It’s like Dee Dee Murry and her dog Hallie, and me and my dog, Frankie, lived parallel lives.
While my dachshund, Frankie, became paralyzed and was ultimately fitted for a custom dog wheelchair, and learned to move through the world in a new way, and became known as Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog, Hallie became blind and learned to navigate the world in her own unique way too and would become a star in her own right also and become known as Puppy Picasso.
Standing beside these two pint-sized dogs were two women— each determined to do whatever they could to help their furry companions live a quality of life. From that, each found a purpose and a calling they couldn’t deny. All four would ultimately positively affect the lives of thousands of others through the sharing of their stories to inspire and encourage young and old through difficult times.
When Dee Dee contacted me asking if I’d consider reviewing the book she was writing to share the story of Hallie— Puppy Picasso the true story of a little blind dog who could paint— I was beyond honored. The journey we each walked separately with our pups, but together in a bond that will never be broken, was something I wasn’t about to turn away from.
I knew reading Hallie’s story would bring back memories of my life with Frankie and would likely cause some tears to be shed, but I also knew that I’d likely be reminded of the joy, rewards, and love that can be encountered when we open to see our challenges in a positive way through the eyes of our animal friends.
And I wasn’t wrong. There were tears mixed in with smiles and giggles, but most of all, a depth of connection and understanding that I had relating to what Dee Dee and Hallie went through and how it ultimately and profoundly changed both their lives for the better.
The love between a human and a pet is an extraordinary experience that has the potential to change one’s life in unimaginable ways. Such is the deeply enriching and touching story of Hallie, the blind dachshund who learns to paint, and her devoted human and artistic mom, Dee Dee. Their story of triumph in the face of adversity will open a tender place in your heart. Not only do they each flourish despite obstacles, but they find a way in which to give back to dogs in need, and forever and positively change the lives of countless others—both canine and human. There is nothing the human spirit can’t do with a furry friend as your guide and champion!
Dee Dee and Hallie’s book is available here on Amazon.
To learn more about Dee Dee and her exquisite animal art and pet portraits visit her website here.
My wheelie dog, Frankie, from one of my favorite photos of her. I decided to take this photo of her next to the book “Be More Dog.” I couldn’t help but think she is admiring and saying, “Way to go, Jerry G. Dawg for spreading a positive message!”
As many of you know if you’ve been here on my blog since it began in 2007, my life took a pivotal turn when my dachshund, Frankie, became paralyzed and would live the remaining six years of her life in a wheelchair. It changed me on a deep level and one which I remain grateful for today.
There is just something about those ‘special needs’ dogs that will always touch my heart. One evening my husband, John was scrolling a group we belong to on Facebook called R-pod owners. Those of us who own these modern, but with a vintage flair campers, share many ideas, places we visit with our R-pods, and ask questions when we are stumped.
But this night, John came across a book someone posted called, Be More Dog – Learning to Live in the Now – Enjoying Every Day to the Fullest on the Road to Happiness and he tagged me on the post. The book is written by a couple, Jim Nelson and Rene Agredano, and tells the story of their German shepherd who is diagnosed with bone cancer and has his front limb amputated. After his recovery, they make the decision to hit the road in their RV to make the best of the time they have left with their dog, Jerry G. Dawg.
Not only have John and I shared our life with three special needs dachshunds over the years, two of which had wheelchairs, but our first dog, a chocolate Lab was diagnosed with the same thing as Jerry G. Dawg. Though her tumor was in her hip and pressing on her spine which made surgery too great of a risk. We opted for an experimental drug at the time which gave her another quality of life ten months.
So I just knew I had to read this book and ordered it right away. It only took me three nights to read as it pulled me along on their adventures.
While I’ve never experienced life with a Tripawd like the amazing and sweet Jerry G. Dawg, I understand the heart of what Rene and Jim experienced.
Their love for Jerry is so evident in the pages of Be More Dog. The fact that they just knew they had to spread a positive message about tripod dogs makes this story even more special as they then formed a Tripawd community. They have helped thousands of people with pets who have lost a limb.
