ivdd

A Book for Every Dachshund Owner Terrified of Disc Disease. Plus Enter for Chance to Win A Copy!

Posted by Barbara Techel

A Book for Every Dachshund Owner Terrified of Disc Disease. Plus Enter for Chance to Win A Copy!

I can’t say enough good about this book written by Kristin Leydig Bryant and Adam Christman, DVM.  Everyone owned by a dear little dachshund truly needs to have a copy of this book!  Education, as I’ve always said here on my blog when talking about Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), common in doxie’s, is what will save the life of your dog should this happen to him/her.

As many of you know, I’ve been  down this road. With my first doxie, Frankie, who was inflicted and became paralyzed in 2006, and that first time around – whew – it was downright scary. I didn’t have a clue about this disease – this book would have helped big time.  Though I do want to plug that I will and continue to be grateful for Dodgerslist – an organization dedicated to helping educate others about this disease also. Since Frankie, I’ve cared for two doxie’s with IVDD – first Joie and now Gidget.

While there is no cure for IVDD, there is help and hope!  Run right out and get yourself a copy of this book – it will be your IVDD bible should you be faced with this and you’ll be able to make an educated decision should this happen to your beloved doxie.

I love the fact that veterinarian Adam Christman is on board with this book sharing his story and advice – bravo! The book is filled with so much practical and helpful advice, like having a doc and those who have been through this before right beside you holding your hand should you need them. And what I loved best is the sense of humor presented throughout the book. Those of us who have been down this road know that a sense of humor is key!

I’m thrilled and honored to have provided an endorsement:

Every dachshund should come with this book attached to the collar! While we all hope our dog is never diagnosed with IVDD, education is key. Kristin Leydig Bryant and Dr. Adam Christman have done a valuable service in putting together this detailed book on how to live with, and care for, a dog with IVDD; how to be prepared ahead of time should this happen to your pup; and how a dog with IVDD can thrive! The added touch of humor in this book, I can personally attest, is the medicine that got me through when my dachshund became paralyzed. The best thing you’ll get from this book? Hope! There is always hope!  ~Barbara Techel

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY

Kristin and Dr. Adam have generously offered to give a copy of the book away to one of my blog readers!  Even if you have a copy already, do enter as it would make a great gift for a friend with a dachshund or give a copy to your favorite vet.  All you have to do is say YES or leave a comment is comment section below.

Open to US residents only. Enter by midnight cst, Friday, Oct. 21st. Winner will be notified on Oct. 22nd.

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Follow updates and information on IVDD on Kristin and Adam’s Facebook page here.

Order your copy of Honey, Have You Squeezed the Dachshund here.

***And one special note:  Not just for Dachshund owners, but for anyone with a long-backed dog such as corgis and basset hounds too – as they can be prone to this disease too.

Thank you for sharing and subscribing to my blog updates.

A Wheelie Dog Gallery of Photos Sure to Make You Smile.

Posted by Barbara Techel

A Wheelie Dog Gallery of Photos Sure to Make You Smile

It’s not too often that I get updates on disabled dogs that the Frankie Wheelchair Fund has been able to help with a wheelchair – but when I do – oh, how it makes my day!

Suzanne, who cares for dear, sweet Canelo sent me these beautiful photos that clearly show that Canelo is having the time of his life!  All the photos were taken by professional photographer, Maria Oakar of My Buddy Photography. What a great job she did in capturing the joy that these special dogs absolutely do experience despite their special challenges.

Soon I hope to share a photo of Dappy and Molly Mocha – two dachshunds the Frankie Wheelchair Fund recently granted funds to have custom wheelchairs built by Eddie’s Wheels, which makes 58 dogs the fund has been able to help to date.  So stay tuned….and in the meantime, enjoy this gallery of Canelo pictures!

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If you’d like to help disabled dogs like Canelo experience living life to the fullest who are in need of a wheelchair to do so you can donate here.  Or if you are in need of help, you can fill out an application here.

Thank you for sharing and subscribing to my blog updates.

Dog Barks from the Other Side

Posted by Barbara Techel
Dog Barks from the Other Side
Photo: @Brookburlingphotography

Today marks the 4 year anniversary of my dear dachshund Frankie’s passing. While I never thought my heart would heal from the loss of her, time has, for me, replaced sadness with so many beautiful memories that often bring a smile to my face and a flood of joy to my heart.

And I just have to tell you how amazed I am at how Frankie’s spirit continues to dance around me. It especially seems so this time of year.

It’s as if she is barking from the other side reminding me that we are still connected. And she’s been sending messengers in the form of people reaching out to me talking about her, recalling stories of her, or a time when they met her.
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One such case that really moved me deeply was an email I received from Danielle last week. She emailed me once before sharing with me how much my children’s book Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog helped her children to deal with, and understand, their own dachshund Dixie’s paralysis.

Dixie has seen passed away and this time Danielle wrote:

I wanted to contact you, this time to share with you how much my kids (my 5-year-old twins) have been enjoying your “Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Coloring and Activity” book.  They love the paper-dog Frankie!  For them, it was especially important that Frankie was in her cart, so we had to get the cart cut out right away.  🙂   Since they each had a book, they each pretended to be a “Frankie” and talk to the other “Frankie”.  🙂  

My daughter loved putting as much on Frankie as she could possibly fit!  My son loved having Frankie more plain so he could still recognize her. They could not get enough of cutting, trying on, and role playing!  

The whole activity also helped them reconnect with Dixie’s spirit and life and remember her in a fun way since her passing.

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Danielle’s five year old twins dressing Frankie paper dog cut out

I can’t even begin to find the right words to tell you how much this means to me! But there I was, sitting at my computer, tears of joy rolling down my face. And a few tears wishing I could hold Frankie… just. one. more. time.

But it was just another reminder that as my mom said to me last weekend that “love never dies.” And she is right. It just takes a different form, but it is always there. Always.

 Thank you for sharing and subscribing to my blog updates.