Author #FiveSibesMom & Her #FiveSibes
"When you live with Siberian Huskies, you always have a story to tell!"
Our 7th Annual #LiveGibStrong Purple Day® for Epilepsy Blog Hop. #GoPurple With Us!
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FiveSibes™ K9 Epilepsy Ambassadog & the Beautiful Face of #LiveGibStrong ~ "Gibson"
"People affected by epilepsy will change the face of epilepsy."
~Anita Kaufmann Foundation
U.S.A. Global Partner of Purple Day®
Those words in the above quote shared by the Anita Kaufmann Foundation are so very true. When
a beloved pet is diagnosed with epilepsy, it needs to become our mission to advocate for them. In years past, a diagnosis of epilepsy often meant a recommendation for euthanasia. Thankfully, that is not the case today! There are lots of resources, information, and treatments to help manage epileptic seizures in dogs. Find out everything
you can about Canine Epilepsy, and become informed on the topic so that
you can have intelligent question-and-answer discussions with
your veterinarian about what the best management care of your dog should be.
Epi-dogs can--and DO--live happy lives, and can certainly do whatever
other dogs who do not have epilepsy can do; like my Siberian Husky, Gibson.
Gibson, as many of you know, was one of my FiveSibes, and he was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy shortly after his third birthday in 2009 and it definitely affected me, in a wide range of emotions--from fear to worry to determination--and as a result, advocacy. I hope my Gibson and I did change the face of Canine Epilepsy by helping others in sharing not only our experiences, but also our findings from research and veterinarians, and to offer them hope for their Epi-dog.
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Being An Official Purple Day® Ambassador for Canine Epilepsy Awareness
In honor of Gibson, and all those who have found themself on this journey called Epilepsy, I am honored to be hosting, along with some very special co-hosts, our 7th Annual #LiveGibStrong Purple Day® for Epilepsy
Blog Hop & Media Share! I cannot believe a year has passed since the last Purple Day! And...I am celebrating the 10th Anniversary of being an official Purple Day Ambassador!
I am proud to have been invited to give a virtual presentation for my FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong & #Paws4Purple initiatives for this year's Purple Day® Around the World Education Week!To have my Canine Epilepsy work be recognized and partnered with such internationally prestigious organizations as Purple Day® and Purple Day® Every Day: Presented by the Anita Kaufmann Foundation that do so much for human epilepsy awareness, certainly fills me with great pride. To know my Gibson and all of our research and work is now part of a world-wide movement that will in turn help other Epi-dogs and their caring families is so phenomenal. You can still register to see today's events & be able to access all of the week's presentations for a full year! Please scroll further down in this blog post and don't miss it! It is a very important video presentation on Canine Epilepsy that I hope you will bookmark and share with someone you know who is sharing their life with a canine warrior ~ an Epi-dog!
But first, let's talk purple!
What's Purple Day® All About?
What's with the purple? you may be asking yourself. If
you have not already seen my Purple Day video, please take a few
minutes to watch it, and not only will you learn why it's Purple Day and not Blue Day or Pink Day, but you will also discover how an amazing young girl named Cassidy
Megan from Canada founded Purple Day in 2008 when she was just nine years old!
Since we here at FiveSibes advocate for dogs with epilepsy, in this video below you will see some beautiful dogs from all over the world--both Epis and non--join together to show their support to #GoPurple for epilepsy awareness. (Note:this
is not our NEW video, but one of our previous ones that explains Purple Day origins, so
please be sure to keep scrolling after watching this one!)
What is Purple Day?
"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, Purple Day® Founder
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,
partnering with Purple Day® Every Day/The Anita Kaufmann Foundation for my #LiveGibStrong #Paws4Purpleinitiative, authoring two books on the topic and many articles, videos, and
podcasts, all to:
a) originally help give my boy the best life possible by finding the right combination of medicine, supplements, nutrition, and therapies in order to help manage seizures, and:
b) to help others know that while it is so scary
to watch a beloved pet have a seizure, know you are not alone!Helpis just a keyboard click away.
Where Do You Go If You Need Info on Canine Epilepsy?
There are plenty of helpful resources out there, and there are also (I regret to say) some self-proclaimed "experts" who are not supportive and only give their opinions that are not vetted or based in fact, and that is a serious disservice to the dogs in need. Not to mention that epilepsy is not a one-size-fits-all neurological disorder. Now, of course everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but when it comes to health and safety of an animal, I believe in going directly to the veterinarian experts and researchers skilled in this neurological field.
