Backcover Description: The true, inspirational story about Frankie, a dachshund, whose life started out like any other dog walking on all four paws until a spinal injury leaves her paralyzed. Frankie is custom-fitted for a wheelchair and learns to keep on rolling. Her zest for life will have you cheering and she will give you hope that all things are possible.
Book Review/s to share: It is refreshing to read a children's story that address topics such as life acceptance and determination. There are so many children in this world who become inspired by other's stories, and it is just brilliant to write from an animal's point of view, due to the bond a child understands with animals. Frankie's story is not only inspirational, but it is real. Children want to read about "real" just as much as make believe, and that is why this book touches hearts. This story is also great for all ages as it reaches us on an inner level. Compassion, empathy, joy, sorrow ... these emotions will be a constant in our lives. It is a relief to know, that for those who may experience a hardship in life, if they read Frrankie's story as a child, maybe their own hope will be strengthened. -Melissa M. Williams, author of Iggy the Iguana Series
My 7-year-old grandson was at my house when I got Barbara's book in the mail. I laid it on my desk and didn't say anything to him. A few hours later he went to play games on my computer, and quickly came running to the kitchen to find me.
"Is that book on your desk a kid's book about a dog that can't walk?" "It sure is," I told him. "Can we read it?" "We sure can!" I was hoping he would ask.
Frankie's life started out like all other dogs. She could run, walk, jump and play. She even rode to town in the basket of her human mom's bicycle! But, something happened while Frankie's family was on vacation. She had an accident at the kennel that injured her back and ruptured a disc in her spine. She had surgery right away. After a long recovery, Frankie was fitted for a special set of tires that allow her to move around almost as good as new. Everyone loves the dog that has tires. Everywhere she goes, Frankie gets a lot of attention.
My grandson was totally thrilled that Frankie pulled through her ordeal! It was a precious moment and I thank Barbara for sharing Frankie's story with us. It is such a sweet book. I love the beautiful illustrations and the way Frankie tells her story first person.
Struggling with a physical challenge can be overwhelming to people and animals alike. But, this little wiener dog has a zest for life that will have you cheering and believing that all things are possible. Frankie's story will help anyone realize they always have a choice as to how they will respond to a challenge. Frankie will leave an everlasting and loving paw print on the heart of adults as well as children. ~Yvonne Perry, Writer's in the Sky Creative Writing Services
Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog is a softcover picturebook based on the true-life story of the author's dog Frankie, a dachshund whose spinal injury paralyzed her lower body but not her spirit. Frankie was custom fit for a wheelchair, and learned to keep on rolling and make the most of life. "In order to get me to try out my new wheels, Mom coaxes me with doggie biscuits. Inch by inch, I move forward. Pretty soon, I am walking around the block and don't even notice the wheels behind me. As we walk by Travis, the neighbor boy, he yells, 'Hey, look! That dog has tires!' I hold my head high and roll along with pride." Illustrated with dramatically shaded color artwork, Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog is a heartwarming and uplifting picturebook conveying a positive-minded message about making the most of life despite disabilities. ~Midwest Book Review
Email to share: joyfulpaws@yahoo.com
Book Title: Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House
Backcover Description: Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog keeps rolling along in her doggie wheelchair. This paralyzed dachshund’s unabashed healing, exuberant spirit, and spunky personality is a blessed gift to everyone she befriends. In this true, inspirational story, Frankie tells how she became a registered therapy dog and shares her visits to Libby’s House, a senior facility where many residents have Alzheimer’s or dementia. Frankie teaches us that patience, listening, and understanding opens our hearts to what matters most—love.
Book Review/s to share: With this lovely book, Frankie will win your heart and inspire children to overcome whatever obstacles they face in life. Told from Frankie’s viewpoint, this journey from using a wheelchair (dog cart) to finding her purpose as a therapy dog is not only touching but also shows children how much joy, healing, and hope a dog can bring to this world. Outstanding! ~Linda and Allen Anderson, authors of Angel Animal Books
When I think of all the animals that are destroyed because they have a disability, it saddens me--especially when I see the good that comes from using a disability to help others. That's the case with Frankie, the Walk `N Roll Therapy Dog. In Barbara Techel's new book, she tells how she and Frankie became a therapy team and the joy that visiting Libby's House brings to them and the residents. Libby's House is a senior facility where residents have Alzheimer's, dementia, or some physical challenge from aging.
Beautiful illustrations by Victoria Kay Lieffring enhance the telling of this story. Any child or adult will enjoy seeing Frankie perched in various places like the kitchen sink, her doggie car seat (where she serves as co-pilot), the teacher's desk, Daniel's lap, the dining room table (ready to help blow out the candles on 100-year-old Martha's birthday cake), and on the sofa or beside the wheelchair of an elderly resident. Each month, the folks at Libby's House eagerly await the arrival of Barbara and Frankie ready to pet the pooch who is paralyzed in her hind quarters.
I love the way Frankie tells her own story in a play-by-play narrative. You may forget that Frankie is not a human. She sure knows how to relate to people, and she's a really polite listener even when Edith tells about Schutzie, yet again! The lighthearted humor in this book will help children and adults understand that the elderly have a lot to offer younger generations--even when they are reminiscing and don't know what day it is!
This book provides an endearing glance to help us better appreciate the preciousness in all of life's stages. Highly recommended for family reading and classroom education.
Yvonne Perry, author of The Sid Series Barbara Techel takes us beyond our human reasoning and limited sight by engaging our imaginations grounded in truth through the eyes of her little dog Frankie - who doesn't allow her physical challenges to limit her purpose or her gift of healing to all those who come into contact with her. Into Libby's House we roll with the wide-eyed innocence and charm only a little dog in wheels can claim with unabashed healing love for those who are broken in spirit and body.
~Dr. Kim Bloomer, veterinary naturopath, author and host of Animal Talk Naturally
Email to share: joyfulpaws@yahoo.com
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