November Epilepsy Awareness Month: Epi-Star: EMMA, the OG of Canine Epilepsy Awareness

Epi-Star, Emma

 

 

 

by Dorothy Wills-Raftery 

 

A Tribute to a Special Dalmatian 

K9 Epilepsy Awareness Trailblazer

 

As part of November's Epilepsy Awareness Month, and my series on "Epi-Star" dogs with Epilepsy (Epi-dogs), I want to give a nod to, and talk about, a trailblazing dog that advocated for Epi-dogs. One of the first resource people I came in contact with after my Gibson was diagnosed as an Epi-dog in 2009, was Marion Mitchell and her story of her beloved "Emma," a beautiful Dalmatian that was also an Epi-dog, diagnosed in 1994 at just 15 months of age. Through all the trials and tribulations, medications, and quest for alternative treatments, Emma was able to climb mountains, including a "14,000' mountain" with her family, swim, and go on camping trips. 

 

Marion and Emma showed that dogs with Epilepsy can still enjoy life.

 

 

As her hu-mom, Marion, is quoted in her Cybermesa blog dated July4, 1998: "Wonderful news Emma got to the summit of the mountain and back to camp in 9 hours of very difficult walking/climbing over lots of loose rock. On the way down a thunderstorm overtook them but not to worry Emma was fine. She loves the water and waded across the river back to the campsite...Anyway my baby is back now and I am so very proud of her. What a change, so gentle reader never give up, no matter how bad it seems there is always a silver lining to the dark clouds. However not all dogs would be able to do this, epileptic or non Epi, she has been trained from a wee one to take long walks."

 

Marion explained that while not all Epi-dogs can live a full life like her Emma did. "Always remember Epilepsy is NOT a death sentence... so gentle reader never give up, no matter how bad it seems there is always a silver lining to the dark clouds." 

 

To read her full story, and it is a good one, as all Epi-dog stories are, please go here and read Marion's Cybermesa site HERE.

You can read Marion's article on "Canine Epilepsy Overview" HERE.

 

Emma kickstarted the "Face of K9 Epilepsy" advocacy movement to show people that Epi-dogs can still live full lives. Emma's story truly was an inspiration to me as I embarked upon my Canine Epilepsy journey with my beloved heart dog, Gibson.  

 

"Dearest Emma, you will never be forgotten. 

You will live on through this site forever."

~Marion Mitchell, Emma's Hu-Mom, 

Canine Epilepsy Awareness Advocate & 

Co-owner of Epil-K9

http://internet.cybermesa.com/~dalcrazy/Emma.html

 

 

Emma was one of the Epi-Stars featured in my award-winning reference book, EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy. 

 

To purchase the book, go to our  

ArcticHouse Books & Gifts Shoppe HERE.

For November's Epilepsy Awareness Month, we are offering a 

25% DISCOUNT using our code: FIVESIBESGIBSON ~and~ DONATING 20% to Canine Epilepsy research.

Simply Email us at ArcticHousePublishing(at)gmail.com 

and put EPIc Dog Tales in subject line and you will receive an invoice with the discount. 

There is a limited quantity of print books.

💜

 

In the Epi-dog world, Marion is known for her Canine Epilepsy Awareness work with her beautiful Emma. Marion has shared all the times Emma had seizures, and the vet care, tests, medications, and alternative therapies she explored. She is also known for the excellent Canine Epilepsy Resources and an Epil-K9 Email Support List that is part of that. This list, Epil-K9, The All Breed Canine Epilepsy List was founded in 1996 by Alicia Wiersma-Aylward. Per the site, it is now co-owned and managed by: Marion Mitchell,  along with Chris Desmedt, Alisa Arnoff, Jeanette Tunstall, Kathy Linder, Anne Pelagatti, and Jean Collinson. According to the Canine Epilepsy Resources site, "The purpose of Epil-K9 to is to discuss Canine Epilepsy and seizures. List members are encouraged to ask questions and/or give information on these disorders according to their experiences."

 

This support list one can sign up for on the Canine Epilepsy Resources website (www.Canine-Epilepsy.com), and become part of a community that asks questions and shares expertise and experiences with fellow members. I have personally been part of this website for over 10 years, and it has always been a great source of information and support. 

 

 

To Subscribe, Look For This Button on

the Website. You can also click HERE.

The Canine Epilepsy Resource site, states Marion, "is dedicated to the memory of Emma who disappeared from her yard with the gate closed on the evening of March 20, 2007 never to be seen again. She was almost 14... Even though she is now part of the universe, her light still shines into the dark corners of Canine Epilepsy. Dearest Emma, you will never be forgotten. You will live on through this site forever."

 

A Conversation With Marion About Seizures & Canine Epilepsy

 

I had the pleasure of having Marion on my show "The Sibe Vibe" on Dog Works Radio for November 2012 Epilepsy Awareness Month. I hope you'll give it a listen, as there is a lot of important information we discuss ~and~ it was the debut of my show's intro song!

   

Other Ways of Tuning in to This Free Podcast

(click on the graphic)

 

Apple iTunes Podcasts:

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The Neurology Department of the Vet School at North Carolina State University has set up a Memorial fund for Emma called "Emma's Fund."The fund is used to help the neurology and genetics department with small research projects on the topic of canine epilepsy or to purchase pieces of equipment toward that research."

 

Many of us have had our photos of our beloved Epi-dogs featured in the Canine Epilepsy Resources annual calendar. Since 2004 Marion (with help from some members of the Epil-K9 list), put many hours of volunteer work into creating the beautiful calendar that was also a huge fundraiser for "Emma's Fund" to help with research for Epi-dogs. 

 

Marion noted that she loved doing the calendar and highlighting the beautiful Epi-dogs and friends because, "We love to have active pictures so that people can see that Epi-dogs can live a normal life."

 

Can you spot my boy, Gibson, in the Epil-K9 calendar?

 

 

I treasure all of my calendars featuring my Gibson and so many other amazing and beautiful Epi-dogs and their non-Epi furfriends. Keepsakes I will have forever.

 

In a 2019 letter from Dr. Karen Muñana, and RVT Julie Nettifee, they stated, “Our sincere appreciation for your ongoing support of Emma’s Fund at NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine to benefit epilepsy research in companion animals. Since the inception of this fund in 2007, Epil-K9 has contributed an incredible $72,625 towards Canine Epilepsy Research, Education, and Outreach.” 

 

Thank you, Marion & Emma, 

for all you both did for 

pioneering Canine Epilepsy Awareness 

to help Epi-dogs all over.

 

 

 

 

 

💜

 

Note: These are the personal stories of Epi-dogs as told by their families. As always, discuss any medications, alternative treatments, new foods, etc., with your veterinarian first before giving to your dog. 

 

 

Other Stories in Epi-Stars Series: 

 

 ✭Epi-Star Gibson of FiveSibes, go HERE

 

 

 

 

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