If there is one thing Gibson taught me, it was how to enjoy the little moments that were so special in each day. Even though he had epilepsy, he never let it or the medications dull his zest for life. A simple walk brought such joy to him; feeling the breeze on his fur; laying in the cool grass; sniffing flowers; snuggling with his love Harley and younger siblings Wolf, Chloe, and Bandit; watching a train go by; playing in the snow; licking ice cream; going for a car ride; splashing in a pool on a hot day; and just being petted. Gibson enjoyed it all. A wonderful message for us all. Thank you, my sweet Gib, for the reminders.
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!
Flashback ~ FiveSibes Easter Bunnies ~ 2012
I
thought a great flashback would be of an Easter past with all of my beloved FiveSibes...even if there
were a few grumpy Huskies at donning bunny ears (Wolfie and Bandit)! BOL! They were always
good sports for all my photoshoots, and... Wolfie even *happily* donned a new set of ears for Sunday's
Easter post, so come back and visit us on Easter to see!
Another fun (and a bit funny) was a JibJab video I created of my FiveSibes from ten years ago for Easter of 2011! Wow. Time sure does fly...but my five had such wonderful personlities, and Huskies are quite the characters, so this "Let's Go To The Hop" video was a perfect fit! I do hope it will bring a smile or chuckle to you, too!
Flashback ~ FiveSibes at the Hop ~ 2011
Thanks so much for joining us in our #FiveSibes #FlashbackFriday Blog Hop! The link will be open all week for you to join in! We'll be back next week, same time, same place--hope to see you again! May you and yours have a safe and Hoppy Easter!
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
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!
“People affected by epilepsy will change the face of epilepsy.”
~Anita Kaufmann Foundation
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!
“With special care and a lot of love,
Epi-dogs can—and
do—live happy, full lives; the same as a dog who does not have epilepsy. They are truly amazing.”
~Dorothy Wills-Raftery,
Author & Purple Day® Ambassador for K9 Epilepsy
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).
Remembering the Husky who started
an Epi revolution--my Gibson!
Gibson with me, and his lead vet, Dr. Rugg, beside a
portrait done of him on one of the hospital's outbuildings.
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!
"I 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."
~Cassidy Megan, Founder
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!
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.
Through this educational initiative, you can request FREE* hard copies of any of my bookmarks, flyers, or my pride and joy - Cooling Down An Epi-Dog: Where Do I Put The Ice Pack? informational art poster! The beautiful rendition of Gibson was created by the talented artist, Cameo Anderson, and all my info has been vetted by Dr. Arnold Rugg.These handouts are great to share with:
Veterinarian Offices
Emergency Animal Hospitals
Rescues & Shelters
Groomers
Trainers
Dog Walkers/Sitters
Boarding Facilities
Dog Parks
Animal Control Officers
Police Departments
Fire Departments
(*While all hard copies of materials requested are FREE, donations to the non-profit PDED/AKF always welcome to help defray the cost of printing & mailing. To order copies and/or donate,
Email: Debra@AKFUS.org).
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!
A peek at our virtual booth!
Can you find us? (Bottom row, second from left!)
Close up of virtual booth. I'm on right! Hi!
Full view of inside of our booth!
Cool, right?!
While my Gibson crossed the Rainbow Bridge quite suddenly in December of 2015 from a horrendous form of cancer known as hemangiosarcoma, he spent the last seven years of his life seizure free! So in the end, my boy beat that seizure monster! While we certainly had our ups and some very scary downs, through medication, diet, nutrition, holistic and traditional care, my boy enjoyed life with the other four of our FiveSibes pack, especially his true love, Harley! Gibson's zest for life and how he bravely and determinedly pushed through any setback as a result of the anti-seizure medications, was truly inspirational. To watch him run with his wide Husky grin, silly hip-hop gait, and wooly fur blowing in the wind was pure joy.
The beautiful furry face and soul that launched a lot of hope...
...and two books!
EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs
Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy
"Excellence" in Reference-Animal Category ~IPA
"Excellence" in Animal/Pet Category ~NYC Big Book
"Best in Print" ~AmericanPet Magazine
"Top Dog Books Adult Non-Fiction"~Talent Hounds
"This book (EPIc Dog Tales) provides a wealth of information on Canine Epilepsy -- from facts about the disease to practical tips on managing the disorder."
~Dr. Karen R. Muñana, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Professor of Neurology, North Carolina State University
What's Wrong With Gibson?
