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As with spring and Easter being a time of renewal, Wolfie and I are happy to be back to sharing our #FiveSibes #FlashbackFriday Blog Hop to travel down Memory Lane together and reminisce about special times of yesteryear or yesterday!
Dear Readers: On a personal note, I'd like to thank you all for waiting for us while Wolfie and I took a break due to Bandit's sudden passing in October. I needed the time to adjust to so many of my FiveSibes making their journey to north of the Rainbow Bridge in such a short time, and in addition to healing my own broken heart, I really needed the time to help Wolf work through his grief. He was truly heartbroken at losing Bandit, his last sister and littermate, and really needed time to grieve, heal, and adjust to a solo life after having been part of our FiveSibes pack family. He has come a long way, and just like us humans, he has had some very bad days, and some very good days, and thankfully, the good days are more now. Together we are looking forward to the long sunny days of being together outdoors with him enjoying his golden years spent with me and and with my grandchildren, his very favorite little humans! ~FiveSibesMom
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So excited to be hosting our 6th #LiveGibStrong Purple Day® for Epilepsy Blog Hop, once again along with my two amazing co-hosts, Jeanaann Barnaby of Knotty Toys for Good Dogs and Kimberley Matchem of Rescue Dog-Mom Confessions! So let's talk purple!
What's Purple Day All About?
If you have not already seen my Purple Day video, please take a few minutes to watch it, learn about how an amazing young girl named Cassidy Megan founded Purple Day, and how dogs across the globe joined Gibson and my FiveSibes in showing their support for Epi-dogs by "going purple!"
Why Do I Advocate for Epi-dogs? Gibson.
Chances are, if you have followed us here at FiveSibes, you know that my Gibson was diagnosed shortly after his third birthday with idiopathic epilepsy, and ever since, he and I have advocated for dogs with epilepsy to spread the word that dogs can--and DO--live full happy lives with Canine Epilepsy.
Through our advocacy, I've shared not only mine and Gibson's journey, but facts and important information on caring for a dog with seizures. Back when had his first seizure in 2009, I was stunned, scared, and had no idea what had just happened. Seeing him stiff and frothing, chilled me as I thought I had just lost my beautiful boy. To watch him come out of the seizure and stumble his way toward me (he experienced temporary blindness, which is not unusual after a seizure), as he followed my voice, after being so still, was nothing short of a miracle. I went from crying tears of horror to tears of joy in just a few short minutes!
There was not a lot of information available back then, and many veterinarians unfamiliar with epilepsy at the time would suggest euthanasia. (Not mine, I was fortunate to have an amazing team, well-versed in seizures, who became my go-to experts for help throughout Gibson's life).
The Internet was just a baby, not at all like it is today. MySpace was the social media gem at the time, so I posted a note about my dog having a seizure, and a wonderful gal--whom I am friends with to this very day--wrote me and shared her experience with her dog, and talked to me about medications and dosages, so I had a grasp when I spoke to my own vet. She was amazing! (Laurie, that's you!) I then began to keep Gibson's journal on MySpace, and connect with others. Of course, being a career journalist, I researched everything I could get my hands on, spoke with veterinarian experts, holistic practitioners, other hu-parents of dogs with epilepsy, and joined Canine Epilepsy support groups. I made myself an expert for my boy's sake, so I could give him the best care and life possible.
This is a video slideshow show from my Purple Day booth at Kingston Animal Hospital with not only Gibson's lead vet, Dr. Arnold Rugg, but also some of the amazing staff and even the Easter Bunny!
Gibson was a beautiful dog who lived a happy life, and he brought me so much happiness. He was truly my heart dog. And together, we sailed the sometimes rough seas called epilepsy, and he inspired me in so many ways, including creating #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness, authoring two books on the topic and many articles, videos, and podcasts, all to help others and to let folks know, while it is so scary to watch a beloved pet have a seizure, know you are not alone! Help is just a keyboard click away!
Gibson's and My Message
I want to let folks know if they find themselves suddenly caring for a dog with epilepsy, to not be afraid, that there are many informational resources available to help, and we're here to help point them in the right direction because dogs with epilepsy do not need to be euthanized, can be adopted, and do love life as much as a dog without epilepsy. Dogs with epilepsy can be sled dogs, dock diving dogs, hiking partners, therapy work dogs, family dogs, and more--basically, my Epidog can do whatever your dog can do!
We had a very special visitor one day, a beautiful gal named Frankie who also has epilepsy, came with her mom and spent some time with Gibson and my FiveSibes. What wonderful day we had!
Get Our #Paws4Purple FREE Educational Info!
https://purpledayeveryday.org/paws-4-purple/
In 2018, I proudly partnered with the Purple Day global non-profit sponsor The Anita Kaufmann Foundation (now Purple Day® Every Day, presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation). You can read my post all about that HERE.
What's New for Us?
This year, I was honored to be asked to have a booth at the 3-day 2021 Purple Day® Around the World Virtual Epilepsy Education Conference! With the pandemic, this is a fabulous way to still hold a conference, meet and hear other advocates, experts, and success stories. If you registered for the event, I hope you stopped by our FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong booth for some info! Kudos to the team who organized this fabulous event!
