Through Frankie's Eyes: One Woman's Journey to Her Authentic Self, and the Dog on Wheels Who Led the Way

by Barbara Techel

Renowned novelist E.M. Forster wrote: "I suggest that the only books that influence us are those for which we are ready, and which have gone a little farther down our particular path than we have yet got ourselves." If your authentic self has disappeared beneath a burden of should haves or could haves-pleasing everyone but yourself, worrying about everything that's out of your control while ignoring what only you can change, settling for less than you know you can be-this is such a book. Author Barbara Techel has certainly gone farther down the path toward self-discovery than most of us have dared, and here she shares that journey with readers ready for its influence on their own choices. It's your time: to grow; to learn from a woman who's overcome her deepest fears to live joyfully, with integrity and intent; and to marvel at the magic of it happening under the guidance and knowing eyes of a small, red dog on wheels. Let this story seep into your consciousness and inspire you-indeed, allow you-to start or continue your own fulfilling journey to who you really are. You've picked up this book because you're craving the inspiration and uplift it so generously offers. Don't put it down. It's a gift, if you're ready to accept it. Read it. Hold onto it to remind you that though you may have work to do, you absolutely can achieve the life you're striving for. Free yourself of the things that no longer matter, and embrace how beautiful the world is to someone who can see it...through Frankie's eyes.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

176 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2013

Reviews

[Abby Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Techel’s memoir, Through Frankie’s Eyes, is a wonderful story with a very powerful message of hope and inspiration. Reading it is a true treasure to experience. My family recently experienced a situation similar to Frankie’s with our dachshund, Sophie. Because of the similarities between Frankie and Sophie, I related very strongly to her story and the inspiration behind it, as it is something that I have and continue to experience first hand. I was gripped word for word as Barbara was recounting Frankie’s back injury, and thereafter simply touched by the work Barbara and Frankie did together to make the lives better for children and adults alike. The book is filled with moments where I laughed out loud, moments I cried, and many touching moments in between. The recounts sent me on a wonderful journey that I enjoyed from the beginning to the end. It is simply profound how many lives this little dachshund on wheels touched in a positive, impactful way. Frankie will certainly continue her beautiful mission through this book. I will not only cherish my copy of Through Frankie’s Eyes, but will allow Frankie’s message to make me a better person, both to my human and pet companions a like. I was thrilled when I saw this book was being written. I anticipated it’s release with a lot of excitement, and it lived up to every expectation I had of it. It is beautifully written and is easy and enjoyable to read. I highly recommend reading this story and allowing it’s powerful, transformational message to seep into you. We all have “Frankie moments” in our lives; times in our lives where we struggle to find the meaning or the purpose of something happening. This book can show you how to open yourself up to these moments, ultimately changing your life, as Frankie did for Barbara.

[Kathleen Pooler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started Through Frankie’s Eyes by Barbara Techel, I couldn’t put it down. It is a poignant love story about the profound healing impact a disabled dachshund, Frankie has on her owner, Barbara. Barbara chronicles her journey from health scare, stressful corporate job and unsettled, fearful woman to a woman who has found a place of authenticity and peace. It is amazing how this precious little animal shows Barbara the way to her purpose and mission in life.
Barbara’s writing is compelling and engaging in its raw honesty and pure and deep love of animals. We come to know all her pets, Cassie, Kylie and Frankie in an intimate way and feel Barbara’s steadfast love and admiration of them. This story brought tears to my eyes when I experienced how Frankie touched the lives of Barbara and of specific people through her sweet and enduring presence and her courage in living life to the fullest despite her disability.
Barbara invited me into her story in a way that left me feeling inspired, hopeful and fulfilled. If you are an animal lover, you will totally understand and love this story. If you are not, you will love this story and begin to understand why people love their pets so much. It is a beautiful story of how a special dachshund touched so many lives in such a meaningful way and inspired a mission to help other disabled pets and people. I highly recommend this hopeful and heartwarming story.

[Jackie Bouchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the subtitle states, "Through Frankie's Eyes", takes you along as author Barbara Techel seeks her "authentic self." There was much in this book I could relate to. Like Techel, I, too, was late to figuring out what I wanted to be/do with my life. I also have struggled with worrying too much about what others think and have wondered if I was normal because I preferred "fur kids" over the real kind. I've also had a dog with bone cancer, and I've learned so many important life lessons from my own dogs. If you see yourself in any other those situations (and haven't so many of us at one time or another struggled with finding our purpose in life?), I think you'll also enjoy this tale or a woman's wonderful journey with an adorable little dog who teaches her so much about living life to the fullest. (Have a tissue or two handy!)

Note: I was provided a free copy of the book by the author for an honest review.

[Linda Hoye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Barbara Techel was searching for something that would give her a sense of purpose and significance and, in the face of what might at first glance seem tragic, found it with the help of a sweet little dachshund named Frankie. This story will bring you tears--probably more than once--but if you read it slowly, thoughtfully, savoring each word, you'll find that Frankie's legacy as a therapy dog lives on as her message of living with joy, accepting what is, and bringing comfort to others, continues to touch the hearts of those who read her story.

[Kate Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara writes with compassion and a swell of emotion. Her gift, her passion is clear: serving others by communicating the power behind dogs on wheels. Her words and her mission certainly have a place. Barbara has found her niche. A good read for fierce pet lovers; Barbara's love for her dogs is tangible.

