road america

Living Worlds Apart – Love of Special Needs Dachshunds Brings Us Together

Posted by Barbara Techel

paulo, ellen and me

Gidget, me, Paulo and Ellen at our local cafe in Elkhart Lake, Off the Rail

When I decided to take a leap of faith and write my children’s books about my dachshund, Frankie, in a wheelchair, and then my memoir Through Frankie’s Eyes, little did I know who I’d meet along the way.

I just knew I had to tell Frankie’s story. I just knew I wanted to make a difference. I just knew I wanted to give others hope.

Writing my books has connected me to some truly wonderful people. Paulo and Ellen are two of those people – friends, really, because we will forever share a bond because of our love of dachshunds.

Not only that, but both our dogs came down with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and needed a wheelchair to help them move around.

Paulo, half way around the world, lives in Brazil and found out about me, Frankie, and our story. Initially he came across me via the great organization, Dodgerslist which helps pet owners whose dogs have been diagnosed with IVDD.

I still remember receiving an email from him asking if I could send my memoir to him in Brazil even though it was going to cost him quite a bit to have me ship it internationally. I was so honored and touched.

Paulo is Italian, but his parents feared Hitler and what was happening in Germany during that reign of terror. His parents traveled to Holland thinking they’d be safe there, but after crossing into Holland without even realizing it, they feared Hitler and his army could do the same just as easily.

His father wanted an ocean between him and his wife and that terrible time in history, so they ventured to Brazil. This is where Paulo was born and has lived for most of his life.

He attended an American school in Brazil which helped him to get into UW-Madison, Wisconsin, where he studied for 12-years.  To think he was only two hours away from me during that time!

But it would first be yesterday that we met in person right here in my small village of 950 people in Elkhart Lake.

Being a car enthusiast he has been to Elkhart Lake a few times and the last time in 2011 to see the races at our well known track, Road America. When I think about the fact that he was here about 9 months before Frankie passed away, I wish he could have met her.

But it wasn’t meant to be and it was only when his Poncho went down with IVDD that he discovered my story and the connection was made.

Back in Elkhart Lake this weekend for the spring vintage car races at Road America, he looked me up on Facebook and sent me a message—could we meet for coffee?

It was sunny and in the upper 60s yesterday and perfect for us to sit outside. I was able to bring Gidget along for him and his wife, Ellen to meet, and their friend Tom, who joined us also.

The spirits of Frankie and Poncho were in my heart as we sat together, talking about our beloved dachshunds and getting to know each other better.

paulo and poncho

Paulo and his belated, beloved Poncho

I really didn’t want the time to end because being with them felt familiar in that our journey’s so similar. But most of all, the love we shared for our special needs dogs is something that has changed us all for the better.

And what brought us together even though we live worlds apart.

It was a magical morning and a memory I’ll carry in my heart right along with Frankie who resides snug and sound as the little dog on wheels who made this all possible.

Safe travels home my friends always, Paulo and Ellen!

Thank you for subscribing to Joyfulpaws.com

Small Town Living is My Heart

Posted by Barbara Techel

el

I never get tired of my small town. With spring now here, taking walks through town with Gidget in her stroller, my heart soars as my eyes take in all the quaintness that small town living offers.

We are technically called a village with a population of about 948 and we are populated well over thousands during the summer, being that we are a popular tourist destination. If you are a race fan, Road America race track is known as one of the best in the country.

The railroad track, which runs through the hub of downtown, quiet for many years, is making its return soon with trains that will run through here again.

A few times I’ve heard the whistle of a train going through, as work is being done to restore the tracks, not only here, but in neighboring cities too. I look forward to many more moments of this sweet sound to make me pause, listen and capture another reason why I love this little town I call home. And a town that will forever have my heart.

Thank you for subscribing to Joyfulpaws.com

What Do Ferrari’s and a Bergamasco Dog Have in Common?

Posted by Barbara Techel

IMG_1709 1200Okay, so maybe your thinking, “What’s a Bergamasco dog?” as you’ve likely heard of a Ferrari.  Well, that is exactly what I was asking last night when I saw this dog while we watched the Ferrari’s come into our small town from Road America race track to celebrate their 50th year anniversary.  But I was asking, “What kind of dog is  that?”

To be more exact, she is a Bergamasco Sheep Dog or also referred to as Shepherd.  So what does this sheep dog and a Ferrari have in common you might wonder?  Well, they are both originally from Italy. It seems the theme of our mostly prominent German village turned Italian for the night.

When I saw this dog sashay past John and I, and believe me, with her long locks of what appear as dreadlocks, walk by, she sashayed. It was an awesome site. I had to know more about her breed.

Luckily the parade of Ferrari’s had just ended or I would have never seen them because I was more enthralled in learning about this unique looking dog.  Ben, the dog’s owner, was more than happy to indulge me and tell me about her.

Her name is Althea (pronounced al-THEE-ah). Her breeder is Silver Pastori out of Pennsylvania. Her coat is not soft to the touch, but it is totally intriguing to look at and try and figure out how it does what it does.  Because I want to get this right here is some information from Silver Pastori website about Bergamasco’s coats:

“The Bergamasco’s coat is made up of hair, not fur and is considered to be non-shedding. I would like to make it clear that the Bergamasco hair does not cord, (cording is the twisting of hairs together to create a spiral strand). The Bergamasco coat is very different, in that the strands of hair weave together creating flat layers of hair, (called flocks). The definition of a flock is a tuft or lock of wool or hair. Each flock of hair ranges in width anywhere from an inch and half to three inches wide.”

Their coat of which you see Althea’s in the photo does not fully develop until they are three years old according to Silver Pastori’s website information.

IMG_1708 1200The best part I loved about Althea besides her stunning looks?  She is so sweet.   Normally shy, Ben told me, she cozied up next to me so I could pet her. He said she does not always do that so Ben said she must have sensed I’m a big dog lover.  Right on, Althea!  I am. What a joy it was to meet her and learn more about her.  And oh yes, of course, Ben too.  We chuckled as I realized a few moments into our conversation I had never asked his name. And so it goes, how dog’s open our world to meeting others, and I was happy to meet Ben as well.

So for those of you who still may be interested in seeing a photo of a Ferrari, ok, here is one I took last evening. But I must say it still will never compare to the beauty and love of a dog…. well, at least in my mind, that is.

IMG_1700 1200