pets

The “Seaside Donkey” Film. I Couldn’t Stop Smiling. A Donklightful Review!

Posted April 19, 2016 by Barbara Techel

The tagline? 1000 miles around Wales, with a donkey. Indeed, that is the succinct description of what the film is about.

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Last night, I snuggled Miss Gidget on my lap, downloaded the film, Seaside Donkey onto my ipad, and was immediately hooked from the start.

It is a one hour and seventeen minute donkumentary (as it is creatively described!) by filmmaker Rhys Thwaites-Jones, and it captivated me.

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Though, truly no surprise to those who know me and that I simply adore donkeys! Just as much as dachshunds I must confess. And interestingly they are both similar in many ways! Stubborn, willful, affectionate, and wise creatures they are.

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Hannah Engelkamp set out on a quest to travel around Wales, along the seaside, on foot, with an ass (err, donkey!) named Chico beside her as her companion. She conjured up in her mind this romantic and meditative journey.

The thing is, Hannah never had an animal in her life. She had no idea what she was about to experience in the human-animal bond phenomenon. And this is exactly why the film had me laughing out loud often, smiling just about the whole way through, and my heart melting and eyes misting over with tears and what Chico was teaching her.

Donkeys don’t like water and don’t care to climb hills. And there would be plenty of that on their jaunt around Wales which had me laughing, but also feeling very much the frustration Hannah was experiencing.

But also intriguing as it was a reminder that we are not in control. A reminder to live in the present moment and take it as it is. Donkey wisdom, don’t you know, is so wise!

The film shows how simple life can be and the immense joy we can find in that, which left me wanting even more simplicity in my own. It also taught Hannah, strong-willed herself, that asking for help isn’t a bad thing. There were times it was the only way — and the gifts she received in letting go were unexpected and delightful rewards.

This film and it’s book version (which I’ll be reading next and can hardly wait!), is one I took part in donating to via a Kickstarter campaign.

I greatly admire Ms. Englekamp for her kick-ass (ass pun intended!) attitude and adventurous spirit. It was an honor to support this endearing, full of laughter, and wisdom at every turn story.

If you love donkeys, admire those who follow their hearts calling, and live from the inside, out… well, do yourself a favor and check this film and book out today at Seaside Donkey website. It was truly donklightful!

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Book Trailer: “Faithfully Yours: The Amazing Bond Between Us and the Animals We Love

Posted August 24, 2015 by Barbara Techel

Animals and humans go together. It’s as simple as that.

Faithfully Yours is a new book by the gifted writer and author, Peggy Frezon. I’m thrilled that my dog, Frankie’s legacy continues with her story being shared in this new book which is available for pre-order now.

I don’t get paid to have my story in this book nor am I an affiliate. I feel it is important to say that. I love the writing of Peggy and share deeply in her love of animals. They change is for the better. No doubt about that.

And I have no doubt you will enjoy this preview book trailer of Peggy’s book.

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A Cause Near and Dear to My Heart. Giving the Gift of Mobility to Paralyzed Dogs.

Posted August 17, 2015 by Barbara Techel

Your purchase will help grant a wheelchair to a paralyzed dog in need.

It’s that special time of year again! My annual fundraiser to raise money for The Frankie Wheelchair Fund which grant wheelchairs to paralyzed dogs in need.

My dachshund, Frankie, who was in a wheelchair for six years, profoundly changed my life for the better over ten years ago. It’s why I founded National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day & The Frankie Wheelchair Fund to not only pay tribute to her, but to honor ALL dogs in wheelchairs around the world.

I’m so excited about this years design which was created by artist, Brianna Brunsell of Silly Dog Magnets. She was so very kind in donating her time and talent. Mary Shafer won the contest I recently ran coming up with this years slogan “Enjoying a Wheelie Good Life!”

When Frankie was first paralyzed I sometimes heard from others that they felt a dog couldn’t live a quality life in a wheelchair. But I was witness to a little dog with a huge spirit and who didn’t seem to mind having wheels as back legs and went on with life like it was no big deal. She truly inspired me…and so many others.

While dachshunds are most commonly afflicted with a disc disease that can leave them paralyzed, there are other breeds also affected. Whether it’s Degenerative Mylopathy, severe arthritis, missing limbs, or old age, a wheelchair can certainly give a pet the gift of mobility and help them live a longer, quality of life.

I saw a need for funding for paralyzed dogs in rescues, and for families in financial stress and it’s why I started this fund to try and help.

To date, the Frankie Fund has helped 44 paralyzed dogs get a wheelchair who may never have been able to have one.

National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day was founded in 2012 as a way in which to bring positive awareness that dogs can indeed live a quality life even if in a wheelchair. It is celebrated every September 22.

Every time I have the opportunity to see a dog regain their mobility through learning how to use a wheelchair, it is a beautiful moment. I never tire of it and I’m so grateful we have this option for our dear animal friends.

My goal is to sell 100 t-shirts and/or sweatshirts this year which would enable me to help 4-5 small dogs. But of course, I’d love to exceed this goal as it will only mean more dogs that will benefit.

Thank you for your consideration of supporting this cause that is near and dear to my heart. You can purchase a t-shirt or sweatshirt by visiting the campaign here.