national walk n roll dog day

Bialy, Special Needs Ambassador Dog Passes Away. Leaves Legacy with Special Foundation in her Name.

Posted by Barbara Techel

BialyEvery week on my Facebook page for National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day I feature a special needs wheelie dog as the cover model for the week. I’ve got photos lined up for quite a few weeks out. It warms my heart each week as I look to see who will be featured next, always bringing a smile to my face.

But today, as I prepared to share the next special dog in the line up as our cover model, I discovered going to Bialy’s page that she had recently passed away on June 19th. Erin, Bialy’s mom, still wanted me to share Bialy. I was very happy to do so, adding that I’d also share Bialy with you, my readers of my blog.

Like Frankie, Bialy’s legacy is living on in a foundation Erin has started in her memory. The Bialy Wellness Foundation will help other special needs animals with supplies, therapy and resources to help them live the best quality of life they can. I think this is pretty darn special.

From Bialy’s foundation page:

Bialy was found as a stray just before Christmas 2012. She was about 2 months old, had been severely abused with a wound on her neck and a fracture in T11 vertebrae. Bialy’s back legs were completely rigid and would not bend. Secondhand Snoots Rescue took her in to their adoption program, the Lucida Puppy Fund sponsored her veterinary care and Erin Kowalski, a canine massage therapist fostered her. The first vet she saw said she would never walk again because Bialy had little to no voluntary reflex. After seeking out consultation with a neurologist Bialy was put in a splint as her back healed. During that time Erin began performing up to 3 hours of massage daily on Bialy.  Read the rest here as well as see Bialy’s inspiring video.

Though her life cut short, the love and care she received is truly beautiful. To also have this legacy of helping other special needs dogs is so inspiring. It is my hope, that in time, Erin’s heart will heal as she carries on this special mission of helping more dogs because of her love for Bialy. All my best to Erin and those that loved Bialy so very dearly.

Meet Annie: #25 Dog Helped with a Dog Wheelchair through The Frankie Wheelchair Fund

Posted by Barbara Techel

annie eAnnie resides happily at Hotdog Hill Sanctuary in Virginia.  Kim, who runs the sanctuary shared with me that Annie’s previous owner surrendered her to a rescue and the rescue was going to leave her at the pound – which likely meant she would have been euthanized. Kim took in her last year.

Annie came with a wheelchair, but unfortunately it was for the size of a Corgi. After reading a post of Kim’s saying that Annie kept falling out of her wheelchair, I reached out and offered to help with the funds for an Eddie’s Wheels wheelchair so it could be fit exactly to the measurements of Annie.

It wasn’t until today as I prepared to write this post and asked Kim the age of Annie(which she is between 5 and 6 she thinks), that I found out Annie does not have IVDD. Her injuries were caused by human’s hurting her. Kim has to be careful to not approach Annie too quickly to pick her up as it frightens her. She also requires extra gentle care because of her previous life experiences that weren’t good. It made me all the more happy that providing a wheelchair for Annie will help her lead an even better life. And I’m happy that Kim shared that Annie now plays with her which means she is healing and learning to trust again.

Kim said, “You know, it’s funny. Every time I put Annie in her cart, she runs to her bed.” You can see her in a short video here doing just that. It made me chuckle and reminded me of how Frankie and Joie always did this, too. Those doxie’s and their beds!

I sometimes feel odd saying what “number” it is that The Frankie Wheelchair Fund has helped, with Annie being dog #25, because they are so not numbers in my heart, but beautiful, sweet souls. But I’m so honored and proud that I have been able to help this many dogs so far. It’s just one of those things in life that happen that you never see coming. So each time I get the opportunity to help another dog live a better life, it fills me up in ways I can’t find in right words to express.

I continue to be so grateful for those that have contributed to the fund so that I’m able to carry on Frankie’s legacy. If you would like to learn more about the fund please visit the website at National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day.

Two Years & 26 Dogs Later.

Posted by Barbara Techel

frankie fund bannerToday, the summer solstice, two years ago, is when Frankie made her transition into eternity.

Today I pay tribute to Frankie who changed my life in ways I never saw coming. I’m a better human being because of her. I carry her in my heart always. I no longer shed tears of sadness for the loss, but treasure the oodles of beautiful memories that light up my heart every time I think of her. To carry on her legacy through The Frankie Wheelchair Fund and National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day are two of my greatest honors. I carry on your motto with pride: Always be positive, make a difference, and keep on rolling!

Guess what Frankie? Gidget and I are heading out on a special mission this morning.  I can’t help but think your spirit led us to do this. We will be doing a home inspection in a nearby city for an older couple wishing to adopt a chihuahua from a neighboring state. I have a feeling you’ve got a paw in helping this little one find her new home. We have accepted the mission and hope that this little new one has a new forever home soon. I have a feeling you already know the outcome.  Forever and always, I will love you my Frankie girl.