Joyful Paws

Help Me Celebrate Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog's Birthday!!

You guessed it!  It will SOON be Frankie's 10th Birthday!  The big day is Thursday, August 20th.  To celebrate Frankie has a GRAND IDEA in mind.  It is her goal to raise $500 for Handicapped Pets Foundation.  This is a foundation that helps animals that may not be able to afford it, to get a a set of Walkin' Wheels so they too can live a great life like Frankie does.  And guess what?  It won't cost you a cent to help her reach her goal!  Though there is another way you can help too, but first check out the easy way and free way you can help.

For every 50 NEW people who sign up to follow Frankie on Facebook or Twitter, we will donate $25.00 to the foundation.  Her goal is to have 1,000 new followers by August 30th and raise $500!  If you are already following her you can still help.  Just ask your friends and family to follow to help her cause. Forward this blog post to them or post one or both the messages below.  It is that easy!

If you have a Facebook account you can post this message:

Help Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog raise money for Handicapped Pets Foundation simply by following her at http://tinyurl.com/ls7xgd

If you have a Twitter account you can post this message to your Tweeple and ask them to Retweet:

Help Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog raise money for Handicapped Pets Foundation simply by following her at http://www.twitter.com/walknrolldog

Or you can help by purchasing a copy of her NEW Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog Activity Book or her other book, Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog.  During the month of August a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the foundation.

So in honor of Frankie who has brought so many so much JOY, as well as Handicapped Pets who are there for us to help care for our elderly and disabled animals, let's celebrate by bringing positive awareness to all animals in need!!

 

My Buddy Butch Radio Show, July 30th

Ok, so sometimes things get lost in cyberspace e-mail, but boy-oh-boy was I excited when I received a "reminder" notice that Frankie and I will be on My Buddy Butch Radio Showtomorrow, July 30th, 7:00p EST/6:00pCST.  The beauty is you can listen via your computer... and yes a download will be available after the call if you can't make it.  AND, you can call in and ask questions if you like.  The number to call is 718-664-9653.

A little about Jeff Marginean, host of My Buddy Butch Radio Show and Author of My Buddy Butch, Confessions of a New Dog Dad:

Jeff Marginean is a new dog dad, author, musician, music producer, and a voting member of the National Academy for Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc. for the annual Grammy Awards. Having 2 college degrees in the engineering field he is a process control engineer by day and a nationally recognized music producer by night. He lives in a nice quiet little city in Ohio with his new dog son Butch and gets his best ideas while mowing the lawn.

Summary of My Buddy Butch, recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award:

My Buddy Butch is a humorous, touching true story of how a little rambunctious Boston terrier gives Jeff a new perspective on single parenthood, unconditional love, and learning to slow down in this hectic world we live in today. After Jeff’s mom passed away the family decided to get dad a little female Boston terrier puppy to keep him company. This was just what the doctor ordered and when “Buttons” had her first litter of pups, Jeff was not far behind from his own furry bundle of joy! From eating the carpet to taking over an entire king sized bed, Butch went to great lengths to turn Jeff into a “New Dog Dad!” The book illustrates how these little dogs eased the pain of the loss of a wife and mother and brought a son and his father closer together giving them something in common to discuss.

The Peanut Pet Shelter

I learned about this sweet chihuahua, Peanut, after Frankie's book flew by plane in my neighbor's suitcase as a gift to their friends, Andy and Jennifer, who run the Peanut Pet Shelterin Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

I was touched and saddened to read their story, but found joy in what they did with their heartbreak.  I couldn't help but think yet again how everything happens for a reason.  I also couldn't help but think how some souls come to this earth for a brief, short time on a specific mission, and then off they go again.  In their place they leave a huge amount of love and compassion.  This was Peanut's mission.

Not wanting to give his whole story away, I encourage you to read about Andy and Jennifer's inspiration in Peanut and how the shelter began.  The video with the story had me giggling with delight and saying, "You go, Peanut!"  What a sweetheart!

Thank you, Andy and Jennifer for all you do for the animals in Playa del Carmen and a special thank you to Peanut for teaching all of us that no matter our time here on earth, short or long, we can make a positive impact... and no matter our size... we can do anything.

