Thank you, April- what a great idea! Here is my story on how I became a writer. Being a children's author was the furthest thing from my mind years ago...
“It does not matter what you look like on the outside, but what is inside.” This statement was said by a young boy Frankie and I encountered while we were visiting our local Farmer’s Market one Saturday morning. The loss of some muscle tone and weight due to paralysis made Frankie’s spine stick out and he was curious about why that was. I was so deeply touched by the wisdom of this sweet boy. It also reinforced for me that I was on the right path in my life. I was in the midst of writing a children’s book about Frankie’s life. The young boy’s statement made me realize that Frankie’s story could teach children valuable lessons of not judging others and also compassion.
The path which lead to writing Frankie’s story began three years earlier. In late 2004 a diagnoses of bone cancer in my chocolate lab, Cassie Jo had spun my world upside down. Her terminal illness stopped me dead in my tracks. Cassie Jo lived another eight months of quality life, while I began an inner search for what this thing called life is all about. I began searching for my authentic self and desperately wanted to live my truth. Finding the courage to find me again was not easy, but with Cassie Jo as my guide, I believed I could do anything I set my mind to. Also, for first time in my life, at the age of forty one, I wanted to follow my heart, instead of my head, and see where it would lead me.
In April 2005 I enlisted the help of a life coach. As Cassie Jo neared the end of her life, mine bloomed with a rainbow of new possibilities during intense discussions with my coach, Diane. My love for animals has always been immensely deep. Each time I met with Diane, animals came out in almost every avenue I explored. Writing is also something I have always enjoyed doing. I’ve been told often by family and friends I write from the heart from letters and poems I have written for them. Journaling during my coaching experience brought out discoveries of who I was and where I wanted to go.
As Cassie Jo passed over, I began writing a column about animals for our local paper. My first story was dedicated to my sweet girl, which turned out to be the ultimate form of healing and therapy for me. Seeing my thoughts in print for the first time made me feel a bit apprehensive. I thought, “Now the whole world knows how I feel.” But by sharing my loss and painful feelings about saying goodbye to a beloved animal, my community reached out with their own stories. It felt good to know by me being honest about my feelings; I in turn, helped others in the loss of their pets.
Our home was not a home without a lab, so in December we brought home a plump, yellow ball of fur, and named her Kylie. I was enjoying writing for the paper and I also wanted to share the love of animals with those that are not able to have a regular connection with pets. I learned so much from the bond I had with Cassie Jo that I decided to pursue becoming a therapy dog team with Kylie so we could visit nursing homes and hospitals. We went through six weeks of puppy training, then five weeks of obedience training when I took a break to go on vacation with my husband John, to Florida to visit my mom.
Little did I know, but my life was about to be turned upside down again. But in that turmoil, another blessing would eventually reveal itself. Though at the time, all my mind would say over and over was, “Why me?” While in Florida we got a call that Frankie had ruptured a disk while at the kennel she was staying at. I was beyond consoling when I got off the phone with the vet. In a moment of anger I yelled at God and told him I could not understand why this was happening to me. I had lost Cassie Jo nine months prior and now Frankie was seriously hurt. The words I often preach to others echoed loudly in my head, “God only gives you what you can handle.” That thought only angered me more and in my moment of deep pain I told God He was wrong this time. I said I could not handle what was happening to Frankie and felt it was so unfair.
Thoughts raced through my mind. What if she didn’t walk again? Could she still lead a quality life? Would she be depressed? Could I care for a handicapped dog? As I sat with my mom, I expressed every emotion I was feeling. I expressed anger that I had my life all figured out and wanted Kylie to be a therapy dog and now I had to put that on hold. I just couldn’t understand why. It was then that my mom said, “Maybe Frankie is supposed to be your therapy dog.” I’ll never forget those words. I was not quite sure what it meant or if it anything would come of it. But it gave me the smallest glimmer of hope to know there may be a bigger plan at work.
