Frankie's blog
🔗 www.frankiethewalknrolldog.com
Barbara Techel is a passionate advocate for dogs with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and dogs in wheelchairs. She is also passionate about helping others see their challenges in a positive way. After her dachshund, Frankie suffered a spinal injury she was custom-fitted for a wheelchair and Barbara realized the beautiful opportunity she had to spread a positive message that animals with disabilities can and do live quality lives if given a chance.
In her newest book, "Through Frankie's Eyes" she takes you on a journey that led her to live her own truth and live with more joy, all because of what Frankie taught her along the way.
In August 2012 she founded National Walk 'N Roll Dog Day in memory of Frankie and in honor of all dogs in wheelchairs. She also started the Frankie Wheelchair Fund which helps dogs who need wheelchairs whose families may not be able to afford them, or for dogs in rescue.
She is the award-winning author of the children's book series "Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog" which are true, inspirational stories about her paralyzed dachshund. Frankie teaches us that no matter our challenges, we can persevere with a positive attitude. And despite our challenges we can each give back in our own, unique way. Frankie was inducted into the Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame as Companion Dog in 2009.
From 2007-2012 Barbara Techel & her paralyzed dog, Frankie, known as the “walk ‘n roll dog” inspired thousands of children (and adults!) to be positive in the face of challenges through her award-winning children’s book series Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog. They made over 650 appearances to schools & libraries, & as a therapy dog team visiting local facilities.
Barbara's books have received National Best Book for children's picturebook, Merial Human-Animal Bond award, Editor's Choice from Allbooks Review, Indie Excellence finalist and Indie Excellence winner.
Frankie's story also appears in Every Dog Has a Gift by Rachel McPhearson, Penguin/Tarcher March 2010, Dogs and the Women Who Love Them: Extraordinary True Stories of Love, Healing and Inspiration by Linda and Allen Anderson, New World Library Nov. 2010 and Animals and the Kids Who Love them: Extraordinary True Stories of Hope, Healing, and Compassion by Linda and Allen Anderson, New World Library Nov. 2011.
Also featured in Woman's World magazine, The American Dog, Dog Living magazine, USAToday.com and AOL PawNation and countless blogs and articles on line.
Here’s where you can find Barbara:
<p>In 1066, the rivalry between two brothers brought England to its knees. When Duke William of Normandy landed at Pevensey on September 28, 1066, no one was there to resist him. King Harold Godwineson was in the north, fighting his brother Tostig and a fierce Viking invasion. How could this have happened? Why would Tostig turn traitor to wreak revenge on his brother?<br />The Sons of Godwine were not always enemies. It took a massive Northumbrian uprising to tear them apart, making Tostig an exile and Harold his sworn enemy. And when 1066 came to an end, all the Godwinesons were dead except one: Wulfnoth, hostage in Normandy. For two generations, Godwine and his sons were a mighty force, but their power faded away as the Anglo-Saxon era came to a close.</p>
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.
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;"><font size="3"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';">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<br />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</span></font></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><br /></span><br />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, <br />rolled out with character, caring, and compassion. Beautifully done! <br />~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 <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author of "Slinging Stones..." <br />Former Co-founder& Director of Parents Focused on Education <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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 <br />and cared about, and the lessons learned from Frankie are invaluable in that direction. <br /><br />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 <br />way for children to learn this than by reading about this very special dog and her owner, Barbara. <br /><br />In the second book, we learn that Frankie becomes a therapy dog. She visits Libby's House and the residents there look forward to <br />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. <br /><br />Both of these books are both beautifully written and illustrated. I am thrilled to share these books with my students, my school, and <br />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<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></p><p></p><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><br /><br /></span>