Be Creative with Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog

I had the honor of teaching a two-day program at our local library incorporating Frankie and the writing and illustration process.  Week one I had the kids write a story with a Frankie theme.  They could pair up or write a story on their own.  One team had Frankie going to the moon!  One had her going to Paris.  Wee wee!  She also went to the beach, as well as became a boxer.  Week two I had large "Flat Frankie's" made for each of them.  They adhered their Flat Frankie to tag board and decorated to their hearts content.  I don't know who had more fun... the kids decorating their Frankie's or me watching them having all the fun.  It was a JOY to share Frankie with them!  Here is a group shot of week two's class and their Flat Frankie's.

Dog in a Wheelchair Hiking and Swimming

I just loved it when I saw a video about a dog hiking and swimming with his wheels from Walkin Wheels from Handicapped Pets!  It brought tears to my eyes and really warmed my heart.  It shows once again that animals can overcome adversity so beautifully.  Handicapped Pets has also started a foundation to supply wheelchairs for animals in need.  What a great cause to give to!!

Here's the link to the touching video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsijVY9HPc4  ENJOY!!  And be sure to pass it on... the more people who understand and realize animals with special needs can live a quality life, the more animals that will be saved and give back to the world in a beautiful way.

Thank you Handicapped Pets Foundation & Happy Birthday to Me!

CELEBRATE!!

Yes, today is my birthday!  I love my birthday and don't mind getting older.  I'll admit my age.  Turn 46 today.... I simply can't wait for 50 for so many delicious reasons!!  In honor of my day and the fact I have been so blessed by my little Frankie with wheels, I decided to donate to Handicapped Pets Foundation. 

This is a foundation started by Mark Robinson, the founder of Handicapped Pets, which helps animals in need of a wheelchair who may not have the resources or funds to get their own set of wheels... and in turn then be able to live a long, happy, quality life.  My hat is off to Mark and his foundation for all they do for animals in need!

I'm thrilled to say I will be sharing air time on the radio show The Pet Playground with Mark of Handicapped Pets on Sunday, August 23rd from 6:00-7:00p CST.  Sage Lewis is the host and she will be talking with Mark and I and the passion we have for handicapped animals.  What an honor this is for me!  Stay tuned for details about the show...

How Faith, the Dog with Two Legs Helped Frankie and Me

Below you will read about Faith, a very special dog, born without her front legs.  I know many of you have heard of her, but some may have not.  Quite often someone sends me the story of Faith in case I don't know of her.  So I thought perhaps I should share how I came to know about Faith.  It was no doubt divine intervention.

When Frankie was about 2 1/2 months into her physical therapy (PT) after her back surgery, the odds were diminishing she would walk again.  She was not repsonding to the PT.  I began to feel sorry for myself and Frankie, and was down in the dumps.  One afternoon as I was doing PT with Frankie I had the Oprah show on.  I wasn't really paying attention, when I heard Oprah announce her next guest.  Faith a two-legged dog.

As I looked up to the TV I saw Faith hop/walk across the stage.  Just writing this again today and remembering the moment, instantly brings tears to my eyes.  It was exactly what I needed to see and hear in that moment.  Faith and her owner helped me to realize I had a choice.  I could feel sorry for Frankie and me the remainder of Frankie's life, or I could look for the blessing.  As you may know, I chose to look for the blessing.  <Grin>  I am so grateful for Faith and that her owner shared her story.  It gave me such hope and I just knew everything would be okay.

Now to Faith's story.  Enjoy!!  To see photo's of Faith, visit his website

This is 'Faith'

This dog was born on Christmas Eve in the year 2002. She was born with 2 legs.

She of course could not walk when she was born. Even her mother did not want her.

Herfirst owner also did not think that he could survive and he was thinking of 'putting her to sleep'.
But then, her present owner, Jude Stringfellow, met her and wanted to take care of her. 
She became determined to teach and train this little dog to walk by herself.   
She named her 'Faith'. 
In the beginning, she put Faith on a surfboard to let her feel the movement. 
Later she used peanut  butter on a spoon as a lure and reward 
for her for standing up and jumping around. 
Even the other dog at home encouraged her to walk. 
Amazingly, only after 6 months, like a miracle,   
Faith learned to balance on her hind legs and to jump to move forward. 
After further training in the snow, she could now walk like a human being. 
  

