frankie the walk n roll dog

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Heads Back to School – In a New Way.

Posted by Barbara Techel

Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Heads Back to School - In a New Way.

Two weeks from today I’ll be visiting Fair Park Elementary School in West Bend, WI.

It’s been a long time since I set foot in a school. I’m looking forward to talking about the writing process, life as an author, Frankie, compassion, empathy, and making a difference. And most of all encouraging students how important writing and reading is in their lives – whether they pursue writing as a career or not.

Of course, I won’t have my side-kick Frankie with me. It’s been almost four years since she has been gone, which is how long it’s been since I’ve done a presentation also.

But her message is still one kids and adults can learn from. And this time I’ll be talking more about the process of writing, which will be a new experience for me, and one I’m looking forward to.

I bought a stuffed dachshund toy to use for demonstration purposes and to show how wheelchairs work for dogs. I’ll be tying this in with talking about empathy. I really wanted a brown dachshund, but couldn’t find one big enough. So black and tan it is and will still make the point.

When the principal, a friend of mine, contacted me before Christmas, asking if I’d visit their school, I wasn’t sure I was up to doing it. Those old nerves certainly never seem to go away no matter how many times I’ve talked in front of a room of people! But a part of me was curiously open to the idea and wanted to give it a try.

Yesterday I received the list of questions the students prepared for me. We will be doing this mostly as Q & A sessions which I love to do. I’ll work on preparing photos to go along with some of my answers to add a visual component.

I’m so impressed with how organized the school is for the visit with an agenda they also sent me. In the morning I’ll talk with the K-2 students, then a lunch and learn with staff, and in the afternoon will meet with the 3-4 grade students. It will be a full day!

So…..here we go Frankie….in a new way!

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A Friendship All Because of a Dachshund in a Wheelchair

Posted by Barbara Techel
A Friendship All Because of a Dog in a Wheelchair
from left: Ron, Cameron, Karin and Barb

If it wasn’t for bug spray, a book about a dachshund in a wheelchair named Frankie, a young boy who loves dachshunds, and a best friend who had “connections” well, I’d have never met this wonderful family, the Thein’s.

As is their tradition, every year between Christmas and New Year’s, the Thein’s make the trek from their home state of Illinois to Wisconsin to stay at one of our local resorts here in Elkhart Lake.

Okay, so I live in Wisconsin and you are perhaps wondering why bug spray is involved in winter, right?  Well, there was the time the Thein’s were here when it was warmer, and the skeeters were something fierce! And that is how this all began.

They wondered into the Feed Mill Market that once housed a grocery store and still has a retail shop and deli, looking for relief in a bottle of spray to keep the bugs away.

Instead of bug spray, young Cameron found my children’s book about my paralyzed dachshund Frankie. He was immediately drawn to her because of his love of doxie’s.

As he carried the book in his arms, the manager of the Feed Mill Market, Victoria, who is the best friend of the author of the Frankie book took notice. Oh, and I guess I might add, it would be me that is the author of said dachshund book (in case you are new here).

Victoria told young Cameron that she knew the author and Frankie, and she was pretty sure she could arrange for them to meet us. And yup, she was right. I was more than happy to make the short jaunt down to the market with Frankie after she called me.

And ever since then, most every year except for last year, when John and I went out of town after Christmas, I’ve gotten together to catch up with them.

The only thing missing the past three years though has been dear Frankie who passed away in the summer of 2012.

But each year when I spend a little time with the Thein family, I get this warm feeling inside that Frankie is wagging her tail in happiness that a friendship she helped to create continues to build memories.

Safe travels back home Thein’s and wishing you the best year ever in 2016!

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Opening to Magic Led to “Magical Dogs”

Posted by Barbara Techel

Opening to Magic Led to "Magical Dogs"

When 2015 began, I chose a word for the year — really, just for fun to see what would happen — and with an intention or two just for good measure.

The word I chose was magical. I’ve been astounded at how often it has showed up these past twelve months.

Elizabeth Gilbert wrote and came out with Big Magic and my friend gifted me a copy — and that was pretty exciting! BTW:  It’s a fantastic book if you are a creative.

Little snippets of magic showed up all year long, here and there. And then today came a very magical moment….

Having shared my story about my journey with Frankie earlier this year for an upcoming book by author Patti Kerr called, Magical Dogs ( I know, can you believe the title?) – I was given first sneak peek at the final cover today.

Recognize anyone on the cover?  Hint:  She’s red and has a nice set of wheels.

Now I’d have to say this is my most memorable magical moment for 2015! It’s truly an honor to know that Frankie’s legacy continues to find its way out into the world.

And it makes me think about synchronicity which I love being open to — and how setting intentions can vibrate out into the world and return to you in ways you’d never even expect!

Now that is magic! Pure magic!

I’ll be sure to announce right here when the book is published. It’s in its final stages of editing, so it shouldn’t be too long now.

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