Ladies and gentlemen, I'm very excited about today's post. We're lucky to be joined today by Barb Techel - a blogger, author and one of the most dedicated dachshund owners out there.
When her little lady dachshund Frankie became permanently paralyzed, Barb turned what could have been seen as a tragedy into a triumph. Facing a dachshund owner's worst fear, Barb learned from Frankie's relentless joy and excitement and the two have risen to great heights, bringing happiness and life lessons into the lives of many by sharing the story of Frankie's happy ending.
Leave a comment for Barb on this post for your chance to win a copy of her heartwarming children's book, Frankie the walk 'n roll dog, which she has generously donated so we can share it with you. We'll announce the winner on October 31!
Please give her a very warm welcome and thanks so much Barb for sharing this post with us! 
I must be honest. Caring for a disabled pet at the beginning was daunting and overwhelming. I think one of the hardest things was hoping I was doing everything within my power I knew to do, financially and emotionally. I wanted to help my dachshund Frankie, who ruptured a disk her back and is now in a wheelchair, as best I could.
Frankie does not have control of her bladder and bowels. Getting used to poop and potty here, there and everywhere at first just about did me in. One day after cleaning up another mess, I decided to change my thoughts about it and I literally said out loud to myself, “There are worse things in life than poop!” From that day on acceptance took over. Acceptance gave me the patience to focus on the timing of her bathroom habits and things became much easier.
I am a person who listens to many motivational and inspirational speakers. Learning from all I’ve heard, I decided to look for the blessing in our situation. I realized Frankie was teaching me any challenge I faced could be overcome by looking for a positive solution. She never felt sorry for herself and over came adversity with grace and dignity. She also easily accepted her new way of getting around by scooting at first and then learning to roll in her wheelchair. She is still the same sweet Frankie she has always been. Nothing about her changed, except for not having use of her back legs. She faces each day with enthusiasm and joy.
To watch a video of Frankie please visit our website at www.joyfulpaws.com
Want to contribute a post to W.Y.D.? Check out the details here.
Friends
Posts
50 comments:
What an insperational post! Thanks for sharing this Barb. Frankie is adorable! :)
Aw, still such a happy pooch!
We've had our scares...Calvin is too brave to wait to be lifted down off couches or the bed but it was actually when he was rough-housing with a big lab that we thought something had gone awry. Luckily it was just a bee sting but our thoughts turned to the worst possible option.
I can tell you even just in that hour where paralysis was still a possibility - from the pain he had gone completely limp and had shallow breathing - I realized how completely unprepared I'd be to manage such a challenge.
I know it might sound silly, but no matter what information I've read on the topic since then, the picture of Frankie in the grass is the number one thing that put my mind at ease.
Happy dachshunds always seem to do that :)
This is a really inspirational story. Not every pet owner can say they are willing to put forward such patience and effort into caring for a disabled pet, so kudos to you for having the strength to be such a fantastic pet owner. I can only imagine how difficult it has been, but I can tell that it has also given you so much strength and joy to have done all that you did to help out Frankie and spread his story of hope. Thank you for putting your story out there.
As a fellow dog owner - I think you're amazing for doing this. Frankie is loving life all because of you.
I loved this. Loved it. "There are worse things in life than poop" is an excellent mantra. And holy cute puppeh!
What an amazing story!
I think it really is every doxie owner's worst nightmare that this could happen and yet, like Ben, to see the picture of Frankie enjoy a roll in the grass brings hope and inspiration.
What an amazing way to turn this from a disaster to something empowering where you can actively help your puppy.
Animals are amazing, when we treat them like the normal dogs they are, they have no baggage about even the most serious events. That Frankie hasn't changed is a testament to your leadership and love!
People can learn a lot from dogs and how easily they accept adversity and change. And this post proves we can also learn a lot from amazing people who love and understand dogs. Thanks so much for sharing this.
I have read a little about Frankie before, and I never cease to be amazed at both his and your diligence throughout this whole process.
Like everyone else, the roll in the grass pic? Makes my heart MELT! :)
My best friend had a little dog (it was dachshund and something else) and he had the same problem. This is such a great story-- Thanks for sharing :-)
This is an amazing story. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!
Such a great story. I would love to purchase a book like for my kiddos.
I know it's hard to have a disabled pet but I admire you so much for you perserverance!
isn't it amazing how inspiring our pets can be?
Thanks for showing us Frankie. She is such a pretty girl. I hope that I will have enough determination as you if anything happens to Rodney's back.. Thank you for telling your & Frankie's story.
I love the photo of Frankie rolling in the grass - she looks so blissful.
