Love Across the Bridge

Any dog lover...actually, any animal lover, knows that to lose a beloved pet is an indescribable grief. I can relate to dogs because I've never had a cat, bird, hamster, Guinea pig, etc. So, my experiences comes in the canine variety.

Although I had dogs growing up; cocker spaniels, Taffy # 1 and  Taffy # 2, (one, hit by a car and the other given to a trusted home after he tore up living room drapes, and then started on the rug) I didn't then and don't now mourn their passing to any great extent. After all, I wasn't even in school yet.

Valentine (left), border collie/German shepherd mix and the smartest dog, EVER, was a birthday present on my 13th birthday. We actually picked her up on Valentine's day, hence the unusual dog name. From the start, she was more my mom and dad's dog. I loved her and mourned her passing at the age of 15, but the grief wasn't all-encompassing.

Flash forward to Sam (Right) Silly, silly Sam. I still remember the day my dad came walking up our driveway with the little ball of fur he'd found running across the street in front of the house. He was part of a litter belonging to our neighbors. They didn't much care about him, his brothers and sisters, or his mama. Dad suggested, and I agreed, this tiny six-week-old pup would be the perfect companion for our six-year-old son. And, oh how Sam was until the year he got bone cancer and died at age 11. The grief caused by his death was overwhelming. I still tear up, almost forty years later.

It was decades before I let myself consider bringing another dog into my home and my heart. We were living in Fort Myers, Florida, Ken traveled to Miami every week for work and although I was working part-time, the nights were lonely. Until one day, Molly came into our lives. A little terrier/mix who lost her "mom" and her home when she was three. We found her at the Miami Animal Shelter, sitting in the back of a cage with two boisterous, barking German Shepherds. It was love at first sight. 

Molly (Left) was with us through three moves. The first two she tolerated, but the last was very hard on her. She also had many stairs to navigate; a circumstance that took a toll on her arthritic knee. She spend a whole year slowly declining until that awful day she could no longer see or get around the house. I could tell, when I picked her up and she clung fast to me, she was ready to go. This coming October it will have been ten years since she crossed "the bridge". Tears still sting my eyes.

It was almost three years before we both gave in and rescued our sweet Lucy (Right - in Dad's arms). I can't even imagine the day she leaves us.

Which brings me to a long-time Facebook friend, Barbara Techel. I first got to know her and special fur-daughter, Frankie, more than a decade ago. Frankie, her beloved dachshund, suffered a spinal injury when she was young, and spent the rest of her life "on wheels." Barbara had to learn to care for a paralyzed dog; not an easy task, but they both thrived. Barbara became a best-selling author, penning, Through Frankie's Eyes, One woman's journey to her authentic self and the dog on wheels who led the way, then her children's picture books, Frankie, the Walk N Roll Dog and Frankie the Walk N Roll Therapy Dog. 

From the time Frankie was seven years-old and rolling in her wheelchair until the day she left this planet at almost thirteen, both she and Barbara formed an amazing team helping children and adults see their challenges in a positive way. They logged over 400 visits to schools and libraries, and made over 250 visits as a therapy dog team to hospitals, senior assisted living facilites and hospice community.

Losing Frankie left a huge hole in Barbara's heart and life that needed filling. She jumped back into rescuing a special-needs dachshund. Although that sweet girl was only with her for about a year, Joie (pronounced Joey) inspired another memoir, Wisdom Found In the Pause, Joie's Gift.

Through the years, the love of Frankie, Joie, and now special-needs dachshund, Gidget, have been among Barbara's greatest teachers. "...they continue to serve me in a positive way, as a mirror I welcome looking into, even when it's difficult."

Then there was Kylie; perhaps the best teacher of all. Beautiful English lab whose sweet soul instinctively knew she needed to stay in the background while her "sisters" were tended to. She watched over Frankie, Joie, and then Gidget until, finally, it was her turn to cross the Rainbow Bridge. Her mom calls her the sweetest soul she's ever known.

During Kylie's remaining two years, she claimed a rug between the living room and kitchen as her own special spot. The family would have to carefully step over or around her. But, they didn't mind. The lab also had her own very large cage that was her sanctuary from the daily hustle and bustle. When Kylie began to decline, Gidget started joining her in the cage; snuggling as close as possible. The "somewhat aloof" Kylie, let her.

It's been several months since Kylie joined Frankie and Joie, and now, Gidget (Right) has suddenly taken up her sister's favorite spot on the rug between the living room and the kitchen. It's like she's connecting, in her own way, to Kylie's spirit. I don't doubt that one bit.

When I read this on Barbara's recent blog about Gidget's new habit, I was comforted; knowing each and every furkid I've been fortunate enough to have in my life will always be with me, in spirit and in my heart.

Barbara Techel describes herself as Intuitive Guide, Oracle Reader, Author, SoulCollage® Facilitator, Animal Lover, Deep Thinker. You can access Joyful Paws Website and discover more about Barbara's books, Oracle Reading, Workshops, Blog, and how to contact her.

Frankie, The Walk 'N Roll Dog - And Her Mom!

HOW WOULD YOUR LIFE BE DIFFERENT IF YOU COULD TURN EVERY CHALLENGE INTO A BLESSED STEPPING STONE?

This is exactly what one dear little Dachshund did.

The story of Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog is a true, inspirational story about a dog whose life started out just like any other dog walking on all four paws until a spinal injury leaves her paralyzed. When Frankie is custom fit for a wheelchair she gradually learns to keep on rolling. Her zest for life will have you cheering her on and give you hope that all things are possible.

