Joyful Paws

Quote of the Day

"Animals are not our property or possessions, therefore, but our peers and fellow travelers.  Like us, they have their own likes and dislikes, fears and fixations.  They have plans and purposes as important to them as our plans are to us."  -Gary Kowalski, from Soul of the Animals.

In looking through my quotes about animals, I have many by Gary Kowalski.  It has been quite sometime since I have read his book, but obviously by the many quotes I wrote in my dog quote journal, he has had an affect on me.

You will often hear me say that I believe Frankie truly found her purpose through her paralysis.  And how lucky I am to have her as my fellow traveler who helped me find my purpose, so as a team we can do what matters to us both.  I tell children that we are the Techel-Teckel Team and they giggle.   I remember years ago after I got Frankie, my husband gave me a book on dachshunds.  That is when I discovered one of the nicknames in Germany for dachshunds is Teckel.  Well, it became even more fascinating to me this past year as we have embarked on sharing our story with others.  I am always so proud to say we are the Techel-Teckel Team. I'm so grateful Frankie's plans happened to include me and we are traveling this part of our journey together.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Couch Potato!

 

This is a "younger" photo of Kylie, but I just love it!  Shows what a laid back lab she really is.  Today she turned 3-years old!  We call her our coach potato because she is not your typical lab.  She does not like to go swimming (what??!!?  you're a lab!), she'd rather not go for a walk if she does not have to (what??!!!? you're a lab!), , and that green tennis ball thing she thinks is for eating (what??!!? you're a lab!).  You throw it and she looks at you as if to say, "You mean you want me to chase that thing?"  She is content to chew on pieces of lumber, empty pizza boxes, her frisbee or a tennis ball.  She also loves to just follow John around in the yard as he hauls supplies around.  Now and then she will play chase the ball... three times back and forth, but don't push your luck, that's it.  Three times is tops for her.  She is a very loveable couch potato and we can't get enough of hugging her.  She also has this endearing way of sitting with her butt flat to the ground, and her left leg out to the side.  She looks just like a sitting donkey when she does that, so we also call her our donkey.  I've always wanted a donkey, I just didn't realize God would send me one disguised as a yellow lab.

Happy Birthday, Kylie!  I love you for teaching me to slow down now and then and just enjoy watching the world go by.  That is her favorite thing to do... sit at the front door and watch the world go by.  Even in the dead, cold of winter you will find our front door open, with a towel rolled along the bottom to keep some of the cold from coming in, just so Kylie can enjoy the view.  Kylie also got two lunches today... by accident.  I didn't realize John had fed her and when I returned home from an appointment I fed her too.  When we realized we did this, we both laughed and yelled out to the kitchen where Kylie hangs out, "Happy Birthday, Kylie!"  Guess she will have a light dinner tonight.  Happy Birthday, sweet girl... you are the BEST!

Frankie brings smiles to hospital staff!

As you may recall from earlier posts, Frankie now volunteers in the Pet Therapy program through our local hospital.  We were recently contacted by Carl, Volunteer Services Manager at the hopsital to make a special visit.  All departments at the hospital are in a contest for participation in helping rasie money for the hospital foundation and United Way.  One of the prizes was a visit with a therapy dog of their choice.  They picked Frankie!  What an honor!

Everytime we do therapy visits I am astounded at the warm feelings that come from our visits.  This is beyond the word rewarding!  We make our visits to bring smiles to others and I end up feeling so good inside that I rejoice in this "work" that fills my heart continually with JOY.

Every department at the hospital was SO NICE!  We feel like we have TONS new friends.  You all ROCK and we are so thankful and grateful for all that you do.  We met 13 different departments while we visited and it was a BLAST!  Though, I must say, so many of the staff is awfully camera shy.  What's up with that?  We are so glad you gave in and posed for with Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog... ENJOY the photo's!

       

        

         

USA Book News Announces Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog as a Winner in the National “Best Books 2008” Awards

USABookNews.com, the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses, announced Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog as a winner of The National “Best Book” 2008 Awards in the children’s picture book non-fiction softcover category.

