frankie the walk n roll dog

Posted by Barbara Techel

It is with sadness I share the passing of Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog.  It was an honor to have met her in April 2010 when Sparkles, her brother Tango, and mom Firefighter Dayna stayed with my family. And an honor to have met a dog who helped save the lives of two families.

Sparkles and her mom visited Wisconsin this past April.  With Frankie and Sparkles, we visited the Elkhart Lake Fire Station where Sparkles showed us how fire fighters get ready for a fire and we rode in the fire truck with Sparkles as co-pilot.  We also visited Elkhart Lake Elementary School and did a visit via Skype with a school in Canada, helping teach kids about fire safety and encouraging them to help others know fire safety that may have special needs.

Sparkles showing Frankie the ropes at the Fire station

Sparkles was a kind, gentle, sweet soul… who always seemed to be smiling.  It is that smile that I will always remember.  Till we all meet again, Sparkles, know you will always have a special place in my heart, as well as Frankie’s.  Thank for being our friend.

Special note:  Sparkles and Frankie are both featured in the Winter issue of The American Dog magazine on most newsstands now (page 24 & 33).  Dayna and I had hoped that one day this would happen… forever united these two special dogs will always be.

 

Great Gift for the Dog Loving Women In Your Life

Posted by Barbara Techel


“The Blessings of A Wheelchair-Bound Dachshund” by Barbara Techel featured in Dogs and the Women Who Love Them.

When the nuturing nature of women meets the loyalty and unguarded affection of dogs, remarkable connections ensue. You’ll be entertained, inspired, and moved by shelter dogs, police K-9’s, dogs rescued from hurricanes and dog fighting, service dogs helping returning veterans, prison inmates who train service dogs, and everyday mutts who transform lives just by providing an exhberant welcome at the end of the day.”

 

Kid Tested & Approved

Posted by Barbara Techel

It was a special, special weekend because Bookworm Gardens had its Grand Opening! Over 1,000 people visited the children’s literature garden on Saturday alone!

John and I attended the ribbon cutting at 9:30am.  I had to wipe away a few tears as Founder, Sandy Livermore read a little story that lead to the dream for Bookworm Gardens- a place for families to connect with nature, read, play, laugh… and all without cell phones, etc.- 11 years in the making.

My favorite part of the gardens on Saturday was watching the children build fairy houses in a section of the woods– I truly thought fairies were going to start flying around us!  Though I do believe fairies only appear after dark.  <GRIN>

It was a DELIGHT to see children also enjoying Frankie’s house… and for some reason some kids thought Frankie’s statue was a mini horse!

If ever you find yourself in Sheboygan, Wisconsin you won’t want to miss Bookworm Gardens!