As I read their story, my heart rejoiced with them as they encountered people on their travels who often had never met a 3-legged dog and the pride and joy they took in educating others sharing with them that Jerry was still an active, loving and happy dog. It brought back fond memories of my wheelie dog, Frankie when we educated young and old through my children’s books and memoir, and visiting schools and libraries, that paralyzed dogs can live fulfilling lives too.
I walked in understanding beside them as the story evolves to that day we all know will come, but find it so hard to bear. I applaud them for really feeling through every emotion and doing what they felt was best for Jerry each step of the way.
I was especially moved by a chapter in the book where they meet an intuitive animal healer. They had made their way to a campground in Vermont when they were approached one evening by the daughter of the campgrounds founders, Lesley.
She was intrigued by Jerry and explained, “I work with pets and people to take them on spiritual journeys. I try to heal souls and make people happier by helping them understand their animal companions better.” She asked if she could do a reading on Jerry to which they agreed.
When she relayed back to them what she received, it was confirmation for them that those times they doubted if they were doing the right and best for Jerry, that Lesley assured them that Jerry was happy and pleased for the opportunity he’d been given.
Rene and Jim had recorded what Lesley shared with them. I was really touched at the end of the short clip when Lesley said, “When the healthier you are, the healthier your pets will be.”
This was something I learned and became so much more aware of and the teaching I received from my dog, Gidget, and which I wrote about in my memoir (and soon to be released), I’m Fine Just the Way I Am- Healing Emotional Pain through the Wisdom of Animals and Oracles.
In 2018 as I did the inner work I was being called to do to heal a past wound, I eventually came to feel a healing shift within myself. As I continued on my self-healing path I was honored and given the most precious gift of witnessing in Gidget a shift in her energy also. By doing my healing work not only did it bring more stability, peace and calm to my life, but it gave this same gift to Gidget.
As Rene and Jim continued their journey with Jerry G. Dawg they too are changed on a level that one can’t always express in words, but can only be felt by the heart.
Special needs dog or not, Be More Dog is one every animal lover should read. But what makes a story such as this one so impactful is that within a special needs animal, we are given the opportunity to see into ourselves the parts of us that feel wounded. And this is where the true beauty of this story shines because animals truly want us to heal and why they stand beside us with such devotion and loyalty.
So bravo to Jerry G. Dawg! And to Rene and Jim for their words on the pages about their beautiful and touching journey with you. It left this dog lover with a heart that expanded once again because of the teachings of Dog that never fail to make us better humans.
xo,
Barbara
P.S. Rene is also a metalsmith and makes the most beautiful paw print and cat and dog jewelry. Check it out!
Here’s a short video to learn more about Be More Dog.
I cried hard as a smile slowly came across my face. This precious gift is from my mom and now hangs on my living room wall.
The picture in its entirety – I had to crop top one for Facebook requirements
Sometimes it’s hard to believe this is a complete chapter in our lives that lasted almost twenty years. A path I didn’t plan on taking but that I would end up caring for three special needs dachshunds.
I love gazing at this as a reminder to reflect on all the beautiful memories and profound teachings I gained from three sweet souls. I know with absolute truth that I wouldn’t be who I am today without Frankie, Joie, and Gidget. Nor would John.
I feel blessed to have captured the teachings of each of them in three memoirs, Through Frankie’s Eyes, Wisdom Found in the Pause – Joie’s Gift, and the one I’m currently finishing, I’m Fine Just the Way I Am.
While I don’t know what the next chapter in my life will be, looking at this picture brings me into a space within my heart that feels gratitude…so much gratitude.
There’s really not much more I can say about this special gift because this is definitely a case where a picture speaks a thousand words (times three!!).
XO,
Barbara
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I was especially moved by a chapter in the book where they meet an intuitive animal healer. They had made their way to a campground in Vermont when they were approached one evening by the daughter of the campgrounds founders, Lesley.
