frankie the walk n roll dog

Celebrate Spring, Opening Season of Bookworm Gardens… and Gidget too!

Posted by Barbara Techel

375001_255236454621365_209252497_nOkay, the weatherman has promised that there will be sun and warmer temps this Sunday, so I’m holding him to it!

It’s going to be a fun-filled afternoon after all at Bookworm Gardens – the “official” kick off to their 4th season. There will be a family fun run, of which you do need to register. There will also be lots of fun activities for the kiddo’s, as well as, food and music.

Gidget and I will be hanging out at Frankie’s house in the garden leading kids in some Frankie crafts from 2:00pm-3:00pm.  While I know some of my blog readers aren’t in the area, I know some of you are – so I’d love for you to come join me and meet Lil’ G. And guess what it is FREE admission, which it is all season long!

SUNDAY, May 4th 1:00-4:00pm

Help celebrate opening weekend at Bookworm Gardens with concession snacks and lunch items being sold in the Secret Garden, a special appearance by Barb Techel and her companion dog, Gidget, Gretel in the Garden, and live music performed by Carl Weinberger with Guitar Studio in the Secret Garden at 2:00.  This event is generously sponsored by Prevea Health.

Almost Two Years Later and Frankie (the walk ‘n roll dog) Continues to Inspire

Posted by Barbara Techel

IMG_2022Imagine how my heart gushed with love when I read this note today from a little boy named Nate:

“I know it’s late, but I want to tell you it was nice meeting you and Franky. I loved Franky, she was inspiring.”

I had my two-week “tune up” at my chiropractor this morning. It seems that young Nate is also a patient at Dr. Cindy’s office and he left me this note.

Wow. Frankie’s spirit continues to amaze me at how alive and thriving it is in the hearts of many. This is such a gift to me – so much so, I find myself tearing up just writing this post.

Frankie will be gone two years June 21st. Now when I think of her, I sometimes still find myself with tears in my eyes, but now they are joyful tears. How very blessed I was to have that dog in my life— there truly are no words to really explain how she changed me.

Last night I watched the documentary on line that PBS did called “My Bionic Pet.” What a fantastic job they did of sharing that animals with special needs deserve a quality of life, which in turn changes the humans around them. I got choked up a few times watching it, thinking of my work with Frankie, knowing those that experience life with these animals are forever changed for the better.

Nate’s note is also a beautiful reminder of just that and the good work that Frankie did and the legacy she left – and knowing she is living on in the young hearts of many, continuing to inspire them to be the best they can be – well, there is honestly no better definition of success to me than this.

Forever and always I will give thanks to God for the gift of Frankie. I love you girl, and I know you continue to be with me.

Have Arms, Will Snuggle. Gidget the Love Dog.

Posted by Barbara Techel

cam and gidgetCameron and Gidget

There are many things I’m enjoying and loving about Gidget. I’m also relishing in her sweetness and go with the flow attitude. One thing I especially love about her is how she easily adapts to new people around her.

Last Sunday we had friends, Karin, Ron and 9-year old, Cameron visiting from Illinois and staying at a local resort. We had them over to watch the Packers/Bears game. Yes, I admit it, we let Bears fans in our home…. but after all, they are friends, even if they do love those Bears.

I first met them after Cameron, a lover of dachshunds, discovered my first children’s book about Frankie that a local gift shop carries and sells for me.

My friend, Victoria, was the manager at the time and spied Cameron walking around holding a copy of Frankie’s book.  She said, “I happen to know the author of that book and the real Frankie. I just might be able to arrange for you to meet them.”

That was almost five years ago. Since then we’ve gotten together just about every year when they visit our little village of 947 people.  Cameron still working on talking his Dad into a Dachshund, has gotten his dose of doxie love from Frankie, then Joie, and now Gidget.

Karin, Cameron’s mom, took the photo above of Cam and Gidget getting to know each other. Gidget made herself right at home snuggling her little head into Cam’s hands for a good dose of petting. Cam, being the young gentlemen, didn’t say a word about the fact she was wearing a Aaron Rodgers Packer jersey!

It seems no matter who comes over, or no matter where I take Lil’ G she easily finds her way into the laps of those wanting to pet and snuggle with her.  Yesterday she was happy and content to be in our dear friend, Cassy’s arms, as we spent some time at her apartment and she made dinner for us.

Not only was it a treat to have Cassy cook a delicious dinner of taco’s for us, but to see how happy, content and comfortable Gidget is wherever we seem to go, really does my heart good. She is really getting to be quite the love dog. But I suspect she always was.

cass and gidgete