Since this is the last day of November, (K9) Epilepsy Awareness Month, I'm dedicating this Flashback Friday to my beautiful Epi-Star, Gibson. Even with all the ups and downs of life with Canine Epilepsy, I would walk the same journey with him all over again. Thanks to Gibson, I have met so many wonderful and amazing Epi-dogs and their beloved humans from across the globe that I am so proud to call my friends. Some, like my Gibson, have gone on to earn their furangel wings, but shall remain in our hearts forever. In the above Flashback Friday photo, it was Christmas 2014, and we had the first printed advance copies of my book, EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy in our hot little paws!What a thrill that was to have the actual printed book! EPIc Dog Tales was a true labor of love and I'm so very proud of it. And to be able to share it with Gibson, my inspiration and muse, was such a joy. A very special day indeed.
You're Invited!
Join us in our weekly Flashback Friday Blog Hop! Share your pics from yesteryear or yesterday and link up with us. We know how busy everyone is, so the link is open all week long, so join in any time! Don't forget to visit and comment on other blog "hoppers," too!
While we are wrapping up the November's Epilepsy Awareness Month, with our focus on Canine Epilepsy, many folks are prepping for the holidays ahead. Over the many years of mine and Gibson's journey with Canine Epilepsy, folks have asked what types of things did I do and use when he had a seizure, after, and to help manage his comfort each day. I am pleased to say that I have put together a catalog of mine and Gibson's favorite items in a different type of Gift Guide--one specifically for all the amazing dogs living with Canine Epilepsy! Our FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong Gift Guide for Epi-Dogs is filled with useful items ranging from products I used with Gibson to help keep an Epi-dog comfy, to items that we have in our Epi First Aid Kit, as well as helpful books, and Canine Epilepsy educational resources. There is also a section for FREE items! So grab a cup of your favorite seasonal beverage, snuggle up with your furbaby, and check out our entire Gift Guidefor Epi-Dogs for some great items that some very special dogs (Epis and non) would love to receive this holiday season, on their birthday, or any day of the year! Be sure to check them all out so you don't miss a thing, including the Freebies!
All of the products listed here in our FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong Gift Guide for Epi-Dogs I have used for my beloved Gibson and found them to work really well. Some I even continue to use with my other FiveSibes as they are now seniors and need a little extra comfort. My Harley girl also has had several adult onset seizures, so I follow some of the same protocols I did for Gibson, and want to share them here with you so maybe they will also help bring some relief for your Epi-dog.
I hope you enjoy this Gift Guide for Epi-Dogs (best read in "desktop" view) and find it to be helpful! And do let me know if you try any of the products and what your dog thinks of it! Happy reading (and hopefully, some shopping)! Feel free to share with your friends, too! All items in our Gift Guide are FiveSibes approved!
A Note About Affiliate Links:This is not a paid post. It reflects products I use and choose to write about. It does, however, contain some Amazon affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link for the product and purchase the item through the affiliate link, I will receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. If you decide to purchase one of my books through the affiliate link, you can also be confident that it is an original brand new book, and that the “seller” is me and my ArcticHouse Publishing company (and not a resale through an unknown party). All products have been tested and used by me and my FiveSibes. I only share links to products I use. Thank you!
K&H Cooler Bed III (Water Bed)
Gibson loved this bed! It comes in various sizes and you can use it indoors or outside. You simply fill it up with cool water. With overheating being one possible seizure trigger, I always tried to keep Gibson cool (especially with him being a large wooly Husky) and this bed did the trick! I do recommend putting a cloth bed or towel under it, for some added comfort, and just in case it springs a leak if a set of canine teeth test it out!
Kool Collar A great fast cool down on those hot days or any day your Epi-dog seems stressed over hot. In between uses, store in freezer in a freezer-style resealable bag.
Kool Collar Refill
Ice Packs Great to keep on hand in the freezer!
