Remembering Gibson on His Birthday

 

 

Today is a special date—my furangel Gibson’s birthday. I’ve been thinking a lot about of my very special boy, Gibson—my heart dog—on what would be his 15th Birthday (unbelievably his sixth birthday north of the Rainbow Bridge). This amazing dog inspired me, and so many others, with his zest for life, and his determination and grit to overcome so many health obstacles along his journey with Canine Epilepsy. Diagnosed shortly after his third birthday, Gibson never let having #epilepsy keep him down! He enjoyed so many things—he just loved life! He loved spending his days with the rest of our #FiveSibes pack: his true love Harley (who he was smitten with from the moment he came home and met her!), and younger siblings Wolfie, Chloe, and Bandit. He was their big fluffy pillow they loved to all spoon around! Gib also had a great sense of humor! He was truly a beautiful “old soul” and if you’ve followed my blog, my spirit animal for sure.

 

Gibson’s journey inspired me to do extensive research on Canine Epilepsy and become my own expert in order to help him live the best life possible. I met amazing veterinarian experts and fellow Epi-dog parents along the way, leading me to write two books and many articles and blog posts about him and dogs living with #CanineEpilepsy. He also inspired me to become an ambassador for Purple Day for Epilepsy and The Wally Foundation~Canine Epilepsy, bringing awareness and resources to others who have dogs with epilepsy.

 

Gibson’s beautiful face starred on national magazine covers, featured in newspaper articles, online blogs, and Ezines.  He was the face behind two different dog treats—Gibbie Snacks through House Wolf and later after House Wolf closed, Gib Nibs through Sassy’s Goodies, with donations from both benefitting Canine Epilepsy foundations. Gib inspired me to launch the #LiveGibStrong #K9Epilepsy educational campaign, and most recently the #Paws4Purple campaign with The Anita Kaufmann Foundation and Purple Day Every Day to continue to bring resources, information, and support to Epi-dog caregivers worldwide in his name so that folks know a) a dog with the diagnosis of epilepsy does not need to be euthanized, b) caregivers are not alone, and c) help to maneuver this journey is just a keyboard click away.

  

Gibson accomplished so much in his almost ten years!

 

Even after he became a furangel, the work continues in his name. Most recently, his beautiful image created by artist Cameo Anderson, highlights a poster I created with vet consultation, to show how to cool down an Epi-dog before, during, and after a seizure.


In the end, Gibson beat the seizure monster—through all the ups and downs and back ups on his journey, with his care management plan and medication he lived his last seven years seizure free!

 

He will forever be my spirit guide and my heart dog, that very special dog that comes along and resides within one forevermore.

 

Dear Gibson, 
Happy Birthday, my big beautiful fluffy boy. I hope you are having wonderful birthday snow zoomies north of the Rainbow Bridge with Harley, Chloe, and Bandit. I hope they have your favorite vanilla ice cream cake up there! Your little bro Wolfie is with me, and we are adjusting to life without all of you, a difficult feat. 
I love you my beautiful G-man. Forever and always.
 

 

 

Dear Readers:
We'll be back from our blogging break soon, but today was another special day. As you know, Wolfie and I needed time to mourn the sudden loss of his sister Bandit in October and we are trying to adjust to yet another new "normal" in these very unnormal times.  I look forward to once again sharing stories and our #FlashbackFriday and #WaitingWednesday Blog Hops with you all once again! Thank you all for your patience and for all your love and support during these trying times.  ~FiveSibesMom


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Comments

  1. ♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥January 6, 2021 at 3:35 PM

    Happy Birthday to Angel Gibson, and <<>> to you.

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

    ReplyDelete
  2. Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and MomJanuary 6, 2021 at 6:29 PM

    Wishing you a very special Happy Birthday, Gibson. I hope that Amber put on her snowsuit and boots and went to North of the Bridge to celebrate your birthday with you. Hugs to all of you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Brian's Home BlogJanuary 6, 2021 at 7:00 PM

    Hugs as you remember dear sweet Gibson.

    ReplyDelete

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