weeks old bounded into the living room to greet me. With a quick scoop and gentle scold from Mandy he was whisked back out of the room.

Mandy and Amber, Becky’s youngest daughter, were busy decorating themselves in Hawaiian leis around their necks, heads and wrists.  Becky explained, “Each time we visit a nursing home we have a theme.  It makes it more festive and fun.” 

The girls, Snoopy, Becky and I headed down to the stable. Taking a therapy horse to a nursing home takes a lot more work than a therapy dog, as I would soon find out.

I sat on the wooden bench outside the stable and the girls brought Snickers out for her bath.  She stands about 31-inches high, cocoa brown in color, with a large spot on her back. Her ankles are white as if she is wearing socks.  Her demeanor is very laid back.

I fell into a trance as she got her sudsy bath, which turned the spot on her back to the whitest white.  As she was rubbed down with a towel, the garden hose became a “catch me if you can” event for Snoopy as he tried to lap up the gushing water.

Snicker’s was brushed and then the real primping began!  Out came the glitter which was placed upon her hooves. Amber lovingly hand sketched a purple heart on Snicker’s hind quarter while Mandy braided her mane and tail. Becky rounded out the grooming by scraping Snicker’s hooves. A magenta harness was added and then they topped off her head with a neon orange hat.

Mandy guided Snicker’s, and with a running start helped her into the trailer that would transport her to Harvest Homes in Howard’s Grove.  We all piled into the truck as Becky ran up to the house and grabbed Smoochie, the pet ferret who would make the visit with us also.

As we rode the few miles into town the girls handed out leis to Becky and me. Smoochie was also decked out in a lei around his neck.  Becky explained that she likes to involve her kids when she takes Snickers on a visit.  It is a good experience for them, as well as an added bonus for the residents.

When we arrived at Harvest Homes Snicker’s was unloaded.  The final touches of three colorful leis were added around her neck, and a tropical beach towel placed upon her back. 

A small deck off the front of the home had me wondering how Snickers would maneuver the step up.  But she had no problem at all.  I giggled as she clippity-clopped across the wooden boards.  Becky knocked on the door, pulled it open and Snickers poked her head through the opening.  It was a sight to see this horse peeking in!

We were greeted with a warm welcome inside the tiny living room. The residents were sitting in a half circle eagerly awaiting their visit from Snickers.  I couldn’t help but laugh to see this miniature horse that now looked so big inside the small space.  Ever so gently and calmly she made her way around the room for everyone to pet her.  The residents were curious about her, asking many questions.  For one lady it brought back fond memories of when she had horses.

A few moments later a woman came walking from her room.  “Well, holy cow!  Is that a horse?” she said.  She smiled the biggest smile, pet Snickers, and then went out for her morning walk.  When she returned she said, “Can I ride her back to my room?”  Everyone laughed.

As we all made our way home Becky recalled one visit where she was a told a resident was mentally handicapped and probably would not respond to Snickers.  She did not let that stop her from trying to reach out to this woman.  She took the woman’s hand and gently placed it on Snicker’s neck.  Becky said, “The woman came alive with the biggest smile ever.”

I asked Becky what made her decide to do this with Snickers. She said, “One morning I just had an epiphany to do this therapy work.”  So she followed her heart and in the process has found it very rewarding.  No doubt she and her family, along with Snickers, are providing what the world needs most, which is love.

Update on Frankie’s Visit to Froedert Hospital

Posted by Barbara Techel

Frankie and I received the sweetest note from Leisa, whose Dad we visited at Froedert hospital this past August.  He was there after suffering his 2nd stroke in 3-months.  She sent the above pictures and also wrote to update me:

The day after Frankie sat in my Dad’s lap at Froedert Hospital, and licked his hand on the side that he had no feeling/movement, he began to get some feeling/movement back.

He is mostly able to clean/dress himself, and walks with a one handed walker and minimum assistance.  He is getting stronger every day, and his will for recovery is amazing.
Your visit meant so much to my Dad and I.  You are a wonderful, caring woman, and Frankie is “blessing on wheels”!

Don’t you just love happy endings??!!?  We are keeping you in our prayers and it was an honor to visit with all of you!