 Barbara Techel is the author of “Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog.” She wrote the children’s book to give hope and inspiration to all who face challenges, plus she wants to bring a positive face to disabled animals.
But before Barbara began on her journey of inspiration, she went on a quest for her purpose but was not sure what it could possibly be.
After the diagnoses of terminal bone cancer in her chocolate lab, Cassie, she literally felt like she hit a wall. Something critical was missing in her life. "I didn’t know what it was, but I wanted desperately to fill the void," expresses Barbara.
So Barbara enlisted the help of a life coach and began the inner search for her truth and wanting to live with more joy.
"During my coaching sessions, animals and my love for them kept coming up time and time again, so I decided it would be fun to write about them," explained Barbara. She set out to do just that and landed an opportunity with her local paper writing a column called, “For the Love of Animals.”
In December 2005 Barbara brought a new Labrador, Kylie into her life. She began training her for therapy work so she could visit hospitals and nursing homes. Writing about their experiences was a stepping stone Barbara was looking forward to accomplishing.
Little did she know God had other plans for her. On Easter Sunday 2006 Barbara's miniature dachshund, Frankie, ruptured a disk in her back and became permanently paralyzed. Frankie taught her through her zest for life. "Even though now in a dog cart, I could either feel sorry for what happened, or I could look for a blessing in our situation," states Barbara. She continues:
"My purpose had found me. I was meant to share Frankie’s story with others through her children’s book, “Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog.” Teaching children, as well as adults, that we can overcome challenges has become a passionate mission of mine. With Frankie by my side, I find blissful joy in sharing her story."
Now Frankie and Barbara work together out of their office to spread Frankie's story and inspiration. Their office is named MySpace.calm. "When I began writing, I was writing at my kitchen table. The noise and traffic of our busy household did not support my desperate need for peace, serenity, and a view of the outdoors," states Barbara.
"I am fortunate my husband is a carpenter (though it can be a curse also to get a project completed. ha!)," explains Barbara. But her husband knew how serious she was about pursuing her dreams. Her only challenge was coming up with the funds for materials. So she decided to sell her prized possession, which was her little red sports car in order to pay for the materials to build MySpace.calm.
"I realized it was just a material thing, and could not buy me happiness. It was one of the best things I have ever done," shares Barbara.
Because Barbara's inspiration is feeling like she is outdoors and a part of nature, her husband built her a little 10 x 12 room off the corner angle of their deck, so it is separate from their house. It has lots of windows to allow the sun light to pour in. She loves surrounding herself with vintage and used treasures, as well as art, and of course, photo's of her loved ones and her furry family.
Barbara's style is Shabby Chic in the little cottage
When asked what is one thing in her office that is fun or quirky and represents the fun side of her personality, she replied:
"I'd have to say my artsy wood doll with the long willow hair I made in an art class!! She represents my coming out of my shell and embracing everything that I am. Her name is Eartha Azure. Just looking at her reminds me I can be anything I want to be, and to never, ever to worry what others think."
Barbara shares that her MySpace.calm feeds her soul. It reminds her how important it is to follow her heart, that material things are only that, and that living authentically and purposefully is the only way to live.
To learn more about Barbara and Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog, visit their site at www.joyfulpaws.com |
When this month's featured office space was submitted, it really touched me on a personal level. I have a passion for animals and always have. 
If you are an animal lover like me, I think you will be intrigued by this month's feature, Barbara Techel with Frankie, "the Walk 'N Roll Dog." I am especially drawn to Frankie as I had a dog very similar in breed to her. My baby's name was Snoopy (pictured here) and I lost her about 10 years ago. She was with me for 12 years prior to her passing and she saw me through some pretty tough times in my life. The pain of losing her is still very real. This issue is dedicated to Snoopy. 