At midnight on Easter Sunday Frankie went into surgery with a 30% chance of walking again. For eight weeks she was confined to a crate with strict instructions to limit her activity. After exhausting research to understand how I could help Frankie, I traveled to a city about two hours from my home. A vet who specialized in spinal injuries taught me some basic physical therapy and massage to help Frankie heal and possibly help her walk again. I also was taught how to express her bladder, since paralysis prevented her from going on her own. If Frankie would walk again, I was told statistically it would happen in the first three months after surgery. As we neared eight weeks not much had changed in Frankie’s back legs. She continued to be happy, but my hopes began to diminish she would walk again. I’m ashamed to say, but I started to feel sorry for myself and Frankie.
Summer was upon us, and in the heat of July we faced the daunting reality Frankie would not walk again. The initial pain of that moment was harsh, but Plan B was awaiting us. We ordered a dog cart for Frankie from Eddie’s Wheels. Little did I realize this would change our lives and turn out to be a blessing beyond measure.
We took precise measurements of Frankie from head to tail so her cart would fit her perfectly. When her cart arrived four weeks later I cried tears of joy. As I placed Frankie in her wheels I expected her to run right away. I forgot in my moment of excitement that dachshunds can be a bit stubborn. But then a smile spread from ear to ear as I remembered something else. Frankie is very motivated by food, so I ran into the house and grabbed a handful of treats. I placed a doggie biscuit several feet apart on the street in front of our house. Soon Frankie was rolling forward and from that day on nothing has stopped her! Tears rolled down my face as Frankie held her head high as she sailed by the neighbors giving 100% of all she had. I realized in that moment Frankie was teaching me no matter our challenge, we can always make a positive choice in dealing with our challenges.
Visiting the market that first summer after Frankie was hurt and receiving an out pouring of compassion from young and old, made my heart sing. Frankie is an inspiration to all who meet her and I know without a shadow of a doubt I was meant to write her story.
When I sit in my quiet moments of reflection, my path of paw prints is evident. Tears and pain had blocked my vision for a time, but once I moved past feeling sorry for myself, I realized the power of animals and their deep rooted spirituality. There is something bigger than us in this universe. Animals have known this all along. How incredibly blessed I am to have had Cassie Jo lead the way to my authentic path. Her gentle, knowing ways as she faced death taught me to live in the moment and search for what truly matters. To this day I feel her beside me, guiding me, always teaching me.
Frankie continues that path of authenticity for me. She has taught me integrity, kindness, generosity, compassion, patience and tenderness. Her message of meeting challenges head on with a positive attitude is inspiring children we meet when we visit our local schools. Through Frankie, my purpose has found me, and together, my sweet little one and I are making a positive difference in the world. My dream is coming full circle as Frankie and I also embark on becoming a therapy dog team. My mom’s words and wisdom the night I got the call Frankie was hurt, still to this day, bring a lump to my throat.
Two tails, eight paws, four soulful eyes, and two generous hearts gave me the ultimate gift of living life to the fullest. I absolutely believe I am a better human being because of the blessings bestowed upon me by the loving creatures God graced me with. In Cassie Jo’s memory, Frankie’s honor, and every animal that teaches us what life is all about, I will continue to share carry out God’s purpose for me through Frankie’s inspiring and encouraging message.
Barbara Techel is the author of the multi-award winning book, Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog. 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 local hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice centers, spreading joy wherever they go.
Barbara hopes her second book in the Frankie series, Frankie, the Walk ’N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House will teach that no matter what life challenges we face, we can still give back to the world. She also hopes it will encourage children to spend quality time with their grandparents and cherish each and every moment.
Since 2005, Barbara has been a contributing writer for the Depot Dispatch sharing stories of her animals, as well as other furry friends she has met along the way. In 2006, Barbara’s article, “Cassie and Frankie Inspire a Writer,” won honorable mention from bestselling authors, Linda and Allen Anderson of Angel Animals Network. She is also active in helping to bring positive awareness to special needs animals through National Disabled Pets Day.
Frankie herself is Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame Companion Dog & Official Mascot for National Disabled Pets Day.
