Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog by Barbara Gail Techel

by Barbara Techel
(Elkhart Lake, WI)

Barbara & Frankie

Book Synopsis
A true, inspirational story about a dachshund whose life started out just like any other dog walking on all four paws until a spinal injury leaves her paralyzed. Frankie is custom fit 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.
Frankie will leave an everlasting and loving paw print on your heart. A book for all ages to teach overcoming challenges and also compassion for the physically challenged.

Book Stats
Children's non-fiction
Published January 2008 by Joyful Paw Prints
52 pages

Reviews
Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog is a soft cover picture book 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. Illustrated with dramatically shaded color artwork, Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog is a heartwarming and uplifting picture book conveying a positive-minded message about making the most of life despite disabilities.
-Midwest Book Review, www.midwestbookreview.com

Frankie is like any other dachshund or wiener dog. She loves her new home, enjoys playing in the yard, going to the market and sleeping. But tragedy strikes when she is six years old and her owners are out of town.

Frankie survives a horrible accident but is left unable to use her back legs. Though she attempts physical therapy, it becomes clear that her legs will never work again. Frankie and her owners overcome this obstacle as well and purchase a customized cart for Frankie's back legs. Through hard work, pain and dedication, Frankie learns to walk using the cart and wheels attached to her little body.

Inspiring, refreshing and extremely kid-friendly, this book is a great book to introduce children to disability in a friendly, non-threatening way. The illustrations are beautiful and yet simple. Parents can enjoy sitting down to read this to their younger children and upper elementary school can read the book alone without much difficulty.

Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog is a wonderful book.

-Ginger McBride, www.armchairinterviews.com


My father, after reading the book, called with tears in his voice to say how much the book had touched him. He had thought that it would be “just a children’s book” and was surprised by how it had affected him. His mind took him back to the dogs he had loved who were no longer with him. He empathized with Barbara’s struggles and enjoyed the lighter moments. He couldn’t believe how he could almost hear Frankie as she told of her life. My dad continues to cherish the conversation he had with Eleanore (his granddaughter and my 8-year old niece) about the book. Both of them especially loved how Frankie described the feeling of flight while riding in the basket in the front of Barbara’s bicycle! When my niece first received the book, she said “oh, this is going to be sad”. Eleanore was delighted to find that it was a positive and joyful story and couldn’t wait to show the book to her friends.
-Diane Krause-Stetson, Coach www.leadyourlife.com


Excerpt
So, 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.

Contact Information
You can reach Barbara via her website at www.joyfulpaws.com or email at joyfulpaws@yahoo.com