About Me

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Barbara Techel is the author of the multi-award winning Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog book series. When her dachshund, Frankie, suffered a spinal injury, Barbara had her custom-fitted for a wheelchair. Frankie persevered, and Barbara realized the beautiful opportunity she had to share Frankie and give others hope and inspiration to be the best they can be. Along with sharing Frankie’s story with children, Barbara and Frankie routinely volunteer as a therapy dog team at a local hospital, senior assisted facility, and hospice community, spreading joy wherever they go.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Goodbye to My Friend Emma Lee

Me and Emma Lee when she stayed for a sleep over

My chocolate lab friend, Emma Lee went to heaven on Wednesday, August 25th. I know she will see her sister, Rudi again. I asked her to please say hi to my chocolate lab sister, Cassie Jo also. I will miss Emma Lee. She was a good friend to me when Cassie Jo died. She came to stay at my house for a few days after I lost my sister. She brought me lots of comfort and I got to lick her ears. See you again someday my friend....




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Monday, August 24, 2009

Radio Show Host, Bob Tarte, of Pet Life Radio Interview My Mom

Bob Tarte is the author of "Enslaved By Ducks" as well as radio host of "What Were You Thinking" on Pet Life Radio. He recently interviewed my mom. He ususally does shows about exotic pets but was so intrigued by a dog on wheels (that's me!!) that he asked my mom on his show so she could share my story.

So, without further ado, here is the interview. Click on bottom link on right hand side, "What Were You Thinking." It is episode #40.

Friday, August 21, 2009

The Pet Playground Radio Show




I am so excited cause my mom will be on Sage Lewis, The Creature Teacher's Radio show, The Pet Playgound, this SUNDAY, AUGUST 23rd! Show begins at 6:00p CST. My mom will be on from approx. 6:10p-6:35p. Sage will then have Mark C. Robinson, founder of Handicapped Pets on the call. I hope you can join us and even call in and ask Mark or I a question!! Here is the info:
The Pet Playground- Your Place to Play
Stream Live (not in Minnesota? use 55117 zip code)
Call in # 952-946-6205
This will be a resourceful, inspirational and educational show to catch!! Hope you can join, Sage, Mark and I!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

It's a Birthday Celebration!!



I love birthday's... and today I turn a whole big 10! That is only 56 in hooman years... check out the new updated dog chart for your dog's hooman age.
Today I will visit the patients at Sharon S. Richarson Hospice and wear my birthday hat for them, as you see above. I hope it will make them smile. I have a feeling it will.
I just want to say to each of you who follow my adventures... a BIG THANK YOU... ARF-A-ROO... I feel like the luckiest dog in the world to have so many who love me... and I love all of you right back. WOOF!!

In honor of my birthday please go hug your dog, your cat, your horse, your bird, your ferret... or whover it is you love!! ARF-A-ROO!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Flat Frankie Friend!


Remember when I was at the library and had the kids decorate large cut-outs of me (Flat Frankie's)? It was so fun watching the kids! Well, one young boy couldn't be there for this class, so we sent his flat Frankie via mail... all the way to Alaska!! His name is Koya and my mom and I loved having him in our class... he is so nice and sweet. Here he is with his flat Frankie. Job well done, Koya!!

Monday, August 17, 2009

A Tribute To Matthew

Mom and I have a soft heart for animals with disabilities. So when my Mom got an email from Marsha, who was Matthew's mom, she just had to write a story about this sweet guy. To read this tribute to Matthew head on over to my mom's blog.






Friday, August 14, 2009

Wisconsin Week for the Animals Continues...




Hey friends, be sure and check out Wisconsin Week for the Animals to see what is happening this weekend, as Wisconsin Week for the Animals continues. This is the first offical year for this tail-wagging event which was recently declared by WI Governor Jim Doyle.

Drats and double drats we got rained out last week for the Farmer's Market, but hot-diggity dog, I will be there tomorrow with my mom signing books! Hope you can come see us!... and be sure to check out what else is going on! Loads of fun!!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Check out my new duds from Hug-A-Dog!


Hey all you dogs and dog lovers out there! Check out my cool new vest from Hug-A-Dog! Not only is it stylish, but serves a very slick purpose! The D-ring on the back is where mom attaches my leash so when I walk there is no pressure on my neck or spine. For you dogs out there who like to pull ahead on your leash, this is a must have vest! And the "handle" on the back helps to secure you in the car. Mom or Dad just needs to slip the seat belt through the handle, and buckle you in... and away you go!!!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable Pet Day

Awww, isn't this just the greatest??? My mom tells me everyday how blessed she is to have me for her dog even though my back legs don't work so well.
How awesome there is now a day, today, August 12th dedicated to bring awareness to senior animals, as well as special needs animals in shelters and rescue that so deserve to be in loving homes. PLEASE, please read the article and pass it along. By doing so you will be helping to bring a positive light to these special animals and just might help them find a home. Arf-a-roo!!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Book Review: Hobo Finds A Home

Okay, so I can't read, since I happen to be a dog. But, my mom read me this really sweet book by children's author, Kevin Coolidge and we both loved it. So my mom wrote a review for it and I am sharing it with all of you!

