ivdd

Joy in My Inbox.

Posted by Barbara Techel

20140905_135130I received the following email today that really touched me.

Dear Barbara,

I happened across your website about a week ago. I watched Frankie’s video & cried. Back in 2006, we (my roommate & I) went to Eddie’s Wheels for a cart for our tweenie doxie, Sassy. They are wonderful people. Our doxie passed away in 2007. Just recently I came across her cart. Actually, I always knew where it was, I just didn’t want to face it and her loss. Your website has given us the push to re-donate the cart back to them. We are driving there next week. (We live in Massachusetts). I already spoke to them and really examined the cart for any issues. It is in excellent condition. While I have other wieners at home, none of them are her size. Thank you, Barbara for the extra “push.” -Donna

I completely understand how hard it is to let go of something that was so much a part of their beloved doxie’s life — it becomes so much a part of them.

While for a few weeks after Frankie’s paralysis I couldn’t imagine her living the rest of her life in a wheelchair, it became just who she was. I didn’t see the wheels. I just saw a dog who was happy and living life to the fullest.

What a beautiful gift to give back as Donna will be doing in donating her doxie’s wheelchair back to Eddie’s Wheels to help someone else who may not be able to afford a wheelchair for their dog. I’m honored to be a part of the journey.

I still have Frankie’s wheelchair, which was adjusted to then fit Joie. But now it does sit empty in our spare room. For me, it will stay. I don’t know if Gidget may need it someday, so I hold onto it. But I know there will come a day when I will do the same as Donna is going to do. I will give it with joy knowing it will help another.

It’s One of those Days Again. Overcome with Gratefulness.

Posted by Barbara Techel

Smoothe_3_largeThere are some days I just feel so overcome with gratefulness. Today is such a day.

As most of you know, I started The Frankie Wheelchair Fund to help other disabled dogs after my beloved dachshund, Frankie passed away in 2012.

You know, I remember when it all happened so clearly – the day she became paralyzed. What was my life going to look like from there on out?  Writing books about her, visiting schools, doing therapy dog work were certainly not what I had planned for my life. But, oh what joy it brought me. Such a clarity of purpose was that time in my life.

No plans what-so-ever of founding a day called National Walk ‘N Roll Dog or starting The Frankie Wheelchair Fund were even a part of my thought process of how my life would unfold.

I remember though, at the beginning, feeling alone in that I didn’t know of any other dogs in wheelchairs. It felt odd and I worried others would not understand why I decided to put my dog in a wheelchair– and there were, and still are, some that don’t.

I remember starting The Frankie Wheelchair Fund – now a one woman operation, of which my two-wheeled friend was now gone, and it was up to me to carry on her legacy. I do it with the utmost joy and each time another disabled dog is helped I feel Frankie’s spirit warm my insides.

It started with helping six small dogs and now has grown to just today granting a wheelchair for dog #32, named Lady who found on the side of the road paralyzed. She is being cared for my a pre-med veterinarian student.

The best part of it all?  All those that have come forward to help me. Those that support what I do and believe in helping these special needs dogs.  You all know who you are. I’m grateful for each and everyone of you.

And it happened again today. A note arrived in my email box from The Smoothe Store who opened their online shop this past June 21st with a portion of sales to be donated to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund. I didn’t ask them. But it is their kind and giving hearts and their belief in what I do that they want to help. There is no greater compliment!

Here is a portion of what store owner Sarah had to say:

Hi Barbara,

I’ve enjoyed reading about the adventures of Frankie and seeing all of the great effort you’ve made in spreading awareness for IVDD and the quality of life that our two-wheeled friends can enjoy!

On June 21st we opened an online shop,The Smoothe Store, that features a variety of dachshund-focused items. We have a line of IVDD awareness products where a portion of profits are earmarked for Frankie’s Wheelchair Fund. Just wanted to let you know in advance since we’ve mentioned that a portion of profits go to this wonder fund!

Also, you featured my Mom’s fun loving Daisy (Barbara Whittington) a couple of months ago on your facebook page – she was so thrilled! You, along with the folks at Dodger’s List, have been a huge help and inspiration as our family as we’ve adjusted to life with a Daisy in wheels. Thank you!

Thank you very much,
Sarah j Whittington

logo

Sarah started the store in loving memory of her adorable dachshund (whose photo is above), Smoothe.  I checked out the store and they have some very adorable wheelie dog items you just might want to see for yourself!

But I sit here in complete awe once again of the generosity of others and their extending of wanting to help me with my mission. It’s just one of those things you never see coming, but each time it happens, it expands my heart even more of all the good and kind there is in this world.

Thank you Sarah and everyone at The Smoothe Store!  I’ll be adding you to our list on National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day donate/store page soon!

Check out The Smoothe Store today!

IPAWaid – Integrating People for Animal Wellness – Special Needs Pet Resource

Posted by Barbara Techel

374354_d9fa9269e46845b98913541db4801648.png_srz_p_279_260_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_png_srzThrough a series of events, which I hope to share in a very special story soon, I’m really honored and proud to have been asked to be a resource for iPaw. This is a non-profit organization started by Dr. Jodie, a holistic veterinarian in Wisconsin.

iPaw – Integrating People for Animal Wellness – We are the resource for special needs pets! We are the match makers for donors and caregivers who love to help animals! We never give up!

I will be listed on their resource page (coming soon!) as someone who will talk to people whose pets have been diagnosed with IVDD and/or for pets who are in need of a wheelchair.

I’ve talked with so many people over the years whether via email or phone, to give them peace of mind and understanding that with the right tools and education, a dog with IVDD and/or in a wheelchair can live a quality life.

You can read more about their beautiful vision on their website.