therapy dog

Book Launch & Book Signing at Libby’s House- Senior Assisted Living

Posted by Barbara Techel


Mark your calendars!  Libby’s House, where Frankie is a resident therapy dog and where her new book takes place is sponsoring the official launch of our newest book!

When:  Sunday, February 28, 2010

Time:  1:00p.m.-3:00p.m.

Where:  Libby’s House East, 2683 Valley Road, Plymouth, WI  53073

For more information:  Contact Tracy Cinealis, Senior Living Specialist, 920-946-8730 or Barbara Techel, Author, 20-377-1749

Most of the residents at Libby’s House have Alzheimer’s desease or dementia.  We will be donating 30% of all books sales during this event to the Alzheimer’s Association.

We hope you can join us!

 

Best Christmas Gift of 2009

Posted by Barbara Techel

At my in-law’s home on Christmas Eve I gifted my three nieces and one nephew a copy of my newest book, Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House.  Since one of the themes of the book is making a difference in your own, unique way, as Frankie does even though she is disabled, I thought I’d encourage each of them to make a difference.  They each received an extra copy of the book and  I’ve asked them to donate it.  I gave them suggestions, but also said if they came up with an idea in how to make a difference with the book, to go for it!

John comes from a large family with 5 sisters and all their significant others and four grandkids, so it can be, well let’s say, a bit loud at family gatherings (but I love it).  So amongst the remaining gift opening, loud talk and laughter, my nieces and nephews sat in the middle of the living room floor reading their new Frankie books. Tears sprang to my eyes and it was the BEST gift ever!!  So I share photos of all of them as my Best Christmas Gift of 2009.

Announcing Release of Second Book in Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Book Series!

Posted by Barbara Techel

 Author Releases Second Book to Inspire Children and Seniors Who Have Special Needs or Disabilities

Author Barbara Techel and her 10-year-old daschund announce the release of their second book, Frankie The Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House.

We all face challenges in life, but dealing them is much easier when there’s support and understanding from significant others—even animals. Frankie is a dachshund who is paralyzed in her hind quarters as a result of an injury. But, she does not allow her physical challenges to limit her purpose or her gift of healing to others. Custom-fitted for a doggie wheelchair (dog cart), Frankie The Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog uses her disability to bring a message of hope and encouragement to young and old.

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House is a true story told from a therapy dog’s viewpoint. This, the second book in the series, tells how Frankie became a registered therapy dog and gives several personal accounts of her visits to the residents of Libby’s House, a senior facility where many residents have Alzheimer’s or dementia www.libbyshouse.com.

Frankie’s human mom and the book’s author, Barbara Techel, hoped for years to have a therapy dog and share the love that only a dog can bring. She wanted the dog to visit people who may not have animal contact on a regular basis.

“When Frankie was fitted for a doggie wheelchair, I wrote the first book and started taking her to local schools to entertain children,” says Barbara. “I realized Frankie would make a great therapy dog for adults as well as children. The fact that she is in a wheelchair makes her a bit more unique as she helps people in nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice identify on a deeper level. She has a challenge like many of them.”

Visiting Libby’s House once a month opened Barbara’s heart and eyes to realizing that people may not always understand what the elderly are going through, and all they want is someone to listen and spend time with them.

“I especially want children to not fear seniors who face the challenges brought on by aging,” says Ms. Techel. “I hope to encourage children to spend and cherish time with their own grandparents. I hope children will realize the beauty and wisdom in the elderly.”

“All one needs to do is see the expression in the eyes of those Frankie touches to know she is tangible love,” says Christine Thill, owner and RN administrator of Libby’s Housewhere Frankie volunteers. “When the body fails, the spirit soars! Frankie’s visits along with Barb’s gentle nature are a true blessing to Libby’s House.”

Because she is bringing positive awareness to animals with disabilities through her therapy dog work, Frankie was awarded the Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame Companion and is the official mascot for National Disabled Pets Day. This little dog teaches us that patience, listening, and understanding opens our hearts to what matters most—love.

Through Frankie’s example, Barbara hopes to encourage anyone facing a challenge.

Having a disability does not mean we don’t have gifts to offer. Each of us can give back to the world in our own, unique way. Frankie’s volunteer work is a great way to prompt others to get involved in their own communities and find a way to be of service. Barbara says the rewards are beyond anything she could have ever imagined.

Even though she and Frankie visit Libby’s House once a month, Barbara still enjoys sharing with children the messages in her books. In fact, she has found a new way to share Frankie’s story via Skype an Author Network whose mission is to provide K-12 teachers and librarians with a way to connect authors, books, and young readers through virtual classroom visits. See

http://tinyurl.com/SkypeBarbara to learn more.

Children are invited to follow Frankie, The Walk ‘N Roll Dog’s adventures on Frankie’s Blog: http://www.frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com/. Adults will find more information about caring for special needs animals on Barbara’s blog at http://www.joyfulpaws.com/.

You can order your copy today at our website or Amazon!

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Contact: Barbara Techel

Phone: 920-377-1749

E-mail: barbtechel (at) verizon.net

Web site: http://www.joyfulpaws.com/