Wow- what an inspirational post! I commend you for taking the overwhelming responsibilty of caring for a disabled pet. Can't even begin to imagin what you must go through day in and day out. Bless your heart! Thank you for sharing Frankie's story- she's so lucky to have you!
Kisses from Kona to Frankie :-)
truly truly inspirational. Such a beautiful post. I worry about our little dachshunds especially as they grow older and their bones become more fragile.
Little Frankie's story is so touching, thank you for posting!
This is such a happy and hopeful post! Barb and Frankie seem like a wonderful duo.
I love how she still enjoys rolls in the grass!
Your pup is so precious and that is such an inspirational story - no other word really describes it!
oh!!!! Frankie's got wheels!!! the cutest ever! ...we may have to get a set for our pug soon.
I love this story. I too become alarmed when my pups fly down from steps or couches, and we do our best to pick them up and set them down, but we can't always stop them in time. Thanks for showing that no matter what happens, they'll always be our roly, cuddly pups.
Hey everyone, Frankie's mom here! I just wanted to jump in and thank you for all the beautiful comments you are leaving in regards to our story. We are honored and grateful.
Please know I am here to help if anyone is ever faced with caring for a disabled pet. If I can ever be of help, just let me know.
So glad so many of you are enjoying Frankie's "roll in the clover" photo. I really think that picture is proof of the pure joy she is and lives each day. She is one amazing little dog that continually to teaches me what life is all about!
Thank you again to everyone for your kind, heart-felt sentiments. Good luck to everyone in the drawing for the book at the end of the month. If you don't win, head on over to our website and get yourself a copy... makes a great gift to teach children about compassion and overcoming challenges.
Thanks again!
Barbara (aka Frankie's mom)
www.joyfulpaws.com
Frankie is really a little miracle dog. He has such a positive attitude...he rolls with the punches. His book is so cute and a wonderful gift for all ages. Roll on Frankie, you are a hero.
Ruth DeFranco, Ohio
I've had friends say they wouldn't get a doxie b/c of the possibility of back injury. Your story really shows how shortsighted that view is. Whether they walk on two or four paws, doxies are the best pets in the world, and it is my privilege to share my life with two of them. Barb and Franki, I've enjoyed your post so much. Thank you for sharing! I intend to post a link to both this interview and Frankie's website on my very own website. Potential doxies parents should know, even in the worse of times, doxies give so much more than they take.
That is amazing and so heartwarming! Such a cutie-patootie.
We have a three-legged collie running around here. Not really much of a disability, but it still amazes me how well he adapts.
Isn't it amazing how our love for a certain animal (or person) can elevate in the face of adversity, and in the end cause us to become better people?
I always had dogs growing up as a kid, but college made it impossible to replace my last Labrador. Now I have a cat that is very close to my heart, and thanks to an injection site reaction gone bad, she's in an elizabethan collar 24/7 lest she lick all of her hair off and take her back down to one big, bloody sore.
It's not as dramatic a situation to deal with as Frankie's, but it has definitely changed our lives. She needs constant attention to make sure she's still wearing her collar, collar-less observation at every meal, and a lot more love than she ever required before. It's made me a better person.
I suspect that anyone who chooses to love their pet past an injury or medical scare has to take on some form of acceptance, and in the end rises above it to find a greater appreciation for life.
To Barb: YOU ROCK. To Frankie: YOU ROLL.
:)
What an amazing dog Frankie is :)--with an amazing owner! Your story is so inspirational, I can only imagine how many lives Franky has touched. What a great way to teach people (children especially) to accept differences in others and in themselves -disabled does not mean unable!:) I can only hope that if my family were faced with the same situation as Frankie's, they would persevere and do the right thing for our little guy <3
I have a children's book about a "bicycle dog." Is that your pup? I teach little kids with special needs, and they LOVE that book. It is so cool for them to see animals who have the same needs they do having fun and living life!
Thanks for sharing!
If they ever need a picture for the dictionary to illustrate "happiness", Frankie rolling in the clover has my vote.
The story and the video was so very moving. Frankie and Barb are amazing.
Wow! What an amazing and powerful story! I feel bad about complaining about anything to do with my little sweetie dog, Ru. I'm lucky he's currently healthy and full of love and life!
Watched the video and am near tears. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story with us!
AWWW....the video montage on Frankie's page brought tears to my eyes- what an awesome little dog! I signed up for the newsletter.
That's a Great story. I have cats, and I love them like their my children. Cleaning up after her sounds like it took some getting used to but I would do the same thing for my cats if they were in the same situation.
