Have you ever met a dog that you instantly fell in love with? This has happened to me before, but this is the first time it’s happened with a dog I haven’t actually met…in person, that is. Yet I know if I met Frankie face to muzzle, I’d love her to pieces.
I actually met Frankie through her sweet, uplifting book, Frankie the Walk ‘n Roll Dog by Barbara Techel (c) 2008. Since then I’ve followed Frankie’s activities via her blog and communicated with her mom, Barb, and learned about this special dog on wheels.
Frankie, a miniature dachshund, tells us the story of her life, from when she was the very last pup in the litter to be adopted, to her new home with 
Barb and John and dog and cat “siblings.” I love the glimpses into Frankie’s mind, like when she rides in Barb’s bike basket on the way to the Farmer’s Market and feels as if she can fly.
Of course, tranquility doesn’t always last forever, and Frankie’s world is shattered by a serious injury. She’s unable to walk again. And through the rest of the book, Frankie teaches us that a disabled dog can still lead a happy and complete life, one full of love and hope.
But Frankie’s story doesn’t end there. Frankie and Barb want to inspire others. Fran
kie visits children and adults in schools, hospitals, assisted living homes, and just about anywhere to share her message of hope and courage. I’ve never seen a calendar so full of appearances and events. Barbara’s second book, Frankie the Walk ‘n Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House shares some of Frankie’s experiences as a therapy dog. As Frankie touches the lives of the residents of Libby’s House, she’ll touch your heart too.
Buy these books on Amazon, or through Joyful Paws website.
* Frankie the Walk ‘n Roll Dog won the USA Book News “Best Book 2008” award.
* won the Merial Human-Animal Bond award from the Dog Writer’s Association of America
* won Editor’s Choice Award from Allbook Reviews
* Frankie the Walk ‘n Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House won the 2010 Indie Excellence award for Children’s Non-Fiction.
* Look for an article about Barb and Frankie in Woman’s World magazine, on sale July 12!!
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