[Very pleased to share another story from dachshund royalty, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog. As always, I find her stories moving and her photos absolutely adorable. If you're looking to get inspired about how animals enrich the lives of humans in unique ways, you've come to the right place. Thanks again to Barbara for thinking of us!]

We all face challenges in life, but dealing with them is much easier when you have help and understanding from others – even animals. Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog has been a guest on Who’s Your Dachshund in the past when I shared my thoughts on the many blessings of having a dog who is paralyzed. Though Frankie has physical challenges it hasn't limited her purpose or her gift of healing to others.

It was my hope for years to have a therapy dog and share the love that only a dog can provide. I wanted my dog to visit people who may not experience the love of animals on a regular basis. I never imagined Frankie would become my therapy dog but in September 2008, almost two years after being paralyzed, Frankie did exactly that! Using her disability, which she does not really see as one, she brings a message of hope and encouragement to young and old.

When Frankie was fitted for her doggie wheelchair in 2006, I wrote my first children’s book about her and started taking her to local schools to teach children about disabilities, kindness to animals and being compassionate. It was then that I realized Frankie would make a wonderful therapy dog for adults as well as children. The fact she's in a wheelchair makes her a bit more unique. She connects on a deeper level with people in nursing homes, hospitals and hospice, because many have similar challenges.


Our second book in the series, Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House, is another true story told from Frankie’s point of view as a therapy dog. We share with you how we became a therapy dog team and and several stories of our visits to residents at Libby’s House, a senior facility where many have Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Visiting Libby’s House each month has opened my heart and eyes. I realized that people may not always understand what the elderly are going through. All they want is some to listen and spend time with them.

I especially don't want children to fear seniors who are facing challenges brought on by the aging process. I want to encourage children to spend and cherish time with their own grandparents. I also hope they will realize the beauty and wisdom of the elderly.

Frankie continues to bring a positive awareness to animals with disabilities through her therapy dog work, which has earned her the title of Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame Companion Dog 2009 and official mascot for National Disabled Pets Day, which is May 3rd. Frankie teaches us that patience, listening, and understanding opens our hearts to what matters most—love.

Through Frankie’s example, I hope to encourage anyone facing a challenge. Having a disability does not mean we don’t have gifts to offer; each of us can give back to the world in our own unique way. Frankie’s volunteer work has been a great way to prompt others to get involved in their own communities and find a way to be of service and the rewards I have experienced are beyond anything I could have ever imagined.

Frankie and I are busy as a volunteer team each month, while continuing to share the messages of Frankie’s books with children. We recently found a new way to share Frankie’s story via Skype an Author Network whose mission is to provide K-12 teachers and librarians with a way to connect authors, books, young readers, and might I add, special dogs like Frankie, through virtual classroom visits. Click over here to learn more.

Kids are invited to follow Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog’s adventures on Frankie’s blog. Adults will find more information about caring for special needs animals, and all things animals on my blog. You can also find special book bundle pricing on our website, or, if you prefer, through Amazon or Barnes and Noble.