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Reflection of Sending My Story Out Into the World & Joyful Paws Jaunt Blog Tour Ends Today at Peggy’s Pet Place

Posted by Barbara Techel

Through Frankie's Eyes 304 x 404 awardIt feels a bit surreal that here it is, the end of my blog tour, for “Through Frankie’s Eyes.” I invite you to check out my last stop which is over at Peggy’s Pet Place. Peggy is a pet columnist and author who has written about the animal-human bond for quite some time now. I really enjoyed her interview questions and I think you will too.

All the excitement, angst, ups and downs of releasing a book are beginning to fade a bit from my memory being this far along in my journey of having written, published, and now sharing it. I feel so grateful for all those who were willing to host me on their blogs and radio shows. So many of these wonderful people I’ve never even met in person, but they have generously supported my work. Pretty amazing, that we, as authors, have this at our fingertips these days to share our story. Also amazing is the fact I’ve been able to connect with so many of you, that I otherwise may not have been able to. One of the greatest rewards is hearing from many of you who have shared your thoughts with me in regards to my new book. It means more to me than you will ever know… thank you.

While at times I questioned if my story would touch others, I also knew that it would find its way to those that needed to hear what I had to share. It continues to find its way to others and it makes my day when I hear from those who say my story has helped them look at their life in a new (and better) way.

The publishing world continues to change rapidly, with authors taking their own fate in their hands with the tools available to us to get our message out into the world. It is not always easy, while at the same time, we have so many more opportunities now, so in a sense it is easier—though there is a lot of noise out there to compete with.  But I remind myself how important my work is to me.  I want to continue to help others through my words and stories, and plan to do just that.

So while my online tour officially ends, it truly is just the beginning. One is never done and I look forward to new avenues in which to share my story and my work.  As always, I welcome your feedback. In the new world of authors and publishing, it also greatly helps if you would consider leaving a review for “Through Frankie’s Eyes.” A huge thank you to all those of you who already have. I’ve shed a few tears of joy at how my book has touched others. Nothing better than that knowing you touched a chord with another, so again, I say a deeply grateful thank you.

Homemade Dog Boots for Paralyzed Dogs

Posted by Barbara Techel

One question I’m often asked about  paralyzed dogs who have a wheelchair is how to keep their little back paws from getting scraped up when walking in  their wheelchair. I thought it would be best to share the idea as a video so you can see my idea. Not sure why I didn’t think of this sooner! I came up with the idea years ago when Frankie first learned to use her wheelchair… and after trying many different little booties that didn’t work–meaning, they didn’t stay on.

Enjoy and please do pass along to others who have paralyzed dogs if you think it will help them.

 

It’s Not About the Color of the Dachshund

Posted by Barbara Techel

on bike cJoie loves the basket on my bike!

When I got Frankie in 1999 I had my heart set on a red Dachshund – smooth coat – I would have no other. Well, as we all know, it was destined to be that I found her, the last one of the litter. This was planned long before the ” itch”  of wanting a Dachshund began to make itself known to me.

After Frankie passed many of you may recall a few months after that a blog post I wrote about asking the Universe for another red Dachshund, one with IVDD, that needed a set of wheels, female, and between the ages of 4-6.  All that came true except for the color. This time it was meant to be that I have a black and tan little one.

A few months after I got Joie, I saw on Facebook that Hope Clark, author of a  mystery series, founder of FundsforWriter’s,  but more importantly, also a Dachshund lover got a new little doxie too.  I knew Hope because of the Internet and my search for help with writing years ago. But what I adore most about Hope is her love of Dachshunds as I fell in love with her black and tan Dachshund, Dixe, who was blind and deaf. I was very sad when Dixie passed away about a year before Frankie.

About two months after I got Joie, Hope ended up getting a red Dachshund puppy. When I saw the first photo of Roo I chuckled that we had “swapped”  doxie colors.

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 Hope and Roo quite smitten with each other I’d say!

So you see, it’s not about the color of the Dachshund, or any dog for that matter. I know, like me, Hope’s heart was broken when Dixie passed away. We understood this in each other that our love for our doxie’s is deep and very special.  So no matter what the color, they provide us with an ocean of love, endless giggles, warm snuggles and many kisses– whether black and tan, red, or any other color — it is the allowing of one’s heart to yet again be swallowed up with utter love from our sausage-shaped dogs that matters the most.