When I knew I had to share my dachshund, Frankie’s story.
Even though I hadn’t a clue how to put a children’s book out into the world.
And I was scared. Very scared.
But the drive to make a difference pushed away the fear.
I offered my prayers up to God telling him I was up for the challenge and the work and asked for His guidance. He didn’t fail me. I didn’t fail him.
It has been seven years since I published Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog.
And to this day, I still receive emails from people sharing with me how the book has touched them.
This means more to me than I can ever express adequately in words.
Today, I share with you one such reader, Danielle, who reached out to me recently to let me know how Frankie’s story has not only positively impacted her life, but the lives of her 4-year old twin girls. (Just a side note that she also refers to Cassie Jo, who was my chocolate Lab):
I’ve been reading your blog for years, and I’m finally getting around to contacting you. Why? I originally started reading your blog when Frankie was alive. My own Dachshund, Dixie, had gone down when she was 4, so your posts about Frankie were uncannily relevant to my experience and of course, inspirational.
Fast forward to today. Dixie is 15 years old. She is still going, but not as strongly as before. She continues to teeter around or use her cart. I have expressed her bladder and bowels for 11 years now. It’s our version of “normal.”
For my 4-year-old twins, normal is a dog who cannot pee or poop on her own, cannot jump, and whose non-wagging tail cannot express her joy, although she is still patient beyond belief, soulful, and our best friend.
Now that my twins are finally old enough for “Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog” I read it to them (slightly abridged). They delighted in the story of a dog that was “just like Dixie.” They were tickled that a story finally reflected their reality with their pet—they probably also felt that their reality was validated.
Through the story, they also came to understand Dixie’s experience of becoming disabled, how she endured surgery and recovery, beginning to use her cart, etc. The story helped them to connect more with Dixie and better understand my connection to this amazing being that has been a part of my life since she fit in my hand and her eyes were still closed as a puppy.
Also, through the telling of Cassie Jo’s death and later learning that Frankie has since passed on, they began bombarding me with a series of questions about the death of Cassie Jo, and pondering Dixie’s mortality. I feel they are better prepared now for Dixie’s inevitable decline and for what is certain to come within a few months.
Thank you, Barbara, for sharing your and Frankie’s story. When I read about it years ago, I never imagined how it would impact my future children.
-Danielle
And then the love icing on the cake, recorded in their own voices, messages from each of Danielle’s girls about Frankie:
Thank you, Danielle, and your beautiful girls for touching my heart.
Thank you for visiting!
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I’ve witnessed deeply touching stories when the human spirit kicks in to help others in need.
During the many years of having Frankie, my paralyzed dog who was in a wheelchair, there were many who helped me along the way. Many who appreciated and valued my mission. One such person, that always comes to mind, who went above and beyond to support me, is my friend, Julie.
Now she needs help. Her 3-year old dog, Ladybird (a.k.a. Birdie), a king Charles spaniel, herniated two discs in her back and right now, is paralyzed. The decision in one aspect to have surgery for Ladybird was easy, but how the medical bill is going to get paid was an obstacle she had to push aside, even though it is weighing heavily on her mind.
Like many families, she does not have the $6,600 which is her current bill for the surgery and meds and will rise with on-going therapy so that hopefully Birdie will walk again.
For all she has done for me in supporting my mission and work with Frankie over the years, I offered to set up a Go Fund Me campaign to see if I can’t help her raise the funds to cover the medical costs. She isn’t on Facebook, so I’ll help spread the word in this way.
I’m also gifting an e-book copy of my memoir Through Frankie’s Eyes: One woman’s journey to her authentic self, and the dog on wheels who led the way for every person who donates $20 or more.
Julie and Ladybird recovering at home
Julie is one of the kindest people I know. She works hard as a 1st grade teacher in a school where many of the children live in poverty or have other very tough home situations. Julie, herself, has gone through some very tough challenges the last two years. Though I won’t share those as to protect her privacy as she is a very private person.
I realize we are all asked to donate money to many worthy causes, or to buy things, and many of us feel financial pressure these days. But to me, this is just one of those times I feel is important in helping out another human being who I feel is worthy and very special.
Julie’s daughter, Lyla and Ladybird
Julie has always been very dedicated to sharing the human-animal bond and the lessons we learn from our animal friends with the many students that come through her classroom each year. She went above and beyond to get funding through grants to have me in her classroom each year with Frankie, as well as, books for the students. Not to mention how she was instrumental in helping me and Frankie become a therapy dog team (you can read more about that in the Go Fund Me campaign).
Thanks for your consideration and your help. You can help Julie and Birdie, and her family by contributing here.
