Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Walk 'N Roll Dog Touches the Heart of Valentines

A media release written by Yvonne Perry

Author Barbara Techel and her paralyzed dog, Frankie, appear at book release party to help others gain compassion for the physically challenged.

ELKHART LAKE, WI — Author Barbara Techel’s idea of a Valentine’s Day celebration has a dog-eared expression that doesn’t include a candlelit dinner, red roses or romantic music. Barbara is celebrating the holiday with her pooch and the launch of her first children’s book, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog.

February is the month of love and that includes our love of animals and pets. Barbara Techel’s love for her furry friends is so great that she has written a true, inspirational book about Frankie—a dog whose life started like any other dog walking on all four paws. When a spinal injury left her paralyzed, Frankie was custom-fitted for a doggie wheelchair. Now she is able to "walk 'n roll."

Barbara receives compassionate reactions whenever she is out with Frankie in Elkhart Lake. People are fascinated by the little dog with tires and they frequently ask Barbara what happened to the dachshund. The warmth, kindness and encouragement from strangers, as well as family and friends, led Barbara to writing the dog’s story. While the book is geared toward children, people of all ages love the story.

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.

“I wrote Frankie, The Walk N’ Roll Dog to give hope and inspiration to all who face challenges,” says Techel. “My lifelong love of animals led me to realize that Frankie’s paralysis was an opportunity to spread a positive message.”

Friends of the Library is sponsoring the event to be held at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008 from 1:00 -3:00 p.m. Before the book signing, Barbara will give a brief lecture, a selected reading, and answer questions. And most importantly, Frankie will be there in her new satin quilted heart coat to promote her book. Refreshments will be served.
Since 2005, Barbara’s column “For the Love of Animals” has appeared in the Depot Dispatch.

Her column shares stories of the daily antics and lives of all her four-legged companions and other furry friends. Barbara received an honorable mention award in a contest sponsored by best-selling authors Linda and Allen Anderson of www.Angelanimals.net. There is a possibility that her story will appear in the Anderson’s fall 2008 book.

Barbara hopes that Frankie’s story will help anyone realize they always have a choice as to how they will overcome a challenge. Frankie will leave an everlasting and loving paw print on your heart this Valentine’s Day.

You can read more about Barbara on her Web site http://www.joyfulpaws.com or blog with the author at http://www.joyfulpaws.typepad.com

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