“It does not matter what you look like on the outside, but what is inside.” This statement was said by a young boy Frankie and I encountered while we were visiting our local Farmer’s Market one Saturday morning. The loss of some muscle tone and weight due to paralysis made Frankie’s spine stick out and he was curious about why that was. I was so deeply touched by the wisdom of this sweet boy. It also reinforced for me that I was on the right path in my life. I was in the midst of writing a children’s book about Frankie’s life. The young boy’s statement made me realize that Frankie’s story could teach children valuable lessons of not judging others and also compassion.
The path which lead to writing Frankie’s story began three years earlier. In late 2004 a diagnoses of bone cancer in my chocolate lab, Cassie Jo had spun my world upside down. Her terminal illness stopped me dead in my tracks. Cassie Jo lived another eight months of quality life, while I began an inner search for what this thing called life is all about. I began searching for my authentic self and desperately wanted to live my truth. Finding the courage to find me again was not easy, but with Cassie Jo as my guide, I believed I could do anything I set my mind to. Also, for first time in my life, at the age of forty one, I wanted to follow my heart, instead of my head, and see where it would lead me.
In April 2005 I enlisted the help of a life coach. As Cassie Jo neared the end of her life, mine bloomed with a rainbow of new possibilities during intense discussions with my coach, Diane. My love for animals has always been immensely deep. Each time I met with Diane, animals came out in almost every avenue I explored. Writing is also something I have always enjoyed doing. I’ve been told often by family and friends I write from the heart from letters and poems I have written for them. Journaling during my coaching experience brought out discoveries of who I was and where I wanted to go.
As Cassie Jo passed over, I began writing a column about animals for our local paper. My first story was dedicated to my sweet girl, which turned out to be the ultimate form of healing and therapy for me. Seeing my thoughts in print for the first time made me feel a bit apprehensive. I thought, “Now the whole world knows how I feel.” But by sharing my loss and painful feelings about saying goodbye to a beloved animal, my community reached out with their own stories. It felt good to know by me being honest about my feelings; I in turn, helped others in the loss of their pets.
Our home was not a home without a lab, so in December we brought home a plump, yellow ball of fur, and named her Kylie. I was enjoying writing for the paper and I also wanted to share the love of animals with those that are not able to have a regular connection with pets. I learned so much from the bond I had with Cassie Jo that I decided to pursue becoming a therapy dog team with Kylie so we could visit nursing homes and hospitals. We went through six weeks of puppy training, then five weeks of obedience training when I took a break to go on vacation with my husband John, to Florida to visit my mom.
Little did I know, but my life was about to be turned upside down again. But in that turmoil, another blessing would eventually reveal itself. Though at the time, all my mind would say over and over was, “Why me?” While in Florida we got a call that Frankie had ruptured a disk while at the kennel she was staying at. I was beyond consoling when I got off the phone with the vet. In a moment of anger I yelled at God and told him I could not understand why this was happening to me. I had lost Cassie Jo nine months prior and now Frankie was seriously hurt. The words I often preach to others echoed loudly in my head, “God only gives you what you can handle.” That thought only angered me more and in my moment of deep pain I told God He was wrong this time. I said I could not handle what was happening to Frankie and felt it was so unfair.
Thoughts raced through my mind. What if she didn’t walk again? Could she still lead a quality life? Would she be depressed? Could I care for a handicapped dog? As I sat with my mom, I expressed every emotion I was feeling. I expressed anger that I had my life all figured out and wanted Kylie to be a therapy dog and now I had to put that on hold. I just couldn’t understand why. It was then that my mom said, “Maybe Frankie is supposed to be your therapy dog.” I’ll never forget those words. I was not quite sure what it meant or if it anything would come of it. But it gave me the smallest glimmer of hope to know there may be a bigger plan at work.
At midnight on Easter Sunday Frankie went into surgery with a 30% chance of walking again. For eight weeks she was confined to a crate with strict instructions to limit her activity. After exhausting research to understand how I could help Frankie, I traveled to a city about two hours from my home. A vet who specialized in spinal injuries taught me some basic physical therapy and massage to help Frankie heal and possibly help her walk again. I also was taught how to express her bladder, since paralysis prevented her from going on her own. If Frankie would walk again, I was told statistically it would happen in the first three months after surgery. As we neared eight weeks not much had changed in Frankie’s back legs. She continued to be happy, but my hopes began to diminish she would walk again. I’m ashamed to say, but I started to feel sorry for myself and Frankie.
