mary shafer

Reminder: Free Teleseminar Tonight: The Rewards and Challenges of Living with Disabled Pets

Posted by Barbara Techel
I’m very excited about this upcoming teleseminar (press release below) I will be taking part in!  I’ve been following Ingrid King, author of Buckley’s Story for quite sometime and had the honor of doing Garden of the Soul  radio show with her talking about animals as spiritual teachers.  We connected so easily because of our love for animals.
Mary Shafer, author of Almost Perfect Pets:  Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them is someone I also greatly admire for all the positive work she is doing to bring a special light to animals with disabilities.  Being connected with her brings me great joy.
This is going to be one VERY SPECIAL HOUR and I know the time is going to fly by way too fast.  Hope you can join us!
Inspired and Inspiring:  The Rewards and Challenges of Living with Disabled Pets

On Thursday, June 24th at 8pm Eastern Daylight Time, we will host authors Mary Shafer and Barbara Techel for a free teleseminar titled Inspired and Inspiring – The Rewards and Challenges of Living with Disabled Pets.Barbara Techel is the author of the multi-award-winning book Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog. When her dachshund, Frankie, suffered a spinal injury, Techel had her custom-fitted for a wheelchair. Frankie’s strong spirit had her back into the swing of life very soon, and Techel realized the beautiful opportunity she had to share Frankie’s story. Together, they give others who may be struggling with obstacles the hope and inspiration to be the best they can be. Techel’s newest book, Frankie, the Walk ’N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House, chronicles the twosome’s work as a therapy dog team at local hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice centers, spreading joy wherever they go.

Mary Shafer is a freelance writer, author and publisher of Word Forge Books, a small, independent publisher located near Philadelphia. She’s a member of the Cat Writers Association and is co-mom to four special needs cats. One of those cats, Idgie, is the subject of Shafer’s story in the company’s latest book, Almost Perfect: Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them.

Join us for what is sure to be an inspirational hour of discussing the challenges and rewards of living with disabled pets. You’ll also get a chance to ask questions.

The seminar is free, but long distance phone charges may apply. To participate in the conference, dial 1-712-432-3100. When prompted, enter conference code 674470. Registration is not required, but if you’d like to be entered in the drawing of an autographed copy of Barbara and Mary’s books, you’ll need to pre-register by clicking here: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=0016ynqZbqgszFlq0ccP81zqg%3D%3D

WCUB 92.1 AM Radio to Host Authors Barbara Techel & Mary Shafer

Posted by Barbara Techel
Join me and Mary Shafer On Tuesday, June 15th at 9:30am Central Daylight Time, authors, Barbara Techel and Mary Shafer will be live on WCUB 92.1 am radio (Manitowoc, Wisconsin) discussing all the rewards of disabled pets.

Barbara Techel is the author of the multi-award-winning Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog book series. When her dachshund, Frankie, suffered a spinal injury, Techel had her custom-fitted for a wheelchair. Frankie’s strong spirit had her back into the swing of life very soon, and Techel realized the beautiful opportunity she had to share Frankie’s story. Together, they give others who may be struggling with obstacles the hope and inspiration to be the best they can be. Techel’s newest book, Frankie, the Walk ’N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House, chronicles the twosome’s work as a therapy dog team at local hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice centers, spreading joy wherever they go.

Mary Shafer is a freelance writer, author and publisher of Word Forge Books, a small, independent publisher located near Philadelphia. She’s a member of the Cat Writers Association and is co-mom to four special needs cats. One of those cats, Idgie, is the subject of Shafer’s story in the company’s latest book, Almost Perfect: Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them.

Join us for what is sure to be an inspirational time discussing special needs pets.

Idgie the Cat Who Exudes Hope

Posted by Barbara Techel


“Then, to my surprise and delight, she reached her front paws up and touched my face.  I looked down.  Her mouth, with its minute gray lips, seemed drawn up in a smile.  Her whisker disks formed fuzzy white “poofs” on either side.  She was holding my face between her paws, and I could feel the warmth of her soft, gray toes on my chin and cheeks.”

When I read about this mellifluous moment between Mary and Idgie it brought me to tears… and yes, I got that screwed up face Oprah calls, “the ugly cry” as I tried to finish reading through blurred eyes.  The joy of that moment oozes on the page from author, Mary’s description of a moment of pure love.

Idgie is a cat that when you read her story and see her photos, it will have you believing in miracles!  Idgie was born with two empty eye sockets, but that really ends up to be the least of her troubles when Mary and Shelly brought her into their life as a small kitten.

I cried, I laughed and was left with a joy I cannot express in words as I finished the chapter, “The Thanksgiving Miracle:  Idgie” which is in the book, Almost Perfect: Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them.  I read this book about two years ago when I was doing research for my children’s book, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog.  I have since come to know the author, Mary Shafer through her blog, Facebook and most recently visits via Skype.  After reading this chapter once again now that I am starting to know Mary more, I have no doubt we are kindred spirits.

The part in the chapter I truly connected with Mary is when she writes, “We all come to our truth in different ways, and I think each of us only gets those lessons our minds are capable of wrapping themselves around.  I guess my mind was flexible enough to realize I could learn a few things from a creature “subordinate” to me in the big scheme of things. Yeah, right.”

Recently I had the distinct pleasure of “meeting” Idgie via Skype. In the chapter about Idgie Mary says, “She carries with her this aura of spiritual wisdom that I have never experienced in an animal (and in few humans).”

I must say I felt the same way when Mary picked Idgie up and held her in her arms as we talked one day via webcam.  There is just something about Idgie.  She exudes joy.  It had me wishing the big computer techie guys could figure out a way we can actually be in person through our computer screens even more than just sight and sound so I could pet Idgie!

Not wanting to give away the miracle that Idgie truly is, I highly encourage you to check out the rest of her story, as well as all the other stories of amazing animals who don’t see disabilities as disabilities in, Almost Perfect: Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them.

I also find the title Almost Perfect such an interesting choice.  As humans we strive for perfection, but like Idgie and animals with special challenges (or any animal) I think they know perfection does not exist. I believe they continue onward, living life as it is in all the “imperfections” that it is.  Indgie “sees” hope and wonder in every small or large detail of exploration of her world living with Mary, Shelly and cats Tigger, Weaver, and Boo Kitty.  I think there is such profound lessons in animals such as Idgie and others… and for me personally, my life will never be the same having been blessed with Frankie.

Every time I read about an animal with special needs it reaffirms for me all the hope that their truly is in this world… and I add Idgie to my list of those that have given me an immense gift of love, joy, and compassion.  You are one special cat, Idgie!


To read more about Idgie and other special needs pets please visit Almost Perfect website and order your copy today!  I have no doubt it will change your life for the better.