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, November 30, 2009

Review of Children's Book, "The Sid Series"




I will have the honor to host Yvonne Perry, Author of The Sid Series tomorrow right here on my blog! Yvonne has written an article called"Dealing with the Death of a Pet." It will surely help every child, so be sure to return tomorrow, Dec. 1st to read this wonderful article. And on a side note, Yvonne calls me her BFF (best friends forever)... I'm a lucky, lucky dog to have her for my friend!


My mom read Yvonne's book The Sid Series to me and I thought it was dog-gone good! So good, I urged my mom to write a review. So here it is:


Bravo to Yvonne Perry for writing this book to help children through challenging issues in a gentle, kind and spiritual way! From dealing with the death of a pet, learning inner guidance and understanding destiny and making choices (to name just a few) these stories are tender, beautiful lessons a parent or grandparent can share with their children. This book is truly a treasure to help every child see themselves as a gift, and help them grow into the person they were meant to be.Purchase a copy of Yvonne's book today as a great gift for the holidays! Arf-a-roo!! Be sure to stop back again tomorrow for Yvonne's article.


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Help Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog Win Money for Disabled Pets

So here is the scoop. My mom entered me in a contest sponsored by Hallmark Hall of Fame, titled, A Dog Named Christmas dog photo contest. If you vote for me (which you can do once a day until Dec. 15th) and if I win I would receive $1,000 to donate to a charity of my choice.
My choice is the Tinkerbell Fairy Dust Fund which is through the Animal Miracle Foundation. This fund helps animals who need wheelchairs.
So all you have to do is vote for me once a day up until Dec. 15th! Vote here!
The competition is stiff as you can imagine because there are many, many beautiful and cute dogs all over the world!! No matter who wins, the money won will be a great thing for the charity that receives it!
Thank you for your help!

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Friday, November 20, 2009

EastMinster Pet Radio Show Replay

You can catch the replay of this show with Susan Bradley interviewing my mom on how our adventure began when I became paralyzed and how it has evolved to educating others about disabilities in animals.

EastMinster Pet Radio Show Replay

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Greyhounds Need to Find Homes-- SOON!

Dairyland Greyhound Racetrack in Kenosha, Wisconsin will be closing on December 31, 2009.

900 Greyhounds will need to be adopted otherwise they will be euthanized, now is a great time to consider adopting a Greyhound. They are very loving and laid back. They don’t need the space people think they need. They are great for an active family because they have been crated almost all their lives and they sleep about 18 out of the 24 hours a day. They are just looking for someone to love them and supply them with a warm bed!!!! They test the dogs to see if they are cat friendly and or small dog friendly. They also know if a dog should be a single dog or if they would be great in a 2, 3, or 4 dog house!!! Please help me get the word out; we only have 6 weeks to get this task done.

Joanne KehoeOperations DirectorP: 312.559.0887Or Dairyland Race Track Adoption Center direct at (262) 612-8256

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Thursday, November 19, 2009

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

Author Releases Second Book to Inspire Children andSeniors 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 http://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 House where 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.typepad.com/.
You can order your copy today by visiting our store on-line or order at Amazon.

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Contact: Barbara Techel
Phone: 920-377-1749
E-mail: barbtechel (at) verizon.net
Web site: http://www.joyfulpaws.com/
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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Frankie "Virtually" goes to Paralympics in Whistler, Canada

I've got the coolest friends in Canada! They made "Flat Frankie's" of me and took me to the Olympics and Paralympics and then made this awesome video!! Wait till you see me on the bobsled!! ARF-A-ROO!!!

http://www.facebook.com/v/1247898550807

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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Frankie's Activity Book On Sale!

I love a good bargain, don't you? Mom just bought me this really cool pumpkin sweater that was 75% off... WOW!

So, I want to have a sale too on my activity book... I know times are tough, so I want to help out where I can.

Now through December 25th my activity book is only $8.00! Normally it is $11.95. PLUS it is only $3.00 for shipping of 1-2 books.

Great time to stock up for those cold winter nights or rainy days.
**A portion of all book sales is donated to disabled animal chairities**

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Friday, November 6, 2009

FREE Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog Coloring Page & More!

I love Friday's... well, OK, I love everyday cause I have a great life! But anyways, I wanted to give you a special gift because I love having you as my friends!!

So here is the link to download a Frankie coloring page AND Frankie word search puzzle. Be sure to print the coloring page out on a 8.5 x 14 legal size page so you fit me all on the page!!

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the gifts... and oh, that's right. Mom reminded me to have you also check out the special we are running!! My activity book is just $8.00 through the holidays! Normally it is $11.95.

Please feel free to share the link above with your friends too!!

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Thursday, November 5, 2009

Basket Ball Dog!

Ok, so this is way cool! Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUqUfsBi4uI

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Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Meet a Dog Named Cheeseburger

Not all dogs are lucky like I am to have a warm, soft bed to sleep in everyday. I love being snug as a bug... especially on cold winter days. My mom shared this story with me of a homeless dog named Cheeseburger, so I wanted to share with you too. Let's be grateful for all that we have... just like Cheeseburger is... and remember to live in the moment and take one day at a time... just as he teaches us. Good dog, Cheeseburger, good dog.

Here's the story!

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Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Psychedelic Fur has me Rocking and Rolling in a "Bone Jovi" T-Shirt!

My friends over at Who's Your Dachshund featured Psychedlic Fur as a sponsor giving away two very cool T-shirts... and I won!! Hot diggity Dog! So, I picked the T-shirt Bone Jovi, cause I am a real rock 'n roller!

Here's a little more information about this wonderful company:

PSYCHEDELIC FUR was launched in New York in 2005 by music industry executive and passionate dog lover, Lori Lambert, when she adopted her Havanese puppy, Louie. Unsatisfied with the merchandise she saw in the shops, Lori decided to create her own. Her true love for music, rock ‘n’ roll and (of course) dogs morphed into Psychedelic Fur! In June 2008, Los Angeles-based Teri Hertz partnered with Lori to launch their "official" line of paw-litical tees and bandanas. PetsVote.com products drew national and international media raves featuring specially designed campaign items for Bark Obama and McCanine.

PSYCHEDELIC FUR has been featured on The CBS Morning Show, The Style Network, New York’s WPIX-TV CW 11 News, Us Magazine, People Magazine, The Martha Stewart Show, the Associated Press, Home Shopping Network, New York Magazine’s Intelligencer, and Perez Hilton.com.Partial proceeds from all PSYCHEDELIC FUR sales are donated to a rotating list of local and national animal shelters.
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Sunday, November 1, 2009

The Amazing Skidboot

Hey friends... Skidboot is the most amazing dog!! He will teach you so much about life and this is a MUST WATCH video for everyone.
Enjoy!!
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