I never intended to be an author. But when Frankie suffered a spinal injury in 2006 and became paralyzed, I learned many life lessons from her.
I was very uneducated in the disease that dachshunds suffer from which is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). So when Frankie ruptured a disc in her back I thought my only option was to put her to sleep. That is when I realized surgery was an option, though the surgeon had only given her a 10-30% chance of walking again.
Thinking those were not great odds, I asked the surgeon, “What will her life be like if she does not walk again?”
She said, “These little dogs do very well. If she does not gain use of her back legs again she can be fit for a doggie wheelchair.”
I was completely surprised because I had never known they made wheelchairs for dogs! So there really was no question that I had to give the surgery a shot, and see what would happen.
Frankie went through physical therapy and had to have strict cage rest for eight weeks. After three months I was told statistically if Frankie showed not improvement in her legs chances were she would not walk again. That is when we ordered the wheelchair for her. The rest really is history because Frankie regained her freedom, and forward she went, never missing a beat.
So, as I said, I never intended to be an author, but realizing I had an opportunity to educate others, as well as share Frankie’s story of hope, I just knew I had to do this. It is so interesting how this all unfolded, and how we must pay attention when the universe is sending us signals.
I had begun writing more seriously in 2005 after my chocolate lab, Cassie Jo, had been diagnosed with bone cancer. I had been yearning to do something that would make a difference in others lives. I wanted to leave a legacy behind. Because of Cassie Jo’s terminal diagnoses I decided to pursue writing about animals. I was fortunate enough to land a writing gig for our local paper and had my own column called, “For the Love of Animals.”
That was so fun writing that column! It made me think that maybe I should write a book someday based on my inner journey because of Cassie Jo. I had all those intentions and goals in mind when there was a fork in the road presented to me, which was Frankie’s accident.
After some more soul searching that is when I realized my calling was to write Frankie’s story. There was, and never has been any doubt this is what I was brought here to do.
So even though I was absolutely devastated when Frankie was initially hurt, I realized it was up to me to look for the blessing in our situation. By taking that fork in the road that was presented I have been lead down a path I never expected. It has held rewards of compassion, love and kindness that I am so very grateful for.
I was very uneducated in the disease that dachshunds suffer from which is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). So when Frankie ruptured a disc in her back I thought my only option was to put her to sleep. That is when I realized surgery was an option, though the surgeon had only given her a 10-30% chance of walking again. Thinking those were not great odds, I asked the surgeon, “What will her life be like if she does not walk again?”
She said, “These little dogs do very well. If she does not gain use of her back legs again she can be fit for a doggie wheelchair.”
I was completely surprised because I had never known they made wheelchairs for dogs! So there really was no question that I had to give the surgery a shot, and see what would happen.
Frankie went through physical therapy and had to have strict cage rest for eight weeks. After three months I was told statistically if Frankie showed not improvement in her legs chances were she would not walk again. That is when we ordered the wheelchair for her. The rest really is history because Frankie regained her freedom, and forward she went, never missing a beat.
I had begun writing more seriously in 2005 after my chocolate lab, Cassie Jo, had been diagnosed with bone cancer. I had been yearning to do something that would make a difference in others lives. I wanted to leave a legacy behind. Because of Cassie Jo’s terminal diagnoses I decided to pursue writing about animals. I was fortunate enough to land a writing gig for our local paper and had my own column called, “For the Love of Animals.”
That was so fun writing that column! It made me think that maybe I should write a book someday based on my inner journey because of Cassie Jo. I had all those intentions and goals in mind when there was a fork in the road presented to me, which was Frankie’s accident.
After some more soul searching that is when I realized my calling was to write Frankie’s story. There was, and never has been any doubt this is what I was brought here to do.
So even though I was absolutely devastated when Frankie was initially hurt, I realized it was up to me to look for the blessing in our situation. By taking that fork in the road that was presented I have been lead down a path I never expected. It has held rewards of compassion, love and kindness that I am so very grateful for.
Thank you for that entertaining post, dear Author! Readers, your thoughts / comments are most welcome.
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