 

Winners and finalists traversed the publishing landscape:  Simon & Schuster, Tarcher/Penguin, HarperCollins, Hyperion,

St. Martin

’s Press, McGraw-Hill, John Wiley & Sons & hundreds of independent titles contributed to this year’s outstanding NBBA competition

 

Author, Barbara Techel looked for the blessing in her dog, Frankie’s paralysis and decided to write Frankie’s heart warming story to bring a positive face to animals with disabilities. A nine year old boy after hearing Frankie’s story said, “It does not matter what you look like on the outside, but what is inside.”  Barbara knew at that moment she was teaching children (and adults alike) a very valuable lesson.

 

Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog is a true, inspirational story about Frankie whose life started out just like any other dog walking on all four paws until a spinal injury leaves her paralyzed.  Frankie is custom fit for a wheelchair and learns to keep on rolling. Her zest for life will have you cheering and she will give you hope that all things are possible.  Frankie will leave an everlasting and loving paw print on your heart.  A book for all ages to teach overcoming challenges and also compassion for the physically challenged.

 

To learn more about Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog, purchase a copy of her book, or watch Frankie’s heart warming video please visit www.joyfulpaws.com.  Barbara is available for interviews and can be reached at barbtechel@verizon.net or 920-377-1749.

 

 

Making A Difference

(Names have been changed to protect their privacy)

 

There are moments in life when you feel pure joy.  I feel so blessed to feel many moments of joy and the more I do, the more I want.

 

Yesterday Frankie and I made our monthly visit to the assisted living facility.  A new wing was added, so we met some new residents.  First we met with a lovely couple enjoying time in their room.  A man, who told me he is 95 years old, was breathing through oxygen tubes and was sitting comfortably in a recliner.  The petite white haired woman was by his side in her own recliner.  The minute we walked in and they saw Frankie, a story of their own dog and children came pouring out.  Dogs do that so naturally, brining back happy, warm memories.

 

Patricia the activity director said we just had to visit with Darren. She said, “Darren just loves dogs.”  Okay, I’ve heard that before.  As we entered the room, Darren did not see Frankie at first.  But I saw him sitting on his bed, stroking a large stuffed lab toy.  I heard a small voice in my head say, “aw.”  The minute Darren saw Frankie, his feet and legs flew back in the air, his hands went up in the air and a smile spread wide across his face and he said, “Oh my!” with such glee.  The moment Frankie rolled close to him he was down on his hands and knees hugging and petting her.  His smile was contagious.  You could feel his love of dogs ooze out into the room and hug you.  Okay, this man really loves dogs.  He then lay on his side and kissed Frankie all over her head.  I turned to Patricia, as she was leaning over the end of Darren’s bed, put my hand to my chest, and with tears in my eyes said, “Oh, this just made my day.”  This was a moment of pure joy.  You know how you sometimes just want to feel like it mattered you were here on earth and made a difference?  Seeing Darren in that moment made me feel like I made a difference.

 

Patricia asked Darren if he wanted to come along with us and go visit with others out in the main living room.  He happy obliged as he smiled even bigger watching Frankie roll ahead of him.  As we walked, Patricia shared with me that Darren used to be a policeman in a big city and was in the crime scene investigation department.  I always want to know more and wish I could delve in deeper to what their lives were… but, here they are in the quiet times of their lives and I must respect that.   

 

At some point, I gave Darren Frankie’s leash and he walked her up and down the hallway… so content… so happy…. so full of joy.  That is what joy is made of… reaching out to others to let them experience joy and in return joy comes back to you one hundred times… and then some.  It is so rewarding making a difference.  And what is so amazing to experience is the difference Darren just made in my life… and I will remember it for a long time to come.

HALLELUJAH!!

