handicapped pets

Me and My Shadow. My Aha! Moment.

Posted by Barbara Techel

me and my shadowI had an aha! moment as I was uploading this photo to edit it. I took it over the weekend while sitting on the deck. I love how you can see my shadow with Gidget looking on.

Gidget loves being with me, but she is also the first dachshund I’ve had that seems more independent. She is content to hang out beside me on the deck and doesn’t need to be in my lap all the time. Frankie and Joie, the moment I sat down in my Adirondack chair, would be at my feet pleading with their dark enticing eyes, “Please pick me up and hold me.”

As I thought about this looking at the picture, it struck me once again how we get the dog we need at different times in our life. I’ve become more independent, content to be on my own, and alone more often. I trust more in who I am and what I need. While I enjoy some social time, I also need lots of time alone.

This is where I am in my life right now. It wasn’t all this way. All those years of being in the “spotlight” with Frankie were times I wouldn’t trade for the world. But I have to say this “inner” work I’ve been doing more of lately, fits me too. Sure, sometimes I’m restless with it, but for the most part, I feel like this is the place I’m supposed to be right now in this space and time.

Gidget is that reflection for me. What a beautiful reminder this photo (and Gidget) is.

There is HOPE for Dogs with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). Educate yourself TODAY.

Posted by Barbara Techel

Gidget ivddAs most of you know from following my blog, I’m passionate about spreading a positive message about dogs diagnosed with IVDD. Sadly, many are still being put to sleep. Most often because of lack of education and guardian’s not knowing their options.

Just today, I heard from someone who does rescue work trying to help find homes for these special needs dogs if guardian’s choose to surrender a downed dog if they are unable to care for them. But again, sadly, it does not always turn out that way. For whatever reasons, a guardian may choose putting their IVDD dog to sleep. I’m not here to judge that person who makes that decision.

But I did want to write a post about IVDD once again in hopes it makes it out into the world and helps educate more people that IVDD is not a death sentence. It does not have to be that way.

There is help. There is hope. There are people willing to help you if you find yourself in this situation. Most rescue’s will help guide you. Dodgerslist is an excellent resource to educate yourself about this disease. While there is not a cure, often times with the right information and treatment, these dog’s can walk again. If not, there is always a dog wheelchair that can help them lead a quality life. If cost is an issue there are resources for that as well such as The Frankie Wheelchair Fund, or Red Flyer, The Handicapped Pets Community or doing fund raisers online to help pay for medical costs.

While I truly understand taking care of a special needs pet such as an IVDD dog isn’t meant for everyone, there are others who are willing and able to take care of special needs pets. Rescue’s can often times help you if you choose this avenue.

I continue to also be available by email or phone to talk with someone whose dog has been diagnosed with IVDD. Often times talking with someone who has gone through this helps ease the anxiety and to know what to expect. I’m always happy to spend some time talking with someone going through this.

I’m so grateful for those that do have the courage to say they are unable to care for their IVDD dog and do what they feel is best for their pet by finding them a new home. If not for those people, I’d never have found the love of Joie, or have the love of Gidget. I know many others who care for downed dogs feel the same way. They truly love caring for these dogs.

Please help spread the word that there is hope. Whether you can work through it with guidance with resources I mentioned above, or if you need to find your pet a new home, there are those that really do care and will help.

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.