"I tell my clients that treatment of
epilepsy requires an individualized approach,
and it is important to
find what works well for you and your dog -
Member, International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force
So how do you know if you are getting the right information out there on the wild web? That's where we come in! As a career journalist, research is my thing! Through my years of gathering information and learning all I could from THE experts about Canine Epilepsy, and professional relationships I have forged and value with respected veterinarian epilepsy experts, I created the FiveSibes#LiveGibStrong K9 Epilepsy Awareness Online Library & Resource Center page right here on my FiveSibes blog for others to go to in an effort to help point them in the right direction to obtain info that will in turn help them help their Epi-dogs. And always talk to your own vet or vet neurologist. This information is to help you understand Canine Epilepsy so you can in turn have informative conversations with your vet.If you feel your vet does not have the background in this field, find one who does.
"When
a beloved pet is diagnosed with epilepsy, it
needs to become our mission to advocate for them. Find out everything
you can about Canine Epilepsy, and become informed on the topic so that
you can have intelligent question-and-answer discussions with
your vet about what the best management care of your dog should be.
Epi-dogs can--and DO--live happy lives, and can certainly do whatever
other dogs who do not have epilepsy can do; like my Siberian Husky,
Gibson."
~Dorothy Wills-Raftery
Author, #LiveGibStrong & #Paws4Purple Creator,
The Wally Foundation Volunteer Case Worker,
Purple Day® Ambassador for K9 Epilepsy Since 2012
In
2018, I proudly partnered with the Purple Day global non-profit sponsor
The Anita Kaufmann Foundation (now rebranded as Purple Day® Every Day, presented by
The Anita Kaufmann Foundation) for my #Paws4Purple initiative. You can read my post all about that HERE.
As I mentioned earlier this
year, I was honored to be asked to give a virtual presentation, a message, about Canine Epilepsy for the Purple Day® Around the World Education Week.
So, on today, March 26, Purple Day 2022, I am listed on the Agenda,
right above the Cake Boss himself, Buddy Valastro! He, too, has been a
long-time advocate for Epilepsy Awareness as it holds a very personal
meaning to him. "I'm an uncle who's got a niece who's epileptic, and I'm proud of her."
All during the week, as you can see from the agenda, there are amazing and renowned guest speakers, including the founder of Purple Day herself, Cassidy Megan. I'm
proud to be in such company and for such an important event. Even if it is virtual!
I am a huge supporter of #OneHealth, and
believe we can learn much from studies on both humans and animals, such
as dogs, and the links that exist between diagnosis, treatment, and
overall health. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), "One Health is a collaborative, multisectoral, and
transdisciplinary approach—working at the local, regional, national, and
global levels—with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes
recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and
their shared environment."
I
truly put my heart into my presentation and filled it with many tips, a
list of resources, and vetted information to share with others. I do
hope you will take the time to watch (it's approximately 12-13 minutes,
so grab a refreshment and snuggle with your pet) and soak in the
information that includes lots of links, our recommended resources, vet
quotes, and info on canine epilepsy trials your dog may be eligible for.
Please bookmark it to share with anyone who is seeking more information
on Canine Epilepsy.
If
you registered for the event, you'll be able to watch any or all of the presentations
for a full year. If you missed it, I'm sharing my presentation right here for
you. I hope you enjoy it and that it may be of help to you, or someone you know
who is caring for a dog with epilepsy, or who may be thinking about adopting one and is not sure about what to do.
CoolingDown an Epi-Dog:
Where Do You Put the Cool Pack?
My important informational
art poster! Did you know that seizing dog's temperature rises and can become a dangerous situation?
(ALWAYS contact your vet if your dog has a seizure!)
The beautiful rendition of Gibson was created by the
talented artist, Cameo Anderson, and all my info has been vetted by Gibson's amazing lead vet, Dr.
Arnold Rugg, Founder of Kingston Animal Hospital, affiliate member of the American Animal Hospital Association
and the American Veterinary Society, as well as the New York State
Veterinary Medical Society.
(This and copies of our First Aid bookmark & handouts can be requested for FREE* from PDED/AKF (*donations to PDED/AKF are always welcome to help defray the cost of printing
& mailing).
To order copies and/or donate,
Email: Debra@AKFUS.org).
