Thank you to the Green Bay Gazette for the wonderful write up of our recent visit to Kress Family Library in DePere, Wisconsin.
Reprinted from Green Bay Gazette
Author Barbara Techel’s wheelchair-bound miniature dachshund Frankie rests her head on the table as Techel reads one of her award-winning books at the Kress Family Library Branch in De Pere on Friday. / Evan Siegle/Press-Gazette
Author Barbara Techel simply wants to uplift children through her books.
The self-proclaimed animal lover spent time on Friday at the Kress Family Branch Library in De Pere doing just that with her words — and with an adorable assist from her canine companion.
Frankie, an 11-year-old miniature dachshund, is the inspiration for Techel’s series of children’s books that promote positive attitudes. “Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog” and “Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House
,” tell how the dog overcame a major medical challenge and has been spreading joy to others ever since.
“Frankie’s story is so uplifting,” said Techel, who lives in Elkhart Lake. “Even faced with a hardship, she has remained positive.”
Five years ago, Frankie ruptured a disk in her back, leaving her confined to a dog cart. Not knowing how her dog was going to respond to being unable to walk on all four paws, Techel was pleasantly surprised at Frankie’s willingness to continue as if nothing had happened.
“Frankie was really challenged as she was put into a wheelchair. Despite that, her spirits remained positive,” she said.
Already an author by the time Frankie began to have medical problems, Techel was inspired by the dog to share her story through children’s books. The two of them have made more than 300 visits to schools, libraries and organizations in Wisconsin to help encourage children and adults to overcome adversity.
After the reading at the library, there was a long line of children waiting to talk with Techel, purchase books, and of course, pet Frankie.
“I wanted to take Frankie home with me,” said 7-year-old Venna VanRemortr. “It was really good.”
VanRemortr and her older sister, Athena, come to the summer readings at the library with their grandmother Sybil Warner. This time, they say they were happy to be able to interact with the dog.
“We loved it,” Warner said. “She was so articulate when reading, and it all flowed nicely.”
— kmccrae@greenbaypressgazette .com and follow her on Twitter @PGKelcieMcCrae
