Frankie the Wheelchair Dog Inspires Young and Old Alike

posted on Aug 17 by Lauren in the Disability News, Fun category

After suffering from a ruptured disk five years ago, Frankie the Dachshund’s mobility became restricted to a doggie cart, but a little thing like that never got in Frankie’s way of living!

Frankie is an eleven-year-old miniature dachshund, who inspired her owner and beloved friend, Barbara Techel. Barbara was afraid that Frankie’s new disability would make her dear friend depressed, because she could no longer walk on all her four paws. However, Frankie impressed her owner by carrying on about in her doggie cart, as if she had always moved around with it. She did this despite the daily challenges and adjustments that come with a new form of mobility.

“Frankie’s story is so uplifting,” said Barbara. “Even faced with a hardship, she has remained positive.” Barbara became inspired by her companion’s determination, and decided to make Frankie the hero of her very own children’s book series. She took a hint from Frankie and made her children’s books about keeping positive attitudes.

The books Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog and Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House tell the story of how this small creature overcame some major challenges in her life. The inspirational power team, with Frankie as the hero and Barbara as her voice, have traveled to over three hundred elementary schools, libraries, and organizations spreading inspiration and strength to overcome adversity.

After one library reading, a long line of kids waited patently to thank Frankie, and to give her a scratch behind the ears of course. One seven year old said what all the children was thinking, “I wanted to take Frankie home with me. It was really good.”

Sources:

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110717/GPG04/107170560/Author-shares-uplifting-story-wheelchair-dog

http://www.joyfulpaws.com/