Summer was upon us, and in the heat of July we faced the daunting reality Frankie would not walk again. The initial pain of that moment was harsh, but Plan B was awaiting us. We ordered a dog cart for Frankie from Eddie’s Wheels. Little did I realize this would change our lives and turn out to be a blessing beyond measure.
We took precise measurements of Frankie from head to tail so her cart would fit her perfectly. When her cart arrived four weeks later I cried tears of joy. As I placed Frankie in her wheels I expected her to run right away. I forgot in my moment of excitement that dachshunds can be a bit stubborn. But then a smile spread from ear to ear as I remembered something else. Frankie is very motivated by food, so I ran into the house and grabbed a handful of treats. I placed a doggie biscuit several feet apart on the street in front of our house. Soon Frankie was rolling forward and from that day on nothing has stopped her! Tears rolled down my face as Frankie held her head high as she sailed by the neighbors giving 100% of all she had. I realized in that moment Frankie was teaching me no matter our challenge, we can always make a positive choice in dealing with our challenges.
Visiting the market that first summer after Frankie was hurt and receiving an out pouring of compassion from young and old, made my heart sing. Frankie is an inspiration to all who meet her and I know without a shadow of a doubt I was meant to write her story.
When I sit in my quiet moments of reflection, my path of paw prints is evident. Tears and pain had blocked my vision for a time, but once I moved past feeling sorry for myself, I realized the power of animals and their deep rooted spirituality. There is something bigger than us in this universe. Animals have known this all along. How incredibly blessed I am to have had Cassie Jo lead the way to my authentic path. Her gentle, knowing ways as she faced death taught me to live in the moment and search for what truly matters. To this day I feel her beside me, guiding me, always teaching me.
Frankie continues that path of authenticity for me. She has taught me integrity, kindness, generosity, compassion, patience and tenderness. Her message of meeting challenges head on with a positive attitude is inspiring children we meet when we visit our local schools. Through Frankie, my purpose has found me, and together, my sweet little one and I are making a positive difference in the world. My dream is coming full circle as Frankie and I also embark on becoming a therapy dog team. My mom’s words and wisdom the night I got the call Frankie was hurt, still to this day, bring a lump to my throat.
Two tails, eight paws, four soulful eyes, and two generous hearts gave me the ultimate gift of living life to the fullest. I absolutely believe I am a better human being because of the blessings bestowed upon me by the loving creatures God graced me with. In Cassie Jo’s memory, Frankie’s honor, and every animal that teaches us what life is all about, I will continue to share carry out God’s purpose for me through Frankie’s inspiring and encouraging message.
Barbara Techel is the author of the multi-award winning book, Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog. 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 local hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice centers, spreading joy wherever they go.
Barbara hopes her second book in the Frankie series, Frankie, the Walk ’N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House will teach that no matter what life challenges we face, we can still give back to the world. She also hopes it will encourage children to spend quality time with their grandparents and cherish each and every moment.
Since 2005, Barbara has been a contributing writer for the Depot Dispatch sharing stories of her animals, as well as other furry friends she has met along the way. In 2006, Barbara’s article, “Cassie and Frankie Inspire a Writer,” won honorable mention from bestselling authors, Linda and Allen Anderson of Angel Animals Network. She is also active in helping to bring positive awareness to special needs animals through National Disabled Pets Day.
Frankie herself is Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame Companion Dog & Official Mascot for National Disabled Pets Day.
http://www.frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com/
http://www.disabledpetsday.com/
Thank you for sharing Frankie's story on your blog, April. I very much appreciate it. I invite teachers and librarians to check out our website for a new section for both... and a way you can invite Frankie via Skype to your classroom or libary for free. But hurry, cause it is a a limited time offer.
Barbara Techel
http://www.joyfulpaws.com
Posted by: Barbara Techel | February 05, 2010 at 06:53 AM