Faith loves to walk around now. 
No matter where she goes, she attracts people to her. 
She is fast becoming famous on the international scene and 
has appeared on various newspapers and TV shows. 
There is now a book entitled 'With a Little Faith' being published about her. 
She was even considered to appear in one of Harry Potter movies. 
 

Her present owner Jude Stringfellew has  given up her teaching post and plans to take her around the world to  preach that even without a perfect body, one can have a perfect soul'. 
  
 
In life there are always undesirable things, so in order to feel better 
you just need to look at life from another direction. 
I hope this message will bring fresh new ways of thinking to everyone 
and that everyone will appreciate and be thankful for each beautiful day. 
Faith is the continual demonstration of the strength and wonder of life. 

A small request: All you are asked to do is keep this story circulating. 

Coffee With a Canine

Isn't that a great title for a blog?  Gets your curiosity up a bit dosen't it?  I was more than happy to do Coffee with a Canine with my little Frankie on tires.  So check it out!  Be sure to read all the way to the end for a really good chuckle.

Ivan, Quite Possibly the Most Beloved Resident at Cedar Bay

I recently wrote a story about Ivan, a beagle whose home is at a senior assisted living facility in my neighborhood.  I fell head over heels in love with him... I never really knew the breed of a beagle, but wow, are they ever sweet!!  Read more...

Handicapped Pets Proud Sponsor of the Integrative Health Pet Expo

Before I mention Handicapped Pets, just want to give you a link to the radio show I did yesterday with Dr.'s Kim Bloomer and Jeannie Thompson, as well as children's author, Kevin Coolidge and his cat Hobo.  This show was packed with passion!

Now, just to tell you about what sounds like a FANTASTIC pet expo in Massachussets in September.  Wish I could go!!  I love all that Handicapped Pets is doing for animals, so wanted to share this announcement they had on their Facebook page about this wonderful expo.  If you are in the area, be sure to go and check it out... then let me know how you liked it!

Handicappedpets.com is proud to be a sponsor of the Integrative Health Pet Expo

 

Integrative Health Pet Expo
Bringing together pet caretakers and veterinarians for healthier and happier pets

Fitchburg, Massachusetts September 10-11, 2009

Courtyard by Marriott - Fitchburg

Thursday, September 10, 2009 • 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday, September 11, 2009 • 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

There will be time to reflect on the anniversary of 9/11

This inaugural event will give the public the opportunity to hear cutting edge information on integrative health care options for their animals including acupuncture, homeopathy, nutrition, vaccinations and more.

Have you ever wondered how your pet can have access to the same treatments such as acupuncture and homeopathy that make you a healthier person? How about nutrition? What are the fresh organic options available for your dog, cat, horse, bird? At the Integrative Health Pet Expo, you will learn answers to these questions and many more!

Don't miss this unique event for you and your pets!
This two day health and wellness event includes:

Lecture Series - Lectures from leaders in integrative health care for pets
Exhibition Hall - Exhibitors from natural and healthful products companies
Resources - Non-profit organizations that support holistic animal care
Silent Auction - Featuring a wealth of integrative health care products
All proceeds raised through the Integrative Pet Health Expo will benefit the following non-profit organizations:

The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) explores and supports alternative and complementary approaches to veterinary healthcare and is dedicated to integrating all aspects of animal wellness in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. All fundraising proceeds support student scholarships and research for integrative humane education.

The Center for Integrative Veterinary Care is a non-profit organization that is committed to educting and informing the general public, animal caretakers and the veterinary community about the integrative healthcare options available for the benefit of both animals and their caretakers.

The Dr. DoMore™ Project is a documentary film series that highlights the significance of integrative veterinary medicine and the importance of it becoming a mainstream model of veterinary care. The Dr. DoMore Project is sponsored by the non-profit Center for Integrative Veterinary Care

go to: http://www.ihpe.info/ for more information