Calm Me Down Herbal Calming
Collar
Handmade, choice of colors (we have purple, of course)! For use on days when your Epi-dog seems agitated, stressed, or scared. Has a nice herbal aroma. How handsome did Gib look in his "bow tie" Herbal Calming Collar?
Portable Cooling
Spray Fan This is another favorite item! Take it along on walks, pack it in the backpack, bring it in the car, or give your dog a cool spritz any time, anywhere you think s/he needs it! A really great instant cool down...and, as you can see, Gibson really loved it!
GingerLead Dog
Support & Rehabilitation Lift-Harness My favorite tool for helping Gibson on the days he experienced hind-end weakness due to his Epi meds. This one connects to the collar and affords ease in supporting and walking your dog. Super sturdy. Love this lift harness!
(The red leg brace is for a torn CCL, not part of the GingerLead)
PetStep Folding Car
Ramp Excellent for getting a dog with mobility issues into a vehicle ~and~ a makeshift stretcher.
PetHaven Memory Foam
Bed All of my FiveSibes love this bed! Water-resistent base and removable washable cover a necessity for an Epi-dog who may have a seizure while on it. Easy clean up, provides dog with great comfort. Above Cooler Bed III can be placed right on top of it, too. Comes in sizes Small to Jumbo (Gib Size)!
4Knines Cargo Cover A great cover to protect the cargo section of your SUV. Waterproof and easy to clean, a must with an Epi-dog, or any dog who just loves the mud and dirt! Click HERE for this cargo liner (comes in Black, Gray & Tan, and various sizes) as well as other fab vehicle seat covers!
Portable Cool02
Battery-Operated Fan There are times you need immediate cool down and this being a battery-operated makes it very convenient to put it wherever your Epi-dog is.
Comfort Zone Adaptil (Calming) Spray Not only for Epi-dogs, but any dog who may be feeling anxious or stressed.
Adaptil Calm Plug-In Diffuser
This is the plug-in version of above and is nice to address an entire area. I used it in the FiveSibes room at night during storms and fireworks as a defense against possible seizure triggers for Gibson.
Adaptil Calm Diffuser Refill A necessity if you have above! I always kept an extra one on hand in my Epi-First Aid Kit!
ThunderShirt Calming Shirt Also good for anti-anxiety or to help de-stress an Epi-dog. Caution: do not leave on indefinitely, just during the stressful period as heat/overheating can also be a possible seizure trigger.
dĹŤTERRA Lavender Essential Oil
A natural way to add a light calmness to the air. Always check with your vet first, and be sure you have pure lavender oil (and NEVER spike lavender).
Diffuser I love my diffuser for the essential oils! There is also a setting to have a light on and choice of color!
First Aid Duffel Bag
Pet Ear Thermometer
AED Pill Keeper
XL
2X-A-Day/7-Days-A-Week
Latex-Free Gloves
Pet Clean-Up Wipes
Alcohol Prep Pads
Instant Ice Packs For emergency cool down during and after a seizure.
Rescue Remedy by Bach Natural Bach flower essence to help reduce stress and anxiety in pet. Check with your vet first before giving it to your dog.
Milk Thistle Epi-dogs who are on Phenobarbital many times are on Milk Thistle to help cleanse the liver. I used Oregon's Wild for Gibson. Always check with your vet first to see if you can add this supplement, and for dosage (goes by weight).
Pure Pumpkin
Puree (NOT Pumpkin Pie) For Epi-dogs, weight gain from meds is a common side effect. To help counteract weight gain, I adopted the "pumpkin diet" for Gibson, which included replacing some of the kibble with pure pumpkin puree. Always check with your vet first and to go over proper amounts.
Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil
This stuff is ah-mazing! Great for so many health benefits that can counteract some triggers, as well as helping strengthen a dog's overall immune system. Read my blog post HERE on the benefits of coconut oil. Click HERE to order.