[Tamara Debord durbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book about how a disabled dog helped a lady find her way in life, gave her courage, and taught her happiness. Frankie also helped others. Great story and very touching!

[Sandy Kubillus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dachshund in a wheelchair on the book cover grabbed at my heart. About fifteen years ago, I too had owned a dog that needed a wheel chair. Was the author’s experience similar to mine? How did she deal with the constraints of a wheel chair?
Frankie’s paralysis occurred due to a fall while Barbara Techel was on vacation, and complications caused from IVDD (Intervertebral Disk Disease). Obviously, Techel’s experience with Frankie affected her enough to write several books including two children’s books and this memoir.
Although Through Frankie’s Eyes is more about the author than about Frankie. I found it compelling how this dog gave her a career change and helped her find her life’s purpose as she reached out to teach children not to judge other people based on their physical appearance, and to accept life’s challenges. The old cliché ‘When life gives you a lemon, make lemonade’ definitely applies to both Techel and Frankie.

[Stella Raasch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt story, but heartbreaking.

[Danielle Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartfelt stories about a bunch of dogs and how they have changed people's lives.

[Julie Busa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and could relate to so much. This book may be short, but it packs an emotional punch.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doxie Brings About Transformation From Pack of Two to Marley & Me, the best part of reading a dog book is seeing the changes and impact the dog had on the humans in its life. Barbara Techel’s memoir, Through Frankie’s Eyes, is no exception. While some books deal with the happy chaos an animal can bring to an ordinary life, others focus on the comfort they provide to humans facing a life change or a tragedy. In Techel’s book, it is her dogs, who face tragedy – from Cassie, her lab, who is diagnosed with cancer to Frankie, the dachshund, whose Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) leads to a doggie cart or wheelchair and inspiring work with Techel as a therapy dog. Dog lovers will find themselves riding a rollercoaster of emotions as these two face their challenges, but it is what they teach Techel that is the heart and soul of the book.
At first glance Techel’s story may seem to lack drama – she is an ordinary person, a middle-age wife and dog owner in search of a satisfying career, a sense of purpose, an authentic life. Yet, this is exactly the book’s appeal. Techel’s search is shared by all of us regardless of our circumstance and thus, her story becomes our own. Techel subtitles her book “one woman’s journey to her authentic self, and the dog on wheels who led the way” and this description couldn’t be more apt. We experience her growing confidence as she and Frankie tackle the daily trials of caring for and being a disabled dog. From the first page, it is easy to see Techel is an empathetic and sensitive soul and her care and work with Frankie soon puts these talents to use in helping others.
Techel’s writing style is open, honest, straightforward and clear. She does not shy away from sharing the simple challenges, fears and worries of everyday life and does not try to present her story as anything, but the simple journey of one woman and her dog. It is an endearing approach and an inspiring one. I found myself loving Techel’s story for its sincerity, her willingness to admit that what can seem like minor concerns to an outsider – shyness, lack of confidence, money woes, the search for the perfect career – are in fact the major issues of life. How wonderful for any of us who are as lucky as Techel to find someone to guide us toward the person we were meant to be, how much more wonderful for the dog lovers among us when that guide turns out to be canine. Through Frankie’s Eyes is a sweet tale and a gentle read, a familiar journey for anyone whose life has been changed by a special-needs pet, and a reminder for all of us that sometimes the biggest triumph come in finding our own path.
Barbara Techel’s book, Through Frankie’s Eyes, will be available for sale on Amazon at the end of February. In the meantime, you can follow her story on Facebook  or on her blog.

[McGuffy Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of a dachshund named Frankie. Frankie was a special dog. Suffering from Intervertebral Disc Disease, she lived in a wheelchair for dogs. This can be a problem in dachshunds, basset hounds, and Corgis, but in other breeds, as well. IVDD affects the disc and vertebrae of the spine, causing sensitivity, pain, immobility and even incontinence as the disease progresses.

Frankie learned to live in a wheelchair, as her owner learned about living by seeing life through her little dog’s eyes. Together, they learned and grew on their journey. Never giving up, Frankie put things into perspective with her acceptance and will to make the most of every situation. Barbara learned from each situation that Frankie encountered, not only about Frankie but about herself, too.

Barbara Techel is open and forthright in her writing. She shares Frankie’s struggles and her inspiration to others with dogs that have disabilities. Barbara also shares her own personal struggles, including how Frankie’s courage has inspired her in her own life.

This is a beautiful story of the closeness between a woman and her dog. It is a testament of their journey together, and their separate journeys within. This is a very special and inspiring story of how love can triumph in even difficult life situations.

[Christina Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading 'through Frankie's eyes' with my little dog curled up on my lap.. And i feel blessed to have my dog with me and so touched by this beautiful story! Her story is beautiful ! Frankie was a beautiful spirit! And Barbara has made it clear that we should be happy and enjoy our lives. God bless

[Emily Capeles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not like reading books about animals because they tend to get me upset and make me cry. That being said I enjoyed this book. The message that it gave was very moving. I think the story of Frankie should be told and this book told the story in a moving way.

*Goodreads Giveaway Book*

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admire the love and care the author gave all her dogs. And truly believe the message that our pets love and help complete us humans. A little too heavy on the self help and finding myself, but a nice read. 3.5/5