Frankie and I are having so much fun visiting classrooms via the technology of Skype. Some schools have their own video conferencing and that has worked out just as well. If you are thinking about bringing us into your school with the help of the Internet, please check out what these teachers had to say about the experience. For more information visit our special teacher section on our website. We would love to meet you and your students!
Students at my school in Canada used Skype to connect via the Internet with Barbara and Frankie who live in Wisconsin. The students were so excited and amazed at the experience. It seemed as if Frankie and Barbara were sitting right in their classroom!
The students were able to interact with Frankie and Barbara. They asked many thought provoking questions. They learned a lot about animals with disabilities and how to stay positive no matter what challenges they might face. The Skype has been their favorite part of the school year! ~Karen Keys, Teacher Librarian Canada
I was apprehensive about the vist, but it was tremendous. I wondered if 500+ children would be able to attend to the screen and realize they were having a conversation with an author. You did it! They stayed on task for the entire visit. The variety of activity--your talking, the Powerpoint, the video and Frankie's presence all worked together to keep them engaged. Thank you-- you made me look good! ~Kathy Howell, library media specialist, Clarksville Primary School, Arkansas
The students had such a great time during their webcam visit with Mrs. Techel and Frankie. They were even more inspiring in person. Mrs. Techel had Frankie right there with her during our web cam visit. Frankie even fell asleep on her desk. She showed the class how Frankie got in and out of her wheelchair, explained how she cared for Frankie, gave us a first hand view of her writing studio, and explained the writing process from the gathering of ideas, to the editing, and the publishing stages. ~Karen Elz, 3rd grade elementary teacher, Shiloh Point Elementary School, Georgia
Through the magic of technology we were able to host Barb & Frankie for an in-class(ish) presentation via Skype. Barb was able to take the kids through the notion of overcoming challenges, making a difference in the lives of others, and facing hardship in a positive, life-changing way. They were CAPTIVATED which is a pretty big deal for six-year-olds. ~Ben Bordeau, Who's Your Dachshund blogger and Jason Wade, 1st grade teacher, Bicentennial School, Canada
Our visit with you and Frankie was fabulous! The children couldn't stop talking about it. Not only did you make Frankie's story come alive for these students, you were able to make writing more real. Not one of these students have ever met an author, much less had a visit with one. I believe they received your message and also came away with a better understanding of what writing really is. ~Susan Ownens, special education teacher, Cheatham Park Elementary, Springfield, TN
In case you missed Blog Talk Radio show host, Lynn Serafinn talking with me and Ingrid King about how the animals in our lives have helped awaken each of us to so many blessings... here is the link.
Connecting with Ingrid, I found another kindred spirit in my belief's about aniamls. I wish with all my heart everyone could feel what we feel about animals- it is such an amazing way to live and see the world. I hope you will enjoy the show as much as I enjoyed doing it- what a thrill it is to share my message and hear others journey's as well.
Is it morbid to think about the time when Izzy dies? I’ve been writing all week about grieving for the animals we love, and I though it might be helpful – and honest – to share how I think about it. Once in awhile, I make sure to think about when Izzy dies. How he was abandoned on a farm and lived mostly outside for years and on his own, this intensely social and attached creature. How he drove me crazy when he first came to the farm, jumping fences, tearing the house apart. How he has seen so much life and death in his hospice work, see so many people he loved fade and die. Been so gentle and faithful to the people in his care, gone to their funerals, sat by their caskets.
I love following Jon Katz and his thoughts on animals.
To answer his question, "Is it morbid to think about the time when Izzy dies?" No, I don't at all think it is morbid. Death is part of life. We all have to face that. Maybe if we could all realize the beauty of death, we would never use the word morbid.
Thinking of the eventual loss of our pets, I think, is healthy. I want to live in all the glorious moments I have with Frankie, but at the same time, I want to give thought to her not being here someday. I don't dwell on it, but rather think about what will my life look like without her?
We spend so much time together and because of her I have found my purpose. What will my purpose look like when she is gone? I found a bit more peace with that lately and believe I will always do something around dogs... sharing their stories... being with them... and bringing another one into my life to care and love.
Use this dog age calculator to find out your dog's real age -- in dog years. (Enter your dog's breed and how long your dog has been alive.)
I think we have all been taught to use the method of our dogs age x 7 to figure out their age in relation to ours as humans. Well there is a new way to calculate your pets age... and they may not be as old as you think!
Lynn Serafinn radio host and author of The Garden of the Soul
Author, Transformation Coach and Spiritual Marketing Coach Lynn Serafinn hosts Barbara Techel and Ingrid King, two authors who have written books on the amazing power of animals. Barbara is the author of the multi-award winning book, Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog. When her dachshund, Frankie, suffered a spinal injury, Barbara had her custom-fitted for a wheelchair. Frankie persevered, and Barbara realized the beautiful opportunity she had to share Frankie and give others hope and inspiration to be the best they can be. Along with sharing Frankie’s story with children, Barbara and Frankie routinely volunteer as a therapy dog team at local hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice centers, spreading joy wherever they go. Ingrid King is a former veterinary hospital manager turned writer, and is author of Buckley's Story - Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher. Her online magazine News for You and Your Pet goes out to subscribers around the world. Her blog, The Conscious Cat, has been called “educational cat nip for the cat lover” and is a comprehensive resource for conscious living, health and happiness for pets and their people.
This show is for anyone who is an animal lover, or who is looking for a bit of healing and inspiration. We’ll be looking at the important lessons we mere humans can learn from the inner strength, healing power, unconditional love and spiritual wisdom of our pets and the animal kingdom in general. Tune in and be prepared to have your heart melted!
Wednedsay, March 17, 2010 at 1:00pm CST/11:00am PST/2:00pm EST
Listeners can listen LIVE or "on demand" any time at
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lynn-serafinn/2010/03/17/ep-57-animals-as-spiritual-teachers