For more info on purchasing FiveSibes Canine Epilepsy books (EPIc Dog Tales & What's Wrong With Gibson?), visit our Books & Gifts Shoppepage or questions on any of these, drop us an Email at
FiveSibesLiveGibStrong(at)gmail.com
"One Health is a collaborative, multisectoral, and
transdisciplinary approach—working at the local, regional, national, and
global levels—with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes
recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and
their shared environment."
~Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Your Dog Does Not Have Epilepsy, or You Don't Have a Dog, What Can You Do To #GoPurple In Support?
You can be as creative as you like! 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, write a letter (or blog post) in purple text, turn your website or profile photo purple--whatever way you can think of to show your
support, because as in the words of the incredible Purple Day 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 going purple and joining us in hoping that all Epi-dogs #LiveGibStrong every day.
Remember: 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.
Through a sometimes juggling act of adjusting medications, supplements,
nutrition, and alternative therapies, Gibson lived the last seven years of his life seizure free!
When he passed, it was not from epilepsy, but hemangiosarcoma.
May all Epi-dogs #LiveGibStrong.
Love you, Gibbie. For always and forever.
Once again joining me are my two co-hosts, Jeanaann
Barnaby and beautiful "Olivia" of Knotty Toys for Good Dogs
and Kimberley Matchem and handsome furangel "Rolo" of the (former
Rescue Dog-Mom Confessions) Instagram account @kmatchem4. Also joining
us this year are two new co-hosts: Tracy Smith and her beautiful girl
"Gibbs" of the fairly new Facebook support group that also prides itself
on sharing valid info, GIBBS-erish...Making Sense of Canine Epilepsy, and Jan Nowicki and a familiar face to many, the beautiful "Ruby" of Ruby the Therapy Dog Facebook community page.
If you haven't grabbed our badge yet, it's
time to grab it and post it on your
blog or website with a link to today's post here, 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!
It is amazing all that you've been able to do because of Gibson's impact in your life. Congrats on being a speaker! I'm going to point my best friend to your blog. Her black lab has seizures and there really hasn't been any help for her. She might find some support here.
I had no idea until I met you and Gibson, that dog epilepsy is such a big thing and it affects to many dogs around the world. I will make sure I share this everywhere! Long Live the Purple.
Frankly, it is upsetting that the diagnosis still is "idiopatic." Such an embarrasement to medical science. Awareness, however, is what leads to solutions.
I didn't realize that Gibson was seizure free for the last seven years of his life, that is incredible. You've been a wonderful advocate for dogs with epilepsy as well as a great resource!
This is such amazing work you are doing in Gibson's memory. I remember a child in my class had epilepsy. I have never known a dog with it until you and Gibson. I can't believe in all this time, there isn't a cure. Keep up the good fight. I'm definitely sharing. #LiveGibStrong #Pets4Purple #PurpleDay
It's so amazing that this type of information is out there now, and that the days of just euthanizing dogs with epilepsy are behind us. Thank you for doing so much to raise awareness for such a great cause!
FiveSibes #Flashback Photo ~ Gibson & His Purple Pumpkin ~ 2014 W oo! Or, should I say Booooo! It's that time of the year when pumpkin hunting and carving is fun thing to do! And, while we are all busy carving and displaying our artworks on the gourds, did you remember to make a purple pumpkin? "Woo! What's in my purple pumpkin? Treats?!" ~Gibson/FiveSibes A Purple pumpkin? What?! If you've been a FiveSibes follower, you know how important the color of purple is to us, and why Purple Pumpkins are a staple here.If you are new to us here at FiveSibes, I initially joined in the Purple Pumpkin Project because we made our pumpkin purple for my Epi-dog Gibson. So, you might be asking yourself, Why was Gibson's pumpkin purple? For Canine Epilepsy Awareness! You can read more about it in our video further down in this post, or by visiting a previous explanatory post HERE. Follow the Purple Pumpkin Project on Facebook! In a pumpkin shell—as m...
*Updated March 2022 Our Vet-Approved FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong "Cooling Down an Epi-Dog: Where Do I Put Cold Packs?" Informational Poster Poster Is A Great Resource for: ✔︎ Veterinarian Offices ✔︎ Vet ER Hospitals ✔︎ Rescues & Shelters ✔︎ Dog Wardens & Animal Control Officers ✔︎ Trainers ✔︎ Groomers ✔︎ Dog Walkers ✔︎ Dog Parks ✔︎ Pet Supply Stores & Boutiques ✔︎ Dog Friendly Businesses ✔︎ Police Departments ✔︎ Fire Departments To request FREE* printed copies, simply send an Email with #Paws4Purple Materials in Subject line and what you'd like copies of and how many, to: Debra@AKFUS.org of the Purple Day® Every Day as Presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation For More Info on Canine Epilepsy, Please Visit Our #LiveGibStrong Online Library & Resource Page HERE. Here's a great tip, diagram and explanation from Tallgrass Acupuncture Institute as to why ice on certain acupressure poin...