Congrats on looking at the positive. We definately need more of that these days.
What is it about dogs that just makes my eyes tear up?? Frankie is such an inspirational little dog :)
I am so very grateful for all the wonderful posts about Frankie. Knowing she may help others if faced with the same situation has made my heart sing!! I truly believe these little ones deserve a chance. All of your posts gave me even more hope that we can save more doggie lives... thanks so much.
Erin asked if Frankie is "The Bicycle Dog." No, she isn't, though I know which book you are talking about. I think that was written quite a few years ago, but it is a great book too. Frankie's book is told in her voice and tells how she started out walking, her accident and then how she ended up in a wheelchair. So it is a bit different than Bicycle Dog. I think that dogs name is Gretchen. Great story too!
Thank you again everyone!! I am overjoyed for all the positive response to our message.
Barbara
I remember years ago when I was in elementary school, I would ride my bike throughout my neighborhood. In one new house, I stopped because a bunch of dogs were barking at me. One was a dachshund, and I simply HAD to stop by to see him.
He had little wheels attached to his hind legs, and he was just the cutest dog in the world! He ran and played with the other two dogs, and kept up with them the whole way. It's been a long time since I've thought of that little guy, but your post reminded me so much of him!
Frankie is adorable! Even if I don't win the book, I'd love to buy a copy. I work with children and adults with a variety of special needs, and this book seems like it would make an excellent addition to my library.
I love that Frankie's book is written in her voice! I definitely need to pick up a copy for my kids!
You are lucky to have Frankie, but she is really lucky to have you, too!
Frankie is so sweet!! It takes a lot of dedication to raise a disabled animal - I'm sure! Good for you, you must be a very compassionate person :)
Congratulations on your award!!!! Seriously, the pic of you two sitting there and looking at each other is heart melting....
Frankie the Wonderdog!!!! Such a large lesson from such a small thing. Awesome.
I love the name Frankie and love even more that it's on a little license plate!
What a delightful illustration on the cover of your book. I can hardly wait to purchase a copy to have on hand. I've had the pleasure of meeting many dachshunds in carts in association with Thamesford, Ontario's Annual WienerFest Dachshund Picnic and I can't imagine how so many owners choose to put their furbabies down when a disc injury strikes. Though, life might be a little different after recovery, there's still so much quality AND quantity of life to be had by our dachshunds.
Congrats on a great book!
Barbara – My husband and I adopted a paralyzed dachsie 3½ years ago. Though we tried, he had been down too long, and we went through the same trials and tribulations learning to care for Denny that you experienced with Frankie. But this was the most worthwhile experience we've ever had.
Denny is so special and just so happy and full of life. We take him out and about as much as we can and show people that euthanasia is NOT the way to go. Just because your dog can't walk does not mean that he or she can't be happy and love life. He even competed in a special "cart dog" race on Labor Day. He came in second in a two-dog race, but he had a blast and charmed the crowd! Plus, it gave me the opportunity to talk to everyone about IVDD and help educate. He's made quite an impact here in Northeast Ohio.
Thank you for your book, and for helping to spread the word about these special little guys.
Terie and Denny
I continue to be amazed at the wonderful comments... thank you so much.
I'm so proud of you Terie and Denny for helping spread the positive message that IVDD is not a death sentence. The more we do with these little ones in public, the more doxie's with IVDD we can save.
I'm SO PROUD you adopted a little one knowing it was going to be a tough road. My hat is off to you!!
After all I've learned from my Frankie I plan to someday adopt another cart dog... I'm hooked and love them to bits!
Keep rolling Denny... maybe we can meet someday!
Barbara & Frankie
I just love this story, I couldnt imagine how I would cope if this happened to my baby but I also know I couldnt just give up on him. You are a special kind of person and from Ireland I say hats off to you!!
Barb,
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!!! My grandmother is going through the exact same thing with her Lucy and I have been a researching nut trying to figure out how to help and what to do...I am so glad I read about your Frankie...THANK YOU!!!!
Thank you.
After being stalked for four years, and my little dog having been poisoned four times, this predicament feels like yet another nightmarish addition to this chaotic curse. Yet, here it is.
My T- has been hospitalized for more than two weeks. His emergency surgery led to another, in which the doctor removed more disc material. He can feel his legs, but he cannot urinate on his own or walk at this point. Recovery is slow. I realize that. Still, hope being what it is, and preparation being pragmatic: In what time frame, after surgery and some time of after care, did those of you with permanently disabled d.hunds realize/know that paralysis was indeed permanent?
Thank you again.
Post a Comment