frankie the walk n roll dog

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Memorial Wheelchair Fund

Posted by Barbara Techel

First, and foremost I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for the outpouring of love and support during this very difficult time.  I’m just overwhelmed. But please know it is truly helping me and my husband John, as we learn to move forward without our little wheelie dog, Frankie. I would like to be able to respond personally t o all of your posts on Facebook and Twitter, and my blog, as well as the hundreds of emails I’ve gotten, but I fear I may not be able to.  But PLEASE know how very GRATEFUL and THANKFUL we are.

Many of you have asked how you can help in regards to the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day Wheelchair Fund I am working on in memory of Frankie.  So I’ve set up a special chipin page for now where you can directly donate money…. You can go there now or for more details on the chipin, see below.

Also, I will donate a portion of book sales of Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog and Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House to the Frankie Endowment Fund made between now and July 30th for any purchase of the books whether through my website or through Amazon.

Details for ChipIn Fund established for the Frankie Endowment Fund as part of Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day being created in memory of Frankie:

A special day, called Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day is being created in memory of Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog. This day will be celebrated yearly, as well as on going, celebrating not only the  legacy of Frankie, but all wheelchair dogs around the world who show us that we can all do anything we set our minds to despite obstacles. The special date is still being finalized.

The Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day will be set up with an endowment fund that will carry on the work of Frankie. For now it is set up as this Chipin Fund to get the ball rolling and will later transfer to the special webpage on Facebook that will be dedicated to Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day.

So often pet parents can’t afford to purchase a wheelchair to help their beloved pet, so these funds will help that, as well as help special needs dogs in rescue find a new home by coming with a wheelchair so that expense is not a burden to the new family adopting. By being able to provide wheelchairs for pets that could not otherwise have them, they can go on to live full, happy lives.

If you’d like to contribute to this fund in memory of Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog, the money will be donated to Eddie’s Wheels for their Buddy Wheelchair Fund with a special subcategory that is set up called, “The Frankie Wheelchair Fund.”

In Frankie’s legacy I will continue to bring positive awareness to dogs in wheelchairs–that these dogs can, and do, live quality lives if given a chance.

If you’d prefer to donate directly to Eddie’s Wheels, you can send doantion along with a note stated it is for the Frankie Wheelchair Fund, and send to:  Eddie’s Wheels, 140 State Street, Shelburne Falls, MA  01370

Again, on behalf of my husband, John and myself …. THANK YOU for the outpouring of love and comfort you are bringing to us during this difficult time.  Frankie is smiling upon us all.

Update:  8/2/2012:  A special day has been created in memory of Frankie and in honor of all wheelchair dogs.  You can visit National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day website or like us on Facebook and help spread the word!

 

 

Saying Goodbye to Our Sweet Once In A Lifetime Dog, Frankie… She will forever Live on as the Walk ‘N Roll Dog

Posted by Barbara Techel

Saying Goodbye to Our Sweet Once In A Lifetime Dog, Frankie

*A special Wheelchair Dog Fund Has Been Set up in Frankie’s Memory– Details on this blog post

One week after Frankie’s retirement and our last presentation together, my sweet Frankie was laid to rest today.

As you know, she was diagnosed with Chronic Heart Failure last Friday. While we had hoped she would live comfortably with the medication to manage the symptoms, she was greatly struggling since Sunday. We tried with another medication, and though she had some comfort for one day, she began struggling again. For a heart that gave so much to so many, it was time for her little heart to rest.  It was painful to see her struggle for every breath. As Tuesday went by I could see signs that Frankie was ready to move on. Just as she had been to the very end, I sensed her biggest worry was that I would be okay—once I found the courage to let her know I would be okay, we came to a peace and understanding that she will now guide me from the other side.

My life feels incredibly empty right now. My every day was all about her from helping expressing her bladder many times a day, to napping with her, riding my bike with her, walking her in her doggie stroller, to all the work we did together at schools and libraries and our therapy dog work together. I’m not quite sure how I will move through the next few days, but I have faith I will.  I already feel Frankie  guiding me from the other side as she gave me the strength to come to my computer and do what I do best—write about what I love most—my life with her.

I’ve said it before and I will say it again- there is simply no doubt in my heart that God chose me to be Frankie’s mama—and John, her papa.  As I think about our journey, especially the past five years, I see before me a woman who finally stepped into the truth of who she is and found the courage to share that with those around her. Frankie gave me that. When Frankie first started using her wheelchair, I was so afraid of being judged (as I had struggled with that most my life)- that people would think I was mean or cruel for putting Frankie in a wheelchair. I will always remember the day it struck me as I looked at Frankie, happy as could be, living life to the fullest in her wheelchair- It was as if she said, “Hey Mama, you can stand tall, too.  Don’t worry, it’s okay.” What a gift that little girl gave me.

