Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog keeps rolling along in her doggie wheelchair. This paralyzed dachshund’s unabashed healing,
exuberant spirit, and spunky personality is a blessed gift to everyone she befriends. In this true, inspirational story, Frankie tells how she became a registered therapy dog and shares her
visits to Libby’s House, a senior facility where many residents have Alzheimer’s or dementia. Frankie teaches us that patience, listening, and understanding opens our hearts to what matters
most—love.
The Story Behind This Book
I was so inspired by doing therapy dog visits with my dog, Frankie to a senior assisted living, and one man in particular who really touched my heart. He had Alzheimer's and so loved his visits with Frankie. He would get down on the floor and lay next to Frankie and enjoy each moment with her.
In my visits I realized it was so simple to give back, and that all the elderly really want is others to spend some time with them and listen.
Praise and Reviews
With this lovely book, Frankie will win your heart and inspire children to overcome whatever obstacles they face in life. Told from Frankie’s viewpoint, this journey from using a wheelchair (dog cart) to finding her purpose as a therapy dog is not only
touching but also shows children how much joy, healing, and hope a dog can bring to this world. Outstanding! ~Linda and Allen Anderson, authors of Angel Animal Books
Frankie keeps on rolling, this time in her new role as a therapy dog. She teaches us by example to be more loving and accepting of one another. As she makes new friends, she rolls with their physical and mental challenges, gracefully bridging the infirmities of old age to make true friends. We grieve with her when one of her elderly friends passes on and celebrate when she makes another new friend. Barbara and Frankie share true love and a wonderful sense of humor. This book carries a powerful message for children and adults alike,
rolled out with character, caring, and compassion. Beautifully done!
~Jenny Pavlovic, author of 8 State Hurricane Kate: The Journey and Legacy of a Katrina Cattle Dog and the Not Without My Dog Resource & Record Book
Libby's house is a special place and so is Frankie. Frankie, who has a physical disability and must use a dog cart wheelchair is also a therapy dog. Frankie offers love, companionship and joy as he patiently befriends senior citizens at Libby's House when taken there by his owner on regular visits. A wonderful book to use in which to teach the young about individuals with special needs and various challenges that seniors (grandparents) often encounter as they and/or their situations change.
Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author of "Slinging Stones..."
Former Co-founder& Director of Parents Focused on Education
Barbara Techel has just become one of my favorite authors of children's books. That is saying a lot considering I've been teaching third graders for thirty-five years. Through her book Frankie: The Walk 'n Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House, children will be able to learn many of life's lessons. I am always on the lookout for books that can take children beyond the academics and into learning that will affect their relationships.
At our elementary school, we strive to achieve community-building activities that will increase children's awareness of the world around them and just what it takes to make our community the best environment possible for learning. Children need to feel safe
and cared about, and the lessons learned from Frankie are invaluable in that direction.
The prequel to this book, Frankie: The Walk 'n Roll Dog, helps children to discover that adversity doesn't have to mean giving up. Frankie teaches readers that life is about taking challenges. There is no better
way for children to learn this than by reading about this very special dog and her owner, Barbara.
In the second book, we learn that Frankie becomes a therapy dog. She visits Libby's House and the residents there look forward to
the time that they get to spend with her. What a lesson to learn! If a dog can provide this need, children can discover that they, too, can bring joy into people's lives. They can find out that by giving to others their life is enriched.
Both of these books are both beautifully written and illustrated. I am thrilled to share these books with my students, my school, and
my readers. It is with all sincerity that Barbara Techel gives of herself and shares Frankie with the world. I, for one, am grateful to have connected with this author and her books. Thank you, Barbara Techel for all that you are doing for children, adults, and animals. You are making a difference in this world of ours. ~Joyce Gilmour, Copy Editor and Book Reviewer
