joyful paws

There is Much Good in the World

Posted by Barbara Techel

back shot in wheels looking out window

I don’t know why, but going into 2013 I just felt like it was going to be a great year. I have nothing to really know why, but I just feel something inside that says it is going to be a wonderful year.

We are almost done with January and good things are happening here at Joyful Paws Headquarters, a.k.a. my writing cottage. Last week I was contacted by a veterinarian clinic. They will be teaching relaxation massage classes in Feb., March and April.  Instead of charging a fee they are asking for donations.  They told me they would like the donations to go to the Frankie Wheelchair Fund.  Well, that just shot me over the moon!  There is much good in the world.

Today I met with Bookworm Gardens where Frankie’s legacy lives on in gardens in nature that connect with children’s literacy. They are planning their big kick off event for the season on May 4th when the gardens will open once again for the warmer weather. They’ve decided to do what will be called, “Walk, Roll and Read Day.”  The gardens are located across from our local University Campus, so the walk (or roll with strollers or tricycles) will be around the campus loop. It will be a family outing and walk/run and fundraiser for Bookworm Gardens who have graciously offered to donate a portion of proceeds to the Frankie Wheelchair Fund. There is so much good in the world. I’ll also be on hand for storytelling time and a book signing that day. And yours truly, the new ‘walk ‘n roll dog’  of my life will be making an appearance.

These two recent unfolding of events and generosity have me feeling on such a high of happiness. There is much good in the world and I’m loving my corner of the world and all the caring and kind people I am surrounded by.

Look for Joy in the Unexpected (or in Frustrating Moments)

Posted by Barbara Techel

german shepherd

Today as I was driving to my chiropractor appointment a pick up truck of sorts pulled out in front of me. The back was open with junk piled on the left hand side. I grumbled under my breath. I wondered why he couldn’t have waited one more minute until I passed.  No one else was behind me.

I caught up with him almost immediately and still feeling a bit disgruntled I noticed a German Shepherd in the front seat, sitting in the middle. My mood automatically softened. I smiled. Then I giggled as I watched the Shepherd enjoying the scenery around him as his ears flicked back and forth, up and down. At times he’d glance to his buddy next to him as if smiling and saying, “Hey, this is so fun being with you!” I smiled some more.

Before I knew it I realized I was totally relaxed. I also realized then that I was glad he had pulled out in front of me. It brought an unexpected joy to see these two buddies hanging out together, rolling down the road, lost in their special friendship. I wish I could have gotten a picture, but that was rather hard to do since I needed to keep my eyes on the road– and I was having a hard enough time doing that with the sweet scene playing out in front of me.

It was a reminder to expect joy when you least expect it and to know that everything– even someone who pulls out in front of you– is all part of the Divine plan.

Joyful Paws Looks Back at 2012. A Few Tears. But also Much Joy.

Posted by Barbara Techel

As I look back on 2012 I see how the writing and final preparation steps of my manuscript, Through Frankie’s Eyes led the way to where I am as we get ready to close out 2012… and it was the final gift of my dear, sweet Frankie.

Just the other day my friend Cassy asked when I started working on my book to be released in February 2013.  I really had to think. After looking back at some things, I realized I started the actual writing of it in January 2011. But the idea came to me six years ago. Interestingly enough, I realize now, the story I wanted to write six years ago had to morph into what it has ultimately become– I had many paths I first had to travel. Finishing my book was a huge accomplishment for me this year. It will now carry me into 2013 and a whole new journey.  As I look back I see how everything was all in divine time.

January the manuscript was ready for the crucial eye of a developmental editor… and then the real work began.  As I diligently went back and forth with my manuscript with the editor, little Frankie lay at my feet, guiding me each step of the way.

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February, March and April continued the shaping of my manuscript. I also began giving serious thought to fully retiring Frankie from her therapy dog work and school visits already having semi retired her.

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May my manuscript went to my copyeditor and the process of polishing it even further began. It was really beginning to take shape and I couldn’t believe how far I had come. Frankie continued to be the confident presence I needed to finish this important piece of work for me.

June I officially retired Frankie from her work and one week later she passed into eternal life. It was not anything I could have ever anticipated, nor did I fully understand the impact of her truly knowing she knew I was ready to move on without her guiding me from the physical world– but now in spirit and always in my heart.

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July is honestly somewhat of a blur. But from Frankie’s passing came her legacy and my work with her expanding in a way I am so thankful for.  The outpouring of love for my love dog on wheels was truly remarkable. The Frankie Wheelchair Memorial Fund was established to help small dogs in need of wheelchairs be able to get one.  Whether a family is in financial stress and needs one for a beloved pet, or a dog in rescue was in need, the memorial fund donations collected was $2,700 and began helping dogs in need. Filmore (below) was the first dog we were able to help!

Filmore

August things really began to take shape as I realized the profound love of one little dog on wheels and carrying on her legacy with National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day being established and founded as a day to be celebrated every September 22. It was founded in Frankie’s memory, but also in honor of all dogs in wheelchairs around the world.

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September kicked off a fundraiser for The Frankie Wheelchair Fund in conjunction with National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day.  With T-shirt sales marking the first annual celebration over $900 was collected for the wheelchair fund. Oodles of photos for our photo contest poured in also and it was such a joy posting them all to our Facebook page dedicated to this special day. How thrilled I was also for LoveyLoaves Special Needs Animal Sanctuary and Astrid Diaz Coraballo and a local animal hospital in Puerto Rico who also embraced this day with celebrations of their own. September also began the little whispers to my heart that I was ready to love another little love dog on wheels. The push also began to make my book a reality and begin the book cover design and book layout process.

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October we welcomed little Joie into our lives after our dream destination of visiting Vermont was complete. I continue to be so grateful for the help of Oregon Dachshund Rescue with a very special thank you to volunteer, Linda, for flying all day with Joie from the state of Washington to our home state of Wisconsin. Also, not a day goes by that I don’t think about Joie’s mom before me who had the courage to let Joie go.

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November and December continued work on all the design aspects of my book and the beginning of what will now be the real work–birthing it and pushing it out into the world. December 27 I held the actual paperback proof in my hands and yes, shed a few tears of what it all means.  Tears of what was, what is, and what will be mixed with much emotion of some sadness, but much happiness, too.

frankie3D book cover

Though it has only been one year that has passed, I feel like a whole chapter of my life has closed– and I feel like a whole new chapter is beginning. I embrace 2013 with open arms ready for the journey to begin.

Wishing each of all that you wish for in 2013.  And a huge and grateful heart to each and every one of you for being on my journey with me. There are no words to express my sincerest thanks, but know I am deeply grateful.