paralyzed dogs

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.

Meet Oscar: #24 Recipient of a Dog Wheelchair from The Frankie Wheelchair Fund

Posted by Barbara Techel

oscar 1200Get your dancing shoes on! Join me in the happy walk ‘n roll dog dance celebrating Oscar, dog #24 who gets his wheels with help from The Frankie Wheelchair Fund!

Here’s the wonderful letter sent to me, as well as, Leslie at Eddie’s Wheels who I work with in providing these quality, custom made wheelchairs:

Hello Barbara & Leslie,

I just wanted to thank you so much for helping Oscar and I with the funds for his chair. I ended up raising $150.00 from bake sales and just people wanting to help out!! With the help of the Frankie fund to fund the rest we were able to purchase his cart! I received it yesterday from Eddie’s Wheels and it was built perfectly!! It couldn’t fit any better and he immediately took to it and loved it!! You all have such great hearts and Oscar and I are so thankful for all of your help. It’s heartwarming to know there are other people out there like me who will never give up on our fur babies.  From the bottom of my heart…thank you again.

Very truly yours,
Danielle & Oscar Neher

To learn more about The Frankie Wheelchair Fund and how you can apply or contribute please visit the website National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day. The cost of a wheelchair, depending on the size and needs of the dog runs anywhere from $350-$1,500.

To learn more about dog wheelchairs, please visit Eddie’s Wheels.

As a reminder, a portion of proceeds of the purchase of this very roomy and durable tote bag from our friends at Beangoods goes to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund. Order yours here today!

Screen_shot_2014-02-17_at_3.16.20_PMAlso from now until June 28th during their pre-sale 10% of proceeds from the sale of this T-shirt will go to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund from our friends at What’s Up Dox Dachshund Shoppe. Order yours here today!

10320352_10152353323723241_6383927441971374594_n