#FlashbackFriday: Gibson's Purple Pumpkin!


#FlashbackFriday Photo ~ Harley & Gibson ~ October 2014


Woo! It's that time of year again...Howloween! And while we're busy carving and painting pumpkins, don't forget to make one PURPLE! By now, most of you have heard me talk about the Purple Pumpkin Project and how it brings awareness to those who have Epilepsy. As a Purple Day® for (K9) Epilepsy Ambassador since 2012, I have always advocated for dogs living with Canine Epilepsy, inspired by my own Epi-dog, Gibson. So when the Purple Pumpkin Project came about, we jumped right on that hay wagon! 


The purpose is that on Halloween, the eve of November's Epilepsy Awareness Month, when families are busy trick-or-treating or hosting parties, that among the orange jack-o-lanterns, have a purple one so folks who come by will ask about it. In our case, it would be "Why is Gibson's pumpkin purple?"

To which I reply, "Because he is living with Canine Epilepsy." And that will then open up conversations about how wonderful Epi-dogs are, and that they do not let seizures stop them from enjoy life, and doing things dogs without Epilepsy can do! And...to hopefully encourage folks not to fear adopting a dog with Epilepsy--and even more so, to NOT euthanize the dog or surrender it to a shelter because of seizures. We are here to say first, have the dog checked out by a vet to rule out underlying medical conditions or injury, and second, a dog with Epilepsy CAN live a great life with the assistance of medications, supplements, some nutrition and lifestyle adjustments, and a whole lotta love.

My silly boy, Gibbie. He knew how to have fun!

 Here's our #FiveSibes video explaining the Purple Pumpkin Project ~and~ featuring some of our wonderful furfriends with their purple pumpkins in support dogs living with Epilepsy:

Gibson began having seizures shortly after his third birthday. He experienced both grand mal and cluster seizures, the latter landing him in the ER as the vets worked to stop the clusters. In his case, thankfully, they were able to stop them that night, and he was transferred to our (amazing) team of vets who put him on a regimen of anti-seizure drugs (AEDs). I also did extensive research into Canine Epilepsy, and added supplements, changed his diet, and removed any possible triggers that I could. 

Long story short: Gibson lived the last seven years of his life seizure free!

That is not to say that he did not have tough days. He did. He had an almost fatal case of Bromide Poisoning, which we were so fortunate to turn around as I immediately got him into my vet who was able to de-tox him and bring him back to health. And he had days of hind end weakness, and frequent vomiting (from the meds). Through all of these things I was able to find treatments or therapies to help him. I used a leg brace and a sling to help him on the days his legs were weak, and he had cold laser treatments to help his back and legs get stronger. I changed his diet to include a lot of nutritional foods to help counteract the weight he gained from the meds and to help with his vomiting. And, there is a cost as a caregiver of an Epi-dog. But I would help my dogs no less than than I would help another member of my family.


But...the good days far outweighed the tougher days. Gibson loved car rides and walks. As soon as his collar and leash jangled, he was up doing his Gibbie hip-hop dance! 

As the saying goes, "the more you know"...the very same is about understanding Canine Epilepsy. Information out on the internet can be like the Wild West, with so-called "experts" (they're not) coming out of the woodwork. So where does one go for acurate, up-to-date, easy-to-understand vetted information? We have the sources for you...visit our #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library! It's FREE and chock full of information and valuable resources to help Epi-dog families and caregivers on their journey. Check it out HERE:


My message always has been: 

Dogs can~~and DO~~live happy lives 

with Canine Epilepsy for however long we are blessed to have them.

Epi-dogs are amazing, strong, determined...and inspirational. 

May they all #LiveGibStrong!


Please be sure to check out my two award-winnig books on Canine Epilepsy available through our ArcticHouse Books & Gifts Shoppe. Check out the tab at the top of this blog page, or click on the image below.





EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy - More than 100 stories from families across the world about their beautiful dogs living with seizures, plus an extensive resource list, information, and much more. 

~And~ 


What's Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy - an illustrated, easy-to-read FiveSibes Tale children's book that helps to explain seizures and even a few tips to help remove the fear about Epilepsy. (Currently, I am out of stock on this one, but hope to have an E-book version out soon!)

 
♥︎ Memories are Visits for the Heart ♥︎



The Linky tool will open all week for you to join us in the Blog Hop and share pics from yesteryear or yesterday, include our badge and *link back to us*, and  be sure to hop along and visit the other blogs and don't forget to leave a nice comment! 

Happy Friday!

 


 


Comments

  1. I love that Gibson had a purple pumpkin to help raise awareness about canine diabetes!

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  2. People forget that epilpesy is not just a human thing so the work you do is vitally important and Gibson remains a super star for canine epilepsy. I love the idea of a purple pumpkin and it makes me smile - so the message gets across!

    Marjorie and Toulouse

    ReplyDelete
  3. First, the photos of Gibson and Harley are just adorable! Those faces are too sweet! đź’•I love your books, which beautifully helps bring awareness to Epi-Dogs. Such a legacy Gibson has left and you've carry on for him. You're an inspiration! I have to admit I was shocked to read that Gibson lived seizure free the last seven years. That's truly amazing! I remember there was a child in my brother's class that had epilepsy. I always felt so sorry for him because once or twice a month he'd have a major seizure. He was even on medication. But that was many years ago now. I'm really glad to see how far the research has come to control this terrible disease. I will definitely look for a purple pumpkin for Henry in Gibson's honor and all Epi-Dogs. I'm sharing this will all my dog parents and I really hope the research continues so this disease soon becomes a faint memory.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Knowledge is always essential. It not only helps handle situations better, it also helps reduce fear.

    ReplyDelete
  5. That's such a fun bunch of flashbacks, love that purple pumpkin!

    ReplyDelete

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