Barbara Techel works as an educator and author; her favorite topic to write about is animals. She partners with her Dachshund, Frankie, who lives with a spinal cord injury.
Barbara described, "We work to spread our positive message about animals with disabilities; we share a very close bond. When I watch her with kids at local schools or as a therapy dog visiting the elderly, hospital or hospice patients, I truly get the sense that this is her purpose in life!"
Barbara shared some feedback from children Frankie has touched, "Frankie taught me to never give up hope and always believe in myself no matter what happens (Braden, 3rd grade). Frankie taught me to not be scared and to face my fears (Shayla, 3rd grade)." And her favorite, "Frankie helped a child with a form of Cerebral Palsy as the note from Jackson's mom described."
‘He is only three so it is hard to explain the reason and value to wearing the brace. Tonight is the first night he is wearing it to bed and your book and Frankie have helped him accept wearing this tremendously. Jackson said I have to wear my brace like Frankie!'
Barbara described Frankie's injury, "She suffers from a common disease in Dachshunds called Intervertebrael Disc Disease (IVDD). Because of their long spines their discs can degenerate and sometimes rupture."
Frankie fell while in a kennel several years ago which caused her injury. Barbara didn't give up as she shared, "The surgeon assured me these dogs can have long and happy lives even if they don't walk on their own again. I thought Frankie might be depressed, like a human would be when losing the use of their limbs but I realized dogs don't think in those terms. I've come to realize animals never feel sorry for themselves, they adjust and move on."
Barbara continued, "God blessed me with Frankie for very special reasons: I'm more compassionate, more patient and more forgiving; I see the world differently than I did before."
Her advice to others coping with IVDD, "It is not a death sentence. Find someone else who has gone through this; use the Internet. A wonderful resource is www.dodgerslist.com."
In Barbara's words, "It's important not to take pity on animals with special needs; all they want to do is love and be loved. I think we need to be open to what they are teaching us!"
Click here to learn more about Barbara and Frankie.
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