Learning About K-9 Epilepsy
"Best in Print" ~AmericanPet Magazine
"Top Dog Books For Kids"~Talent Hounds
Books can be ordered from our publishing website bookstore at ArcticHousePublishing.com. A portion of sales is donated
to Epil-K9 Foundation.
#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.
In memory of my beloved heart dog, Gibson.
He lived with Canine Epilepsy, but it did not define him.
His zest and love of life did.
May all Epi-dogs #LiveGibStrong.
Love you, Gibbie. For always and forever.
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!
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, amission to advocate for Epi-dogs worldwide!
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 handoutssent 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.organd 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:
Prescribed anti-seizure medications, or a note as to where they are located.
Instructions for administering meds, dosages, and seizure protocolfor family members and pet sitters caring for your dog in your absence.
Emergency phone numbers of vet, neurologist, emergency vet hospital, a family member or friend to assist if needed, etc.
Copy of your Epi-dog’s vet records(in case you are away with your dog or wind up at the emergency hospital).
Instant cool packs to help cool down the
seizing dog as his/her body temperature can rise dangerously during a
seizure (a baggie with crushed ice or frozen peas/veggies can also be
used).
Thermometer to monitor the dog’s temperature post-seizure.
Alcohol swabs* (see caution note below).
Journal** – with description (and video if possible) of seizure, time, and
length of seizures, as well as medication times and what your do was
doing prior to the seizure. This information you will then share with
your vet.
Pet towel to wet and lay over dog to cool down.
Hand-held fanto aide in cooling your dog down post seizure.
Rescue Remedy®
For Post-Seizure Care & Clean Up:
Pet wipes
Disinfectant wipes
Paper towels
Disposable latex or non-latex gloves
Disposable bags
Keeping an Epi-Dog Cool
It's imperative to keep an Epi-dog cool before, during, and especially after a seizure. Overheating/heat can be a trigger for some dogs as well. Be sure to check out my "Cooling Down an Epi-Dog: Where Do I Put the Cold Packs?" info posterI collaborated on with Dr. Arnold Rugg, founder of Kingston Animal Hospital in New York. You can also receive FREE copies of this poster as handouts by Emailing Debra@AKFUS.org
Additional Items to Have on Hand:
Natural vanilla ice cream (to help raise sugar levels post-seizure).
Corn syrup, honey, or maple syrup (if ice cream is not available or dog cannot eat dairy).
A source of protein, such as low-fat cheese sticks,
natural creamy peanut butter, chicken, tuna, plain yogurt, cottage
cheese, etc. (to give to dog post-seizure after ice cream or syrup to
help stabilize sugar levels).
Fresh water (allow dog to take sips post-seizure).
A cooler collar (kept in freezer).
A cooler water bed or mat for dog to lay on to help lower temperature.
Ramp or large sheet/blanket (to transport 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.
~Dorothy Wills-Raftery,
Official Purple Day® Ambassador Since 2012
Just a friendly reminder to join us and our co-hosts on Friday, March 26 for our 6th Annual #LiveGibStrong Purple Day® for Epilepsy Blog & Social Media Hop! Simply link up and just others across the globe to "Show Us Your Purple" in support of human and canine epilepsy. How can you participate? Easy! Check my blog post HERE for full details! Hope to see see you "hopping" along with us on Friday!
BANDIT: January 19, 2008 ~ October 24, 2020 "Run ,Bee, Run, As Fast As You Can!"
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
Rainbow Bridge FurFamily & Friends
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BOOK RELEASE! Host a Stop On Your Blog!
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"Live Gib Strong" K-9 Epilepsy Awareness Campaign
A Great Book for Teaching Children About Canine Epilepsy
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Project: Purple
My Epi-Dog Gibson, Our K-9 Epilepsy SpokesHusky, and his Journey with Canine Epilepsy
Celebrating our alpha queen, Harley, as we prepare for her journey...
Many thanks to Ann of Zoolatry for this beautiful badge.
#Pawcircle of Prayers for Gibson
Thank You, Zoolatry, for this beautiful bagde.
Thinking of Thunder
We're a featured "Pet Family Parent" in the Winter Edition!
Check out our interview with Marshal Zeringue!
We Joined Sarge's Water Mania Event!
BLOG BOOK RELEASE TOUR STOPS!
Be sure to stop by these pawsome blogs hosting our Book Tour!
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.
Flashback ~ Gibson ~ Circa 2014
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