2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Uplifting Book, August 1, 2011
This review is from: Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House (Paperback)
Barbara Gail Techel offers the `feel good' true story of her dog, Frankie, in the book, Frankie, The Walk `n Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House. After Frankie, a dachshund pup, suffers a spinal cord injury that leaves her paralyzed, she goes on to become a therapy dog. Frankie's visits to Libby's House, a senior assisted living facility, always provide a lift for the residents. This books not only lets children know that they can overcome obstacles, but also lets them see the benefits of helping others in their community. The illustrations by Victoria Kay Lieffring are a perfect complement to the story. I highly recommend this book.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another winner from Barb and Frankie!, January 9, 2010
This review is from: Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House (Paperback)
Barb Techel writes and blogs and gives speaking presentations about her dear little dachsie, Frankie, the Walk 'n Roll Dog. Well, Barb's gone and done it again, folks! Her new book is titled Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House.
The story is appropriate, entertaining and educational for all ages. It's difficult to communicate how lavishly it's illustrated with unique and charming renderings from Victoria Kay Lieffring. These pictures capture in stylized detail the range of emotions Barb writes about as the residents of Libby's Place discover, enjoy and finally, love Frankie.
The one of Daniel staring into the eyes of a rapt Frankie on page 30 is just perfect: sweet and the absolute embodiment of a clear conduit of bonding between members of separate species who nevertheless have discovered that matchless common ground of shared experience. And that's what this touching book is about, that which makes us all fellow travelers on this earthly plane: our shared vulnerability, and the reality that when all else is stripped away, all we have is each other and the comfort we can humbly share.
I challenge anyone to read this book and come away with dry eyes and without a smile of recognition. And it's that juxtaposition of the sometimes difficult realities of life with the always hopeful knowledge that each of us brings something of value to the world that we can share with each other that makes this little story something that will stay with you long after you've closed the cover.
I urge you to get a copy of Frankie Visits Libby's House for yourself, and consider it as a rich but affordable gift for those you care about. Kids will understand the straightforward lesson that therapy animals can reach older folks whose worlds may have contracted from their previous horizons. Teens and young adults will see a potential opportunity for public and personal service beyond their daily worlds. Adults will appreciate the many subtle messages of hope and inspiration.
There's no one who can't find an important and hopeful message in this true story, handled with such respect and grace by Barb Techel. Personally, I found it the perfect antidote to the insincerity and cynicism of so much of today's mainstream "entertainment" in the form of so-called "reality shows."
Refreshingly, "Libby's House" shows us a world where people still care for each other and try to soothe hurts instead of exploiting them; where humans can count among their proudest moments those they spend reaching out with love to creatures of other species; and where we can all recognize that those gifts can and do come full circle back to us from small, brown doggies on wheels, with big, floppy velvet ears and eyes that glow with the deepest understanding and concern for every living thing.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Read!!!, December 30, 2009
This review is from: Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House (Paperback)
Frankie's heart-warming story signifies the therapeutic bond created between animals, disabled individuals, and older adults, as Barbara respectfully reaches out to a population that goes unnoticed at times. Again, the author has done a brilliant job to include real lessons, diversity, and a positive sense of awareness all inside a children's book. Grandparents must read this story with their grandchildren. The talking points for a parent and child are so delicately presented during Frankie's Journey, you can't help but feel like your eyes have been opened to the important things in life. Bravo you two! You have written a story that needed to be told!
Melissa M. Williams, author of the Iggy the Iguana Series
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