#GoPurple Every Day
So on this Purple Day, Wolfie and I will #GoPurple to honor Gibson and all dogs who live, and have lived, life with epilepsy. We hope you will #GoPurple in support of dogs and humans with epilepsy. Whether you dress you and/or your pet in purple, draw a purple picture, tint a photo with a purple filter, whip up a batch of purple cupcakes, tie your shoes with purple laces, whatever creative way you can think of to show your support, because as in the words of the amazing founder, Cassidy Megan, who was diagnosed with epilepsy at age seven, and "started Purple Day to raise awareness for people with epilepsy and to let them know that they aren’t alone. At Purple Day, we want to educate people about what to do and what not to do when they see someone having any type of seizure."
Let's take that message and share it, along with purple, every day.
You are not alone.
It's time to grab our badge (you'll have to screenshot it), post it on your blog, share on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, whatever social media platform you prefer, and link up to our Blog Hop below so your link and photo can be included. Then be sure to hop all around to see what everyone is sharing! There will be lots of great info, photos, and fun! And...the link is open all week to join in!
Screenshot Our Badge & Link to FiveSibes.blogspot.com!
Feel free to use hashtags on your posts.
#PurpleDay
#Paws4Purple
#LiveGibStrong
#Pets4Purple
#PurpleDayEveryDay
It's March, and that means Purple Day® for Epilepsy is soon--March 26th! If you've been a reader of my blog for a while, you know my now furangel Gibson was an Epi-dog, a dog living with Canine Epilepsy, and my inspiration. Together, we embarked upon the FiveSibes™ #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness & Education, a mission to advocate for Epi-dogs worldwide!
This year, I am proud to say, is my ninth year as an official Purple Day® ambassador, and my third year as a partner with Purple Day® Every Day/presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation* for my #Paws4Purple educational initiative! You can visit this initiative at https://purpledayeveryday.org/paws-4-purple/!
I am so proud that The Anita Kaufmann Foundation/Purple Day® Every Day, a human epilepsy organization, recognized the importance of Canine Epilepsy awareness and asked me to join them in expanding my #LiveGibStrong campaign into #Paws4Purple, an educational initiative offering important links, info, and FREE materials such as bookmarks, posters, and flyers about Canine Epilepsy Awareness to share with the masses in an effort to help others who find themselves on a journey through the sometimes murky waters of Canine Epilepsy with their dogs, as I did with my boy Gibson.
Over the years, we've shared much information and I have written many articles and two books on the topic, hoping to help others know they are not alone! Help is just a keyboard click away to find important (and vetted) information on what to do if your dog has a seizure.
To receive my #FiveSibes #Paws4Purple FREE bookmarks or other Canine Epilepsy handouts sent to you for your own use, to share with your vet, groomer, trainer, rescue, dog park, pet supply store, shelter, dog warden, police department, fire department, etc., simply Email Debra@AKFUS.org and put "Paws4Purple Materials" in the subject line. A donation to help offset the cost of printing and mailing is always welcome, but not required. If you'd like to make a donation, just indicate so in the Email!
Today's post is going to highlight something I have talked about many times in various forums - a First Aid Kit for dogs with Epilepsy. While all dog caregivers should have one, there are some important additional items to be included in an Epi-dog's First Aid Kit, so today's post is dedicated to just the items of what should be in an Epi-dog's First Aid Kit, both one for home, and a portable one for taking on adventures with your Epi-dog!
*The Anita Kaufmann Foundation is now branded Purple Day® Every Day as Presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation.
This information is in part from an article I wrote and had originally been published in 4Knines.
Please keep in mind, if your dog has a seizure, be sure to take steps to keep them safe, away from other pets, made as comfortable as possible, and contact your vet or emergency veterinarian hospital immediately. Being in touch with your dog’s vet is a must and critical to the health of your dog.
Items to add to a standard First Aid Kit if you have an Epi-dog:
*Alcohol swabs should only be used in extreme emergencies, where no cool or ice packs are available. A light wipe to the paw pads or tips of ears can help an overheating dog cool down, however,
alcohol can cause seizures itself in some dogs if it is licked or
absorbed. Unless under veterinarian care, I highly recommend using
instant cool packs, gel ice packs, or crushed ice in a baggie to cool
down a seizing dog. (If your Epi-dog has short or shaved fur, or is a
single-coated dog, wrap ice pack in a cloth).
**A journal can simply be a notebook or chart with handwritten information, or it can be a digital application.
An excellent digital journal is the FREE Royal Veterinary College’s Pet
Epilepsy Tracker app available for Apple and Android devices (through
iTunes Store or Google Play). See my blog post all about this free handy app HERE.
Notation: Always check the expiration dates on medications, supplements, and other items in your Epi First Aid Kit to be sure they are not outdated, and update the items accordingly.
I've put together an Epi-Dog Gift Guide Book for items I've found helpful and useful not only some items for the First Aid Kit, but other items to have on hand.
Whether your dog has epilepsy, or not, s/he may have special needs or items that should be included in the First Aid Kit in case of emergency, so please take this month to make a point to discuss and review your list of items, as well as the appropriate applications, with your dog’s veterinarian.
With November being National Epilepsy Awareness Month (#NEAM) , on this month's episode of my show "The Sibe Vibe" on Dog...
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Siberian
HuskyWebsite
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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