So now I take those lessons of such grace, love and integrity that were wrapped up all in the heart of one little 13 lb. dog with wheels, and I learn to move forward.  Our last work together while she was here on earth was the writing of my new book, Through Frankie’s Eyes: One Woman’s Journey to Her Authentic Self and the Dog on Wheels Who Led the Way. She sat lovingly beside me in her little bed, now and then looking up at me, and cheering me on with her soft black eyes when I felt stuck. I’m uncertain as to when I will publish it—may stick with my original Feb. 2012 date… but will also remain open to being guided.

My life will never be the same with Frankie gone… but my life will never be the same for her having been in it. She gave me, as well as left me, with some amazing gifts… not only me, but her papa and her family and friends and her thousands of fans.

As a legacy to Frankie I am working on a special day that will be in memory of her and to help continue to bring positive awareness to all dogs in wheelchairs. It will be called, Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day. If I had not seen it with my own eyes, I would have never believed a dog in a wheelchair could live a quality life. Through this special day, I am setting up a fund to help raise money for families whose pets need a wheelchair, but the family can’t afford one.

John and I were so very fortunate to spend the last day and a half with Frankie telling her how much she means to us and how thankful we are for having her in our lives. Though difficult at times, it was such a gift to take our time in saying goodbye.

We were also very blessed that Frankie’s vet, Dr. Bohn agreed to come to our home so Frankie could be put to rest in the place she so loved, which was my writing cottage. I held her in my arms, telling her over and over how much I loved her and thanking her for all she did for me… and so many people around the world.

After Frankie left with Dr. Bohn I sat in my writing cottage starring out the window. A few moments later a swirl of warm wind moved through the trees, through the open window and circled my heart and I felt Frankie’s soul lift to the sky, though her spirit is still very strong with me… and I suspect it will be for some time to come. I smiled and said, “Thank you, sweet Frankie. Thank you.”

Frankie will live on in our hearts always, and I know many others too, and that brings me and John joy, comfort and peace.

Our animals shepherd us through certain areas of our lives. When we are ready to turn the corner and make it on our own… they let us go.  ~Author unknown

 

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Diagnosed with Chronic Heart Disease. We have HOPE.

Posted by Barbara Techel

This was not an easy decision for me to make to share this news with Frankie’s many fans. It’s not that I didn’t want to, but I needed to process this for myself first.

While I have HOPE Frankie will continue to be with me for some time to come, I felt it important to share with all of you, her fans, who have followed and loved her over the years.

On Friday, one day after her retirement, Frankie was diagnosed with Chronic Heart Disease. While you will often hear it referred to as Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) I have chosen to say disease and be positive she will live comfortably with this.

While I won’t say what type of treatment we have chosen for Frankie, as I feel that is a choice that only I can make for her and I feel comfortable with the choice, I will say she is receiving treatment…. And most of all, lots of love from me and her family.  Part of my struggle in sharing the news of her diagnoses is I know others will want to help and offer advice.  I get that. But know I am not seeking advice and that I am doing what I feel is best for her. We’ve been together just about 24/7 every day for the past six years so I know in my heart the choices I make for her are the right ones.

She had a rough day and night on Sunday but is doing better today and showing signs of improvement. She will be closely monitored by me and her vet. There is no definitive prognosis as Frankie’s vet explained that each dog is different and responds differently. It could be a month, nine months, a year or two, or anywhere in between.

What I do know is Frankie is comfortable today. What I do know is I love her more than I could ever adequately express. What I do know is I’ll be here for her every step of the way. What I do know is I’m being prepared for “someday” and I take it seriously, but not too seriously that I don’t enjoy every moment of JOY with her. What I do know is I will do my very best for her. What I do know is I’ll forever be grateful to God for her. What I do know is she has many people who love her and will pray for her. I believe in prayer and healing thoughts.

What I do know is that there is a beginning and an end, but with an end, also a beginning. I will not focus on the end, but will enjoy whatever time with Frankie I have that is God’s will. And I also believe there is never truly an end; just a next step in the next journey we move into… whatever that journey is for any of us… including our pets.

Lastly, if there is one thing that Frankie taught me that truly resonates with me right now is that there is always HOPE. I hold onto that. Yes, I do hold onto hoping I have much more time with her, but I also have HOPE that I’ll be guided no matter what the path is ahead.

I’ll continue to keep you posted.

For the soul of every living thing is in the hand of God. ~Job 12:10