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.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Big Therapy Little Dogs

Here's a story that will make your tail wag... and your heart go thump, thump, thump with love.
So proud of Lexy and Laci and their mom, Lori for all the good work they are doing!!




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Thursday, July 22, 2010

Cat Joy Ride on a Vacuum

Ok, so really, I do love kitty's!  I still miss my last feline pal, Dani who died a few years ago.  I think kitty's can be so funny... and this video proves it.  Enjoy!



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Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Come Meet Me at GermanFest in Milwaukee, WI!!...Sunday, July 25th

Two years ago my papa dressed me up like a train and mom and papa took me to GermanFest where oodles of doxie's were dressed in many costumes... it was an awesome day!  I'm happy to say I won a blue ribbon for my costume!!  Mom and papa brought me to the event to help spread awareness that despite me having IVDD and in a wheelchair, I am a happy pup.  Happy, happy indeed!


This year we will be heading back to GermanFest on Sunday, July 25th.  The festivities begin at noon.  We will have a table set up and I'll be pawtographing my books and donating a portion of proceeds to Dodgerslist.  I can't wait to see all the wiener dogs!!  So stop on by if you can and say hi.  Sure would love to meet you and say ARF!  Check out GermanFest website for my details!

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Thursday, July 15, 2010

Dodgerslist Now Offers Educational DVD on IVDD

Dodgerslist is dedicated to helping pet parents whose dogs have been diagnosed with IVDD (intervertebral disc disease). They were my mom's ray of sunshine and such an amazing amount of help when I was diagnosed with IVDD in 2006.


They have now put together an excellent educational DVD, All about IVDD: care & tips for living with disc disease. It is broken down into 5 helpful sections:

  • Hope for all
  • Two Treatments
  • Living with IVDD
  • Expressing bladder and bowels
  • Disc Extras
My mom had the honor or previewing the DVD and she said what a wonderful service Dodgerslist has done to help educate others and give them hope through this DVD. If you own a dog, even it it is not a dachshund, this DVD is a must to have and review. IVDD is very common in dachshunds but it can happen in other breeds as well, so best to be prepared and know your options.
The price is so affordable at $3.00 for the DVD. Buy a copy today  for yourself and one for your local veterinarian;s office to help spread the message that IVDD is not a death sentence and that there is hope.

And please help share this message about this wonderful education DVD and that there is hope by sharing with others.


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Tuesday, July 13, 2010

WLUK Channel 11 Shares Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dogs Story

It was an exciting day to say the least!  I got to meet 5-year old Cameron who LOVES wiener dogs AND Channel 11 traveled to my hometown to capture the story.  Thank you to producer/reporter Liz Lohuis, camerman Tyler, our good friend Victoria Nack and the Thein family for being a part of this very special morning!






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Monday, July 12, 2010

Woman's World Magazine Features Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog

I want to say a very big hot diggity dog thank you to Woman's World and writer, Kathy Fitzpatrick for sharing my story with your readers!  We are way beyond honored!
It is on newsstands NOW and the issue is July 19th, 2010... but hurry and get yours now as it is a weekly issue and will only be around for about 5 more days!


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Thursday, July 8, 2010

Frankie's Story on Newsstands TODAY- In Woman's World Magazine

Frankie's mom here.... Ok, so our timing was a bit off... we thought the issue would debut Monday, July 12th... but found out TODAY that the issue is actually out on many newsstands as of today, July 8th. So here is the cover and Frankie's story is on page 40.


I can't thank Woman's World enough, as well as writer Kathy Fitzpatrick for capturing our mission in such a beautiful way. I am so, so grateful.

Thank you also to Trisha Brunner of Legacy Studios for doing the photo shoot, as well as Hailey and McKayla Nack for being a part of the shoot. Though their pictures didn't make it in, I'm so grateful for their willingness to be a part of our very special day.

A big thank you to my husband, John who continually supports me in all that I do... as well as my mom who is so amazing in supporting me... and all my family and friends... thank you for sharing in our joy. It means so much to me.

Enjoy the article! And oh, yes, Frankie's story will be featured on WLUK, Channel 11 this Sunday, July 11th at two different times. One between 7:00a and 8:00a and then again between 9:00pm & 10:00pm. If this is not a channel in your area, visit WLUK website for a live link!


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Thursday, July 1, 2010

July Pet Holidays to Celebrate

JULY
• National Rat Catcher's Day, July 22

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