Dewclaws. Such an unnecessary evil for a dog. In August, I noticed Harley limping. At 11-and-a-half, she is a bit stiff-legged at times from arthritis, but this was a more pronounced limp and she was having an extra tough time sitting down. She seemed very uncomfortable. She was also becoming a bit snarley, especially when I was touching her paw, which is something that never typically bothers her. Upon further checking, I noticed an odd lump around her dewclaw on her right leg, thinking it was possibly a pulled dewclaw, maybe a splinter, thistle, or even a bee sting , she became extremely agitated when I touched it. (Warning: some photos may be somewhat graphic, but I am sharing for educational purposes). Oddity beneath the dew claw. Off to the vet we went. At the vet, Harley is protective of her paw by hiding it . Harley's paw was shaved and it uncovered a very large inflamed area surrounding the dewclaw and beyond, as you can see in ...
Original photo by and courtesy of Lisa Byrd; modified by FiveSibes The Rainbow Bridge must be some (p)awesome place to be for it has so many amazing, beautiful angel animals there. My beloved Gibson is there. As is my Chelsey, Sandy, kitty Smokie, bunny Sunny, my fox Ah, many horses, and so many others pets. We have many furfriends who have also crossed The Rainbow Bridge. All of these beloved animals are there...so healthy and happy, with all the dogs enjoying their zoomies and playing Fetch all day in a land that is eternally beautiful. Sounds perfect. Only catch is when our devoted companions are there, we can no longer physically be with them. So while they are in a place where the spirit soars, our hearts are broken as we are missing them here with us. It is a hurt we all as pet parents now way too well. And today, as unbelievable as it seems as I write this, we have to bid a final farewell to another dear furpal, Buddy, the Christmas Husky , who has now earned h...
Born on March 10, 2005, our beautiful alpha queen, pupster surrogate momma, and my daughter's and our first Siberian Husky, turns 14½ today! You may be wondering why are we celebrating her half birthday? Because, as heartbreaking as it is, we now know she will not be here in March to celebrate her 15th Birthday as I once had hoped. Heartfelt thanks to Ann at Zoolatry for this beautiful badge. Thank you all who are sharing it and joining paws for our girl. As amazing and strong as our queen has been, and how proud I have been of how she still could outrun Pupsters Wolf and Bandit, still splash in her pool like a puppy, tear up a dog bed like there's no tomorrow, and chase her tail until the sun sets, our beloved Husky leader has also been dealing with health issues that we have been treating, but are now slowing her down and, heartbreakingly we are preparing ourselves for her journey, that we as pet parents all dread, to the Rainbow Bridge. “Dogs' lives a...
It is amazing all that you've been able to do because of Gibson's impact in your life. Congrats on being a speaker! I'm going to point my best friend to your blog. Her black lab has seizures and there really hasn't been any help for her. She might find some support here.
ReplyDeleteWe pray for a cure so that no pup every has to suffer again.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea until I met you and Gibson, that dog epilepsy is such a big thing and it affects to many dogs around the world. I will make sure I share this everywhere! Long Live the Purple.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, it is upsetting that the diagnosis still is "idiopatic." Such an embarrasement to medical science. Awareness, however, is what leads to solutions.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize that Gibson was seizure free for the last seven years of his life, that is incredible. You've been a wonderful advocate for dogs with epilepsy as well as a great resource!
ReplyDeleteThis is such amazing work you are doing in Gibson's memory. I remember a child in my class had epilepsy. I have never known a dog with it until you and Gibson. I can't believe in all this time, there isn't a cure. Keep up the good fight. I'm definitely sharing. #LiveGibStrong #Pets4Purple #PurpleDay
ReplyDeleteIt's so amazing that this type of information is out there now, and that the days of just euthanizing dogs with epilepsy are behind us. Thank you for doing so much to raise awareness for such a great cause!
ReplyDeleteMay prayers heal this for the animals ~ gorgeous doggies ~ Xo
ReplyDeleteWishing you love and laughter everyday,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)