Treatibles® There are SO many wonderful things to say about these hemp-derived phytocannabinoid grain-free treats, oil & gel caps. Blog review to come! I give my FiveSibes, who are now senior dogs with arthritis issues and my Harley has had adult onset seizures, the treats and/or oil on a daily basis. They really enjoy the pumpkin and blueberry treats, as well as the new soft chews, which are great for senior dogs who may have issues eating harder treats. They are also grain-free, which is great for Epi-dogs and non-Epis! I am very, very happy with this natural treat. Learn more about Treatibles for pets at the website HERE.
***Use our Coupon Code FIVESIBES10 for a 10% discount each time you order! ***
EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy
Independent Press Award recipient for Outstanding Resource Book. A beautiful, large, coffee table style book filled with stories about 124 amazing Epi-dogs from around the world, as well as a vast resource section. A must-have first one-of-a-kind resource book! (A portion of sales is donated to Epil-K9 Foundation).
If the books are sold out on Amazon, visit our publishing website's Book Store at ArcticHousePublishing.com to order!
What's Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy Illustrated Children's Book
Selected by American Pet Magazine's as "Best in Print" and Talent Hounds "Top Dog Book for Children."
What's Wrong With Gibson is a brightly illustrated children's book featuring my FiveSibes as they help Gibson after he suddenly has a seizure. A great way to help kids understand Epilepsy (both canine and human) and to learn to not be afraid. Even a tip or two to help! A portion of sales is donated to the Epil-K9 Foundation.
If the books are sold out on Amazon, visit our publishing website's Book Store at ArcticHousePublishing.com to order!
#Paws4Purple
Bookmarks & Flyers
So proud of this partnership! Debuted on Purple Day 2018, these FiveSibes
#LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness & The Anita Kaufmann Foundation/Purple Day Every Day #Paws4Purple Program educational materials are FREE for the asking! Great handouts for rescues, shelters, vet clinics, ER hospitals, groomers, K9 classes, even schools, police and fire departments!
To order, simply
Email annmarie@akfus.org
and put #Paws4Purple Materials in the Email subject line.
*Donation always
welcome to help defray the costs of printing & shipping
RVC Epilepsy Tracker
Digital Journal Phone App
Super helpful FREE digital app journal--a must for all Epi-dog families! Read
all about it and how to download in my blog article HERE!
I do not receive any compensation or commission for the following items, but they are wonderful things I love to have in my household, for both Epi-dogs and non!
These wholesome gluten-free, salt-free, and preservative-free hand-crafted dog treats made in the USA specifically with the Epi-dog's diet in mind. Sassy's Goodies also DONATES a portion of sales to The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy (TWF). TWF offers possible financial assistance for anti-seizure medications to families, rescues, and fosters of dogs diagnosed with idiopathic Epilepsy. To order, visit HERE.
K-Laser Therapy
Gibson, my Siberian Husky Epi-dog celebrity!
K-Laser is an amazing treatment for hind end weakness, torn CCLs, arthritis, etc. When Gibson had hind end weakness as a result of his Epi meds, and then also had a slight tear of CCL, we did Conservative Care Management treatment, which included an original initial "6-pack" treatment, followed by a maintenance program of treatments, which helped him to keep walking. Check with your vet for availability. Here is our video of one of his treatments:
Dr. Buzby's Toe Grips
Ahhh-mazing little things that can help an Epi-dog, a senior dog, or any dog walk on potential slippery surfaces. You can read my blog article on them and learn how to order HERE. Check out video below!
We here at FiveSibes are wishing all Epi-dogs a seizure-free holiday season, and hoping one day for a cure! Until then, may all our Epi-furpals #LiveGibStrong. đź’ś
Goodbye to our Alpha Queen Harley. We will love you forever.
Thank you to Ann of Zoolatry for this beautiful graphic.