Book Review for Hobo Finds A Home
Sweet, endearing, creative, and simply heart-warming. Hobo is a darling kitten whose imagination will make you smile.
Kids will giggle, as well as adults, when they read this part in the story: “Hobo tried to make friends with a black and white spice kitty but was chased away… by a horrible smell.”
Hobo leaves a farm where he is unhappy and tries to make friends with various animals along the way. He finally follows a wonderful man home who can’t resist the sweetness and funny antics of Hobo.
This book was written because the author, Kevin Coolidge, believes everyone deserves a second chance. I couldn’t agree with him more, especially when it comes to animals. A portion of all book proceeds will be donated to Second Chance Animal Sanctuary. You can order a copy of Kevin's book here.



Monday, August 10, 2009

ASPCA Animaland Just for Kids!

Ok, friends, you just gotta check out this fun new website from ASPCA for kids who love animals!! What a great site for kids. And parents and teachers there is a special educational website for you too to help teach kids about animals so be sure and check that out too! I was so delighted to see this from ASPCA that I almost did a wheelie in my dog cart!!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Jack Hanna Visits Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary

WOW WEE! Can you believe it? My mom and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Rolling Dog Ranch and Jack Hanna and his wife visited them to film a TV show. How hot-diggity cool is that? And that is one of the animals at the ranch in the photo... blind Callie who is doing the perfect doxie pose and trying to fly upside down... we doxie's can really fly, you know!

Here is an expert from Rolling Dog Ranch blog:
Yesterday we hosted wildlife expert Jack Hanna, his wife Suzi, and their film crew who were here to do a story on our animals for their TV show 'Into The Wild.' The local paper, the Missoulian, sent a reporter and photographer out to the ranch to interview the Hanna's about their visit with us and the other Montana topics they're going to be covering on this trip. Be sure to read the full story here! Congratulations to everyone at the ranch! We are so proud of you!



Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Some Doggie Friends with Wheels Brought to You by Eddie's Wheels

Daisy

Grace





Grey


Otis

These doggie friends are brought to you by Eddie's Wheels, the company who also made my wheels and gave me back my freedom to be a dawg! To all the dogs in the world in wheels... Keep on Rolling! You are the BEST!!!








Wisconsin Governor Doyle Declares WI Week for the Animals Aug. 8-16th, 2009


How cool is this, huh? WI Week for the Animals! Speaking from a dog's point of view, we animals have lots we can teach humans, and how wonderful to be recognized with Week for the Animals. We are honored. Be sure and check out the website for details, as well as read the press release below. As always, ARF-A-ROO!

Governor Jim Doyle Officially Proclaims 1st Wisconsin Week for the Animals August 8-16, 2009!
(Madison, Wisconsin) Animal World USA is pleased to announce that Governor Jim Doyle has officially proclaimed 1st Wisconsin Week for the Animals from August 8-16, 2009. During the extraordinary week, animal shelters, rescue groups, and humane organizations across the state will be hosting wonderful animal-related special events which will be strengthening communities throughout the state. Educators, students, businesses and caring citizens across the state will be joining into celebrate and help animals.

Events will include adoption fairs, low cost spay/neuter events, emergency sheltering workshop, R.E.A.D. dog programs in libraries, puppy mill awareness activities, motorcycle ride to benefit the animals, book signings, BINGO for homeless animals, golf outing to help shelter pets, Catapalooza celebration, donation drives, dog washes to benefit shelters and therapy animals visiting hospitals.

Also to be included are a salute to our working K-9 and handlers, pet first aid, care & safety seminars, educational programs at the zoos and museums, blessing for the animals, and full-filled festivals for families to enjoy friendship, food, music on behalf of the always amazing animals and with so much more being planned! Scores of precious lives will be saved and new exciting relationships will be built in Wisconsin communities during the week.

Please note events and activities will be added right up to the kick off of the week. For more info, please call 877-454-0807. See the calendar of events and learn how to become involved on the official website at http://wisconsinanimals.org/
WI Gov Doyle declares Aug 8-16 WI Week for the Animals, http://ping.fm/2Z6uy

Monday, August 3, 2009

Books Go Beyond Reading shares a wonderful review of "Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog Activity Book." http://ping.fm/FssIY

Saturday, August 1, 2009

See how U can easily (& free) help this doxie on wheels raise $$ for Handicapped Pets Foundation, http://ping.fm/4v2Wf