Frankie’s story touches the hearts of young and old as she teaches us how a challenge can become a stepping stone to something more meaningful. Frankie’s motto is: “Always be positive and keep on rolling!”

Frankie's mom, Barbara Techel, is here with some stories you might not know.

CA: Barbara, yours and Frankie's story is such a powerful mixture of love, devotion and perseverance. Frankie was six when she became paralyzed. How did her injury change your view of handicapped pets?

BT: BT: What a wonderful question! I had never really thought about animals with disabilities before Frankie became paralyzed. Now I see the many valuable lessons they offer us, as well as what a huge blessing they are. I think all animals are special, but handicapped animals have really spoken to my heart in a way that is hard for me to sometimes say in words.

I'm amazed at how animals with challenges just overcome them and adjust without feeling sorry for themselves. I really don't think they see a disabilitiy as that, but just figure out a way to adjust and get on with life.

That is the beauty of what they can teach us... to look at our challenges as a stepping stone to something better, a new way of life. For me, Frankie helped me find my joy and purpose, which is sharing her story. And sharing that handicapped animals really can have great lives if they are given a chance. So often they are the last to be adopted at a shelter because of the extra care (and money) they may require. But the blessings of watching them flourish and thrive is priceless.

CA: Do you think the experience with your Lab, Cassie Jo's bone cancer diagnosis help prepare you for Frankie's challenges?

BT: Without a doubt, yes. Though I didn't realize it for awhile until all of the adjusting with Frankie had passed. When I look back to almost 5 years ago I totally understand why everything happened the way it did. I would not be who I am today without first Cassie Jo and now Frankie. Cassie Jo started out my path of looking inward and discovering for me what mattered, which lead me to writing about animals. Then Frankie's injury lead me further down my path in writing her story and sharing it with kids.

CA: I can only imagine how much fun the two of you have doing events with children. Can you share one particular reaction or question that took you off guard?

BT: It is quite fun! I love watching the looks on kids faces and hearing their shouts of glee when I show them how Frankie walks in her wheels. Often kids will call Frankie's dog cart a car, or a scooter, which I think is cute. I can't recall any question that has taken me off guard. Though in writing Frankie's story I had planned on not sharing the part about her pooping on the floor or tooting, as it was embarrasing for me to say. Well, I was encouraged to put that in the book because kids love that stuff. I wasn't sure how I would handle it once I started doing presentations, but now I have so much fun with it!!

Because of Frankie's paralysis I show kids how I help her go potty and poop. Of course that gets them all fired up and I just have such a good time with it. I get the kids involved with having them come up and do physical therapy for Frankie like I did. They get hands experience in moving her legs in different exercises. Often times I will "warn" them that Frankie just might toot during that time, so they should be aware. That sparks lots of giggles!!

CA: A little dog told me that you have another book in the works, Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House. Would you share a little bit about it?

BT: Yes! This book should be out January 2010. Frankie became a registered therapy dog in Sept. 2009. This book is how she became a therapy dog and how she now visits a senior assisted facility (Libby's House) once a month. Most of the patients have Alzheimer's or dementia. It is my hope to help children understand the elderly a bit better and hopefully not fear them so much, as well as encourage them to spend time with elderly they may know. Frankie meets some very special friends and it will deal with how she interacts with them and how she makes friends with them and loses one of her friends there as well.

Follow Frankie's Blog!

Click cover to BUY!

Amigo Does Interviews!

Mayra Calvani's Golden Retriever, Amigo, has come up with a great idea. He's now conducting interview on Pets and Authors Blogs

Amigo, it turns out, is a fabulous interviewer! As he humbly tells it, "I'm three years old and I have connections with the CIA. My new hobby is to interview authors' pets--dogs, cats, rats, lizards, birds, squirrels, horses, fish, you name it! I'm less tolerant with rabbits (for obvious reasons), but I can always be bribed with the right treats (how about filet mignon?). Learn the authors' dirty little secrets... straight from their pet's mouths! Woof! Woof!

So, jump on over to Pets and Authors Blog and read about Balto and Willow and Osiris. Find out all the tricks they use to annoy their author mom's and dad's. (Amigo likes to stare at his mom until she feels guilty about writing.)

So, check out Amigo's blog. He's even working on getting his own e-mail account!

And, while you're at it, check out Amigo's mom's books! Mayra's Secret Bookcase

The Magic Violin (click on picture for Amazon)

Inner Strength

If you can start the day without caffeine

If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it

If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment

If you can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct her/him

If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend

If you can conquer tension without medical help

If you can relax without liquor

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,

Then...




You are probably the family dog.



(Thanks Kim!)

WOMEN ONLY OVER FIFTY (WOOF)

(drum roll, please)

Ahem. Ladies and gentlemen. Boys & girls. Dogs and cats (well, maybe not cats!). I'm thrilled to unveil the new cover for our upcoming release, Women Only Over Fifty (WOOF)! A funny, light-hearted break from the normal spin of the world. An odd but humorous little book to give us all cause to howl at the moon!

Yep. Diana, Melinda and I can't wait for the book release by Echelon Press. Looks like July 1.

Watch for updates, because we'll soon be launching the Woofers Club Blog, including a forum were you can "unleash" all your funny stories, frustrations, and vents about the "joys" of the aging process.

So, get ready for the Wild, Wacky, Wonderful World of WOOF!

Doggone, we're good!

Mary Cunningham Books