Run Free, Beloved Harley, Mother & Alpha Queen of FiveSibes Huskies
HARLEY: 3/10/05~9/13/19 We Will Love & Miss You Forever, Our Beautiful Momma Har
I'll Love You Forever, My Sweet FurAngel Gibson
GIBSON 1/6/06`12/16/15 "I'm coming home I'm coming home Tell the world I'm coming home..." ~Skylar Gray
#FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong #LiveGibStrongForever
Love you sweet CoCo
CHLOE 1/19/08 6/22/19 “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~Josh Billings
#LiveGibStrong Forever
1/6/06 ~ 12/16/15 * I Will Love You For Eternity, My Sweet Boy. Thank You, Zoolatry, for this beautiful badge.
Rest Now, Sweet Chloe.
1/19/08`6/22/19 ~ Find Your Big BrMay It Be Raining Treats North of the Rainbow Bridge For You. Thank you, Zoolatry, for this beautiful memoriial.
Our Dear Chelsey ~ RIP 2007
Run free over the Rainbow Bridge, our dear Chelsey
Run Free, Sandy
Our first dog as a married couple. RIP June 15, 1994
FiveSibes Official Purple Day® Ambassador
FOR K9 EPILEPSY POSTS, CLICK GIB'S PHOTO
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My Epi-Dog Gibson, Our K-9 Epilepsy SpokesHusky, and his Journey with Canine Epilepsy
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Many thanks to Ann of Zoolatry for this beautiful badge.
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Thank You, Zoolatry, for this beautiful bagde.
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THE CHRONICLE OF WOOS;
BAILEY BE GOOD!
PEGGY'S PET PLACE;
SIBERIAN NATION;
CANINE EPILEPSY RESOURCES CENTER;
GIMPY DOGS;
DON'T MESS WITH MY TUTU;
MUSHING RADIO/DOG WORKS MEDIA;
ARWEN'S PACK;
TAILS OF THE HUSKY HEROES (ALLEY'S RESCUED SIBERIAN HUSKY ANGELS;
TAILS OF THE TUNDRA SIBERIAN HUSKY RESCUE;
BITES AND TALES (A HUSKY LIFE);
RUMPYDOG
Welcome to the FiveSibes blog! At our home, we are the proud parents to five beautiful, lovable, energetic full-blooded Siberian Huskies whom we fondly refer to as "the kids!" Out of the five, four are siblings, three of them littermates! We also have an "Honorary Husky Cat" who adopted us, and most recently, she brought home another furpal, a feral kitten who has now adopted us, too! These furbabies are truly are a part of our family and we love them so! Through this blog, you will get to meet each one of them and share in a laugh or a cry at their fun-loving, crazy, wacky, and sometimes worrisome antics.
I first began the idea of creating a FiveSibes blog quite awhile ago when one of our Sibes, my wooly boy, Gibson, developed seizures shortly after his third birthday. When I began writing my journal of his medical journey, I had started posting entries on other social media as a way of connecting to others who also experienced the same with their dogs. Through this medium, I was able to connect with some pretty terrific dog-loving folks, both owners of Sibes, as well as other breeds,who I am happy to now call my friends.
My intention for this blog is to write about "a day in the life of" the FiveSibes, bringing thoughts, ideas, photos, tips, and discoveries to the forefront of discussion about the wonderful breed, as well as all things canine with others who share the same passion and love for their furbabies as we do.
We also hope to help spread the word that there are so many abandoned and homeless Sibes out there who could use a loving home. Too many times folks bring home a Husky simply for their beauty, but do not do the research to understand the breed and its needs and then turn the dog into a shelter when they can't/won't care for it anymore. Please visit the Sibe rescues listed on this site if you are considering bringing a Siberian Husky into your home. There are so many beautiful furbabies just waiting for a loving, forever home. Maybe yours could be one!
Let's make this forum a nice, comfy, polite place for everyone to visit--bring along your darling dog (or dogs), pull up a chair, have a cup of coffee, and let's talk canine!
Notice: All photos, text, and video are exclusive property of the photographer/writer/blog owner and protected by Copyright. No portion of any photo or text can be copied, duplicated, used, or distributed without written permission from the photographer/writer/blog owner.
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