The Frankie Wheelchair Fund

You’ve Just Got to Meet Chelsea!

Posted by Barbara Techel

chelsea

Chelsea is only two years old. This is the first time since being born that she is standing upright.

While her mom was pregnant with her she had parvovirus which caused Chelsea to be born with Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH)- a condition in which parts of the cerebellum have not completely developed. The cerebellum makes up a large part of the brain, lying under the cerebrum and toward the back, above and behind the brainstem.)

Because of CH she is not able to stand upright to get around. But now she can because of being granted a wheelchair through The Frankie Wheelchair Fund.

Andrea, her angel here on earth, adopted her about a month ago from the humane society, where Andrea is a volunteer. Chelsea was found with over 60 other dogs and likely inbreeding of many of the dogs with Chelsea having had several litters of pups herself already.

Andrea told me that every day she is practicing with Chelsea to help her to learn to roll in her wheels. She said that she can tell that Chelsea is so curious and happy to be up and exploring.

It will take time as Chelsea has to build up her muscles which never had a chance to do so before this.  But now she has someone in her life who is relishing in caring for her and helping her be the best dog she can possibly be.

Chelsea is  taking little steps at a time and Andrea said she seems to be enjoying all the new smells that come from being able to explore higher up.

I don’t know about you, but I really do think Chelsea is smiling and thanking her lucky stars for finding her way to Andrea!

chelsea 2

Chelsea’s wheelchair custom made by Eddie’s Wheels.

Stay tuned to meet BlueBell, the dachshund, who is the 42nd recipient of a wheelchair from The Frankie Wheelchair Fund!

If you’d like to help more dogs like Chelsea with the gift of mobility please consider a donation via the website or our ongoing Go Fund Me campaign. I continue to be so grateful for the help so that more dogs can live full, long, quality, happy lives. Thank you! Thank you!

Meet Nora! 39th Paralyzed Dog Granted Wheelchair thru Frankie Wheelchair Fund

Posted by Barbara Techel

nora

It’s hard to believe I’m sharing that this is the 39th dog The Frankie Wheelchair Fund has granted a wheelchair to.  But how excited I am to share Nora!

She has IVDD and is permanently paralyzed, but has happily adjusted to her wheelchair. She is now free to run and play and do most dog things like she did before. Now that is cause for celebration, don’t you think?

To think about Nora and so many dogs who now have wheelchairs, going for walks and enjoying life to the fullest, well, that just makes my heart soar with joy!

Nora’s wheels custom-made by Eddie’s Wheels.

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As always, I welcome donations to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund which helps me to help disabled dogs from low-to-no income families or in rescue who are in need of a wheelchair. I can’t do it without the generosity of others and I’m grateful for every $1 others are willing to donate.

The average cost of a wheelchair is about $380 and go as high as $1,500. It all depends on the need of the dog.

You can donate in one of two ways. Either by clicking the photo on left which will take you to our site where you can donate via paypal or credit card. Or by clicking on the GofundMe photo. Or please help me spread the word!

frankie wheelchair fund logo

 

To learn more please visit National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day (for the Frankie Wheelchair Fund).

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Give Paralyzed Dogs the Gift of Mobility

Posted by Barbara Techel

Since 2012 I’ve been carrying on Frankie’s legacy – a mission her and I started together – to be a positive voice for paralyzed dogs – to help others see that dogs do live fulfilling lives even when using a dog wheelchair.

As many of you know, who follow my online journal (thank you!), this fund has granted to date, 40 wheelchairs to dogs in need. The majority we have granted the full amount of the cost of a wheelchair, some partial if their owner is able to contribute something toward the wheels, and two we have covered the cost of shipping.

It all matters. To be a part of giving the gift of mobility to a paralyzed dog truly is rewarding.

So while I have the Frankie Wheelchair Fund set up to donate via Paypal on National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day website, I was also recently encouraged to start a Go Fund Me campaign. It will run indefinitely as that is the beauty of Go Fund Me. It’s also another great avenue in which to get the word out about this special mission.

So here is where I’m asking for your help. While I know money can be tight for many, and I understand that completely – but if you’d be willing to share this campaign on your Facebook page, Twitter, Pinterest, blog, or with family and friends, I’d be so grateful. It would really help me to spread the word, so that more dogs can be helped. And of course, if you know of anyone who would like to donate, that will allow the fund to help even more paralyzed dogs.

I take the funding very seriously and have an application process in place. Not everyone is approved, but I feel the process I have is needed and fair. If I’m not quite sure about an applicant, I have others I turn to to help me in the decision making process.

Just to review also The Frankie Wheelchair Fund requirements for those granted a wheelchair:

1.) A photo to be submitted once dog is up and rolling in their wheelchair so I can share via my social media avenues – and they are forever displayed on National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day website.

2.) The wheelchair is donated to another dog when it no longer needed, or it is donated back to Eddie’s Wheels (where they are originally purchased from) – so that they may be adjusted to fit another dog in need.

I’m excited about this new avenue with Go Fund Me, but also know that I can’t do this alone. And gosh, if not for everyone who helped me along the way, I couldn’t have helped so many already. I welcome your help in helping me spread the word and say right now a grateful thank you!

…and if you have any helpful suggestions in other ways to spread the word, I’m open to that too.

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Should you enjoy the writing you find here, you may wish to subscribe to my newsletter (on right hand side of post) or my RSS Feed. I’d love it if you would also share through your favorite social media network. Thanks for visiting!