paralyzed dogs

Lady and her Wheelchair – Granted through The Frankie Wheelchair Fund

Posted October 16, 2014 by Barbara Techel

Lady is the 33rd dog to be granted a wheelchair through The Frankie Wheelchair Fund.

She does look like she is perhaps saying, “Are you sure this thing does not have a motor on it?”

Memphis, the young full time pre-veterinary med student who took Lady in says even though Lady’s face looks a bit scared on this photo, she is beginning to get the hang of the wheelchair more and more each day.

Some dogs do take a bit longer to get used to their wheels and we are happy Lady will likely be rolling around in no time eventually not even realizing she now has wheels for back legs.

Memphis was shadowing at a local veterinarian clinic where Lady was brought in. Lady had managed to find her way to a home of strangers who brought her into the clinic.

After a few weeks of no one coming forward or wanting to adopt Lady, Memphis wanted to give her a chance at living a quality of life.

Being a full time student, plus working to pay for college, she didn’t know how she could pay for a wheelchair for Lady, but had $100 she could put towards one.

The Frankie Wheelchair Fund was happy to grant the remaining balance. And I also find it wonderful to know that a pre-veterinary student is seeing with her own eyes the value of a wheelchair and how it can help pets. To know she will take that into her practice someday is so great to know!

***Wheelchair I recommend and work with for The Frankie Wheelchair Fund is Eddie’s Wheels.

Learn more about The Frankie Wheelchair Fund

You can learn more on our website, National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day where you can apply for funds or donate.

Update on Joie’s Film Debut in the movie, The Surface

Posted October 8, 2014 by Barbara Techel

I love this photo of Joie. It was such a joy to welcome her into our home in October 2012. Even though we only had her for a short 10 months, to see her content and happy filled my heart with utter love and joy.

As many of you know, one week before I had to unexpectedly put Joie to sleep due to numerous complications in her tiny little body, she took part in a film that was being filmed in our area in August 2013 called, The Surface.

The movie makes its debut tomorrow night as the last film presented the past two weeks during the Milwaukee Film Festival. From what I understand, Sean Astin, who plays one of the main roles in the film, will be there for its opening debut, along withe the producer and director, as well as I’m sure many of the other people who played a part in bringing this true and inspiring film to reality.

Anyone can attend the film festival, but it does not feel right for me to attend in this way. I’m going to wait for it to come out in the theater as it feels bittersweet for me. I feel like I want it to be a more quiet, intimate, and private view (in a sense).

While I can’t wait to see Joie on the big screen, I am preparing my heart to see her, too. I want it to be a celebration of her life when I see her roll across the big screen. I want to soak it all in with all the joy and love that she brought to my life. And I don’t want to blink as it will be only about 15-20 seconds of her being on the screen, so I want to make sure I don’t miss a moment. I already am wishing they could play her part in slow motion… or over and over again!

So the update that I’ve recently learned through the film’s website is that the movie is being released in suburban Milwaukee areas in WI in selected Marcus theater’s Friday, October 24th. I’ll update more as I know specifically which theaters in Milwaukee if you are in the area, as well as when it may open in other markets in other states. But you can also stay updated by visiting their screenings page.

Like all of you, even though Joie played a small part in the film, I don’t have the “inside scoop” and learn like everyone else the updates through their Facebook page and website. I assume since it is a small independent film that like books, word of mouth, will drive the film to other theaters. So please help spread the word!

Another Dachshund Up and Rolling – thanks to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund

Posted October 3, 2014 by Barbara Techel

Handsome Fritz makes 31 dogs helped to date to gain their freedom in mobility thanks to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund.

Fritz is five years old and though he didn’t take right away to his wheelchair, he is now rolling full speed ahead. His mom even shared with me that she had a hard time capturing a good photo of him because he now does not sit still!

Music to my ears and love to my heart knowing this little guy is back to doing all the doggie things he did before.

Please join me in saying: Keep on rolling, Fritz!!

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