Help for Paralyzed Dog, Ladybird

My name is Barbara Techel and my heart goes out to my dear friend, Julie,  and what she is going through with her sweet dog, Ladybird (a.k.a. Birdie), who was just diagnosed with two herniated disc's, and is paralyzed.

(Julie and Birdie)

I want to do what I can to help her, because like many, the $6,600 in medical bills is not money she has.  As you read further, you will see what an instrumental part of my life Julie has been, especially after my dachshund, Frankie, became paralyzed in 2006. It's really how we met!
(Ladybird at vet clinic after surgery)

Before I share more about Julie and how special she is, I want to let everyone know this:

For every person who donates $20.00 (or more) I will gift you the e-book version of my award-winning memior, "Through Frankie's Eyes: One woman's journey to her authentic self, and the dog on wheels who led the way." 

(Birdie with her big "sister" Lyla who is helping Birdie by being by her side often and comforting her).

You see, Julie, is an extra special friend to me because she has always been a huge supporter of Frankie and me, and our special mission.  A chapter in my book is devoted to her.

Let me tell you a little bit about Julie and how she has been there for me:

While I won't disclose the many heartaches Julie has had in the last two years (to protect her privacy), I can tell you, she's been through a lot. But she isn't one to complain or ask for help.

After my dog, Frankie became paralyzed, I realized the beautiful opportunity I had to share a positive message about disabled dogs. Part of that message was to also help kids see their own challenges in a positive way through Frankie's example. I would end up writing and publishing a children's book about Frankie to help spread this positive message.

Julie was one of my first big supporters to cheer me on in my efforts.

Her 3rd grade students would be the first to take part in hearing about Frankie with a visit to Julie's classroom. Many of Julie's students are considered from families of poverty and many other challenging issues. You can imagine the positive impact Frankie had on her students!
(A visit to Julie's 3rd grade classroom)

Every year while Frankie was alive, we were invited back to Julie's classroom.  She truly understands the impact animals can have on the lives of children. She always did what she could to find grants for funding to bring us into her classroom each year, as well as purchase books for her students.

She implemented a therapy dog reading program for her classroom, so not only could children learn to read, but they would read to her dog, Preston, who inspired and encouraged the students just by sitting or lying beside them. Reading to a dog, and reading about another dog Frankie, who overcame her challenges, well, I think you will agree, that is pretty special.
(Students reading to Preston from book about Frankie)

I remember visiting Julie's classroom the first year and how nervous I was. But Julie put me at ease. It was her enthusiasm and encouragement after my presentation that helped me to know that Frankie and I could be a positive light in many more children's lives.

(Signs made by students of lessons learned from Frankie)

Julie would also be the first one to encourage me that Frankie and I should become a therapy dog team. This had been a dream of mine! But I didn't know if Frankie could do it because of her special needs. But Julie again encouraged us, and becuase she was a tester for Therapy Dogs Inc. she did what she could to help us get our certification - going above and beyond to make sure it happened.

I would go on to write another children's book about how Frankie became a therapy dog, visiting a senior assisted living, with many residents with Alzheimer's.  Julie and her dog, Preston (also a therapy dog) are included in that book becasue of everything they did for us.
(Ilustration from my children's book talking about when Julie and Preston came to my house to work with Frankie & I, helping us become a therapy dog team)

It's a tough time for Julie and her family right now. But I have no dobut that when they move through all of this, Julie will use this lesson as a wonderful teaching tool for her students.

Many more children will benefit from what she will learn about helping her own dog who is going through paralyis, recovery and healing. This, I believe, will in turn, help future animals in the lives of those children and the lives of others they know, should their pets become paralyzed.

The lesson of compassion will continue with Julie and Ladybird and how one can endure through challenging times with a positive attitude and help from their friends.

Thank you for reading this far and for considerating a donation. Julie will be keeping me updated on Ladybird's progress, and I, in turn, will promise to keep you updated.