I waited one full year for this day... being married to a carpenter has it advantages... and ah yes, its disadvantages... the disadvantage being I am last on the list for work to get done... but when it does, it is cause for GREAT CELEBRATION... I am thrilled!!  MySpace.calm's front is completely sided and I think it is simply spectacular.  I'm so so HAPPY!!  Thank you my Johnnie, I LOVE YOU!!

Quote of the Day

I follow Prill Boyle's Defying Gravity blog daily.  One of the posts I enjoy that Prill does is "Quote of the Day."  That got me thinking.  I LOVE quotes and collect them.  In fact I have a journal of quotes and add to it on a regular basis.  I also have a journal of quotes that relates to anything dogs and animals.  So, I thought I'd share some of my favorite quotes now and then.

I would also like to recommed Prill's book, Defying Gravity.  I just finished reading it last night and it was so inspiring!  It is a collection of true stories that celebrate late-blooming women.  The stories are touching and will give you hope that you can do anything you set your mind to at any age.  It is never too late to go after your dreams.  Don't let any obstacle get in your way.  To give you the courage to go out and live your best life I would highly recommend Prill's book.  I also really enjoyed Prill's personal journal entries she included in the book as she wrote Defying Gravity.  

So here is my QUOTE OF THE DAY (sent to me by my friend/coach, Diane Krause-Stetson.  Thank you, Diane!):

"In moments of joy, all of us wished we possessed a tail we could wag." 

-W.H. Auden

Cocoa Mulch WARNING! Lethal to Animals

Thank you to a post on Dodgerslist for a reminder of this warming in regards to cocoa mulch and if you have pets.  Please read about Cocoa Mulch on this link http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp  It can be deadly to your pets!

Thank You "Who's Your Dachshund!!"

Frankie and I are guests of Who's Your Dachshunds today and we want to shout out a big THANK YOU to Ben & everyone at Who's Your Dachshund.  Their blog is one of my all time favorite's and to be a feature on their site today is so thrilling.  I am so, so touched by all the wonderful comments we are receiving about our story on their blog. Check it out and feel free to add a comment to try and win a FREE signed copy of Frankie's book which will be drawn on October 31st Who's Your Dachshund.  Thanks again, Ben & EVERYONE!! Frankie and I can feel the love and we are grateful.

The Gift of Hospice

"Life can't be measured in candles or measured in the years we live, but in the quality of each moment.  As we move along the River of Life, a force leads us toward a calling - silent to our ears, but clear to our hearts."

This is written on the back of a CD titled, "The River of Life" which is all instrumental songs.  All benefits go to the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. 

 I couldn't help but purchase a copy today when Frankie and I visited.  The legacy of love of this facility is touching and remarkable.

At the sweet urging of a friend, Frankie and I were asked to visit with three special ladies at the community hospice.  Each had read Frankie's book.  My friend, Sara, thought perhaps they would love to meet the real Frankie.  Little did I realize I was about to be given a gift...

One woman in particular, who I will call Mary, was thrilled to meet Frankie!  She held open her arms and gave me a big hug.  She told me Sara told her to expect a surprise.  Mary said, "I was praying I would get to meet Frankie and here you are."  Mary and her husband (who recently passed away), had read Frankie's book together.  Picturing that beautiful image brought a strong emotion to my heart.  Mary kept telling me how much we made her day.  To see her face light up in the midst of just losing her husband was a gift to me... to know Frankie brought a joy into her hear at a time her heart is so full of grief is beyond words to explain.

Being in that moment with Mary is one of the "quality of moments" we must grasp, hold onto, say grace for and reach out for more.  I had been putting off getting involved as a volunteer with Frankie in hospice for fear of the unknown... but Sara gave me the gift of a calling to meet three lovely ladies today, which in turn sparked a need in me to expand on Frankie and my calling.

Being at the community hospice today I felt a need to reach out more... to care more... to leave more Frankie imprints... to bring joy and strength of the love of a dog.  And dogs do it without saying a word... but it is "clear to our hearts" what they do for us.  How grateful I am Frankie leads me down a "River of Life" that is more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.

(All names have been changed to protect their privacy)