ivdd

Meet Oscar: #24 Recipient of a Dog Wheelchair from The Frankie Wheelchair Fund

Posted by Barbara Techel

oscar 1200Get your dancing shoes on! Join me in the happy walk ‘n roll dog dance celebrating Oscar, dog #24 who gets his wheels with help from The Frankie Wheelchair Fund!

Here’s the wonderful letter sent to me, as well as, Leslie at Eddie’s Wheels who I work with in providing these quality, custom made wheelchairs:

Hello Barbara & Leslie,

I just wanted to thank you so much for helping Oscar and I with the funds for his chair. I ended up raising $150.00 from bake sales and just people wanting to help out!! With the help of the Frankie fund to fund the rest we were able to purchase his cart! I received it yesterday from Eddie’s Wheels and it was built perfectly!! It couldn’t fit any better and he immediately took to it and loved it!! You all have such great hearts and Oscar and I are so thankful for all of your help. It’s heartwarming to know there are other people out there like me who will never give up on our fur babies.  From the bottom of my heart…thank you again.

Very truly yours,
Danielle & Oscar Neher

To learn more about The Frankie Wheelchair Fund and how you can apply or contribute please visit the website National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day. The cost of a wheelchair, depending on the size and needs of the dog runs anywhere from $350-$1,500.

To learn more about dog wheelchairs, please visit Eddie’s Wheels.

As a reminder, a portion of proceeds of the purchase of this very roomy and durable tote bag from our friends at Beangoods goes to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund. Order yours here today!

Screen_shot_2014-02-17_at_3.16.20_PMAlso from now until June 28th during their pre-sale 10% of proceeds from the sale of this T-shirt will go to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund from our friends at What’s Up Dox Dachshund Shoppe. Order yours here today!

10320352_10152353323723241_6383927441971374594_n

Good Morning at the Farmer’s Market. Saw Old Friends and Met Some New All Because of Gidget.

Posted by Barbara Techel

Jodee 561I am wishing I got a photo of Gidget today at our first outing to our local Farmer’s Market. But I got so caught up in seeing friends I’d not seen in a while getting lost in mini gab fests, that I just plum forgot. But I am so glad my friend Jodee posted a photo of her and dog’s Baci and new little dog, Hannah so I could share on my blog today.

Seeing Jodee today and her sweet little love’s was a highlight of our adventure this morning. Jodee and her husband, Dan, run a senior dog sanctuary on the outskirts in the town next to me. They have helped countless of older dog’s live out a happy, quality life and I truly admire the work they do. Hannah is one of three sisters they recently took in. She is so tiny and just a doll!  Though my heart still belongs to Baci in many ways. I can’t say exactly what it is, but gosh, I just love that Baci to bits!

Gidget was a big hit at the market and many wanted to meet her. It’s funny because Gidget not being in a wheelchair, I thought I could maybe ease through the market “unseen.” I truly enjoyed all the years Frankie caught the attention of many and how I shared her story over and over. As well as how I had the opportunity to educate so many about IVDD and dogs in wheelchairs. A part of me misses that, but a part of me likes not being as visible any longer. Or so I thought.

I really thought Gidget and I would just stroll about and do some shopping and talk to friends I know. But it is her coloring that had people stopping me just about every two feet. And I realized it’s just a new way in which I get to continue my mission of spreading a positive message about IVDD… and for this my heart is full up with happiness.

Gidget did great at the market and didn’t seem to mind all the attention. She even sat on the lap of some people I know who dog sit dachshunds now and then so I could ran inside the cafe to order a cold drink. I love how she seems to be just the right amount of being independent, but also loves being with me. Life with Gidget is unfolding in such a beautiful way and I say a grateful thanks that we have found each other.

Oh little dachshund paws, how far have you traveled?

Posted by Barbara Techel

IMG_2050 12

I think I love little dachshund paws and butt’s just about as much as I love their petite, sweet faces.

Capturing this shot of Gidget’s perfectly sized paws had me thinking about where they may have all been.

That’s the thing when adopting a dog from a rescue situation. You may not know what roads they’ve traveled to get to their destination.

Do they know where they are heading? Do they know where they want to end up? Did Gidget seek me out? Was it meant to be?

In many ways I do feel it was fate that we were brought together. I felt this intense pull toward Gidget when I first saw her photo.

I couldn’t say exactly why, but I felt this calling in my heart that was so strong. Her eyes reached into my soul as if to say, “I’ve traveled many paths with my final destination as you.”

So maybe I’m projecting a bit into this. Maybe not. But there is no denying there was something in my soul that spoke to me about her.

Every time I hear the clickety-clack of her nails on our hardwood maple floors, my heart gushes with love for her. She makes our house a home.

No matter where those tiny paws have been before of which I do not know, I’m so grateful they took a turn and headed down the path to me.

And I promise you, little sweet paws attached to the softest, hot-dog shaped body, and big spirit of a personality, who I fondly call my Little G, you can remain planted firmly in this place that is now your forever home.