Author #FiveSibesMom & Her #FiveSibes
"When you live with Siberian Huskies, you always have a story to tell!"
Did You Know ...? Get Your K9 Epilepsy Info Here!
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Updated February 6, 2025
International Epilepsy Day was founded in 2015. And since it falls so close to Valentine's Day...it's a great reminder to show a whole lot of love for our Epi-dogs (dogs with epilepsy)!
Gibson was a beautiful wooly Siberian Husky and a beloved member of the FiveSibes family.
Diagnosed with idiopathic Canine Epilepsy at age three in 2009, he is
the beautiful face behind the FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy
Awareness Campaign, created by author and "FiveSibesMom" Dorothy
Wills-Raftery. The idea behind #LiveGibStrong is to help spread the word
that dogs can - and DO - live full, happy lives with seizures and/or
Canine Epilepsy.
Also, through this campaign, we help raise awareness, educate, and raise
funds dog-eared for non-profit Canine Epilepsy
organizations, such as the Canine Epilepsy Resources via The Companion Animal Epilepsy Resource Lab at the North Carolina State University-College of Veterinary Medicine & The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, that offer immense support to families of
Epi-dogs. With special care, medications, and alternative therapies,
Gibson lived seven years seizure free and was an inspiration to Epi-dog
families worldwide with his zest and love of life. Epilepsy did not
define him. Life did. Gibson earned his angel wings December 16, 2015
just three weeks shy of his 10th birthday, NOT from epilepsy, but from
hemangiosarcoma that was discovered during surgery after he suddenly
became ill. Even as he was carried in for surgery, he wore his big
Gibbie smile and gave out those precious Gibbie kisses. He is missed
greatly, but is by my side in spirit every single day, inspiring me to
be Gib Strong.
Gibson embraced life and the challenges he met
along the way with a big happy Siberian Husky smile. He was a true
Epi-Warrior. With Gibson's spirit by my side, we will continue our
Canine Epilepsy advocacy and education in the effort to help and
support other Epi-dog families, and to let them know they are not alone
in this journey.
It is our continued wish that as we put our #Paws4Purple together, all Epi-dogs #LiveGibStrong & #LiveGibStrongForever.
What is International Epilepsy Day?
International #EpilepsyDay is the Second Monday of February
It is also a day to
advocate for those living with epilepsy, including dogs.
Their message is, "Misconceptions and myths often contribute to the stigma surrounding
epilepsy. For example, many people assume that epilepsy is a mental
illness, that it limits activities, or even that epilepsy is contagious.This year’s International
Epilepsy Day campaign seeks to dispel these myths. By sharing facts
about epilepsy, we will challenge public misconceptions about epilepsy. It’s
important to educate ourselves and others about the facts about
epilepsy and to dispel these myths and misconceptions. This can help to
reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with
epilepsy and ensure that they have access to the same opportunities and
rights as everyone else."
We couldn't agree more.
Here's some important #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong information to help care for dogs with epilepsy because these "Epi-dogs" are amazing warriors and can ~and DO ~ live happy lives.
Have You Seen Our Vetted Cooling Down an Epi-Dog Poster?
Did You Know Your Epi-Dog's Temperature Can Get Dangerously High During/After A Seizure and It's Important to Him/Her Down?
There is a huge list of possible seizure triggers? You may be surprised at some of them. Check out my article HERE.
The first place to start eliminating possible triggers (if there is not an underlying health issue diagnosed by your vet) is your dog's food and treats?
Click on image to read.
If you senior dog starts to have seizures, it's probably NOT epilepsy?
Click image below to read my article.
In addition to many articles on the subject, I also authored two Award-Winning books on Canine Epilepsy!
And...A portion of sales from both booths is donated to helping Epi-dogs in need.
Buy my NEW book online at:
Check out our FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong 30 Days of Epi-Tips
Oh, the Life of Olivia is a fellow Epi-Advocate. They also have an informative blog on the subject.
Check out Olivia's FREE E-Book Series!
Click on image!
There was a special "Talking About Canine Epilepsy" panel discussion, including neurology veterinarian experts. A “Must-See” for any Epi-dog caregiver.
To View:
Click on graphic below and enter Passcode:cjZCQs8? in box where asked in order to listen to the 2-hour session (you can pause it).
The Wally Foundation~Canine Epilepsy
is a non-profit charity organization whose mission is
"To provide financial assistance to the owners of canine epileptics and dog
rescue groups to obtain medications and veterinary services."
To read my in-depth article on this fantastic organization, please go HERE.
To see if your dog qualifies, DM them over on their Facebook page HERE.
The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab at the North Carolina State University-College of Veterinary Medicine
Has Canine Epilepsy Trials & Info?
For more info, or to register your dog on the international data base, visit HERE. To read pamphlet below, click on image.
Not only has information on Canine Epilepsy, but they also have the Epil-K9 Email Support List where members (you have to sign up) share information and much-needed support to each other.
And...there is an excellent reputable Facebook Group to join for info and support. You do need to request to join this group, tooClick on image to visit.
My FiveSibes "TheSibeVibe" on Dog Works Radio has many podcasts on Canine Epilepsy you can listen to for FREE?
Tune in to our past #FiveSibes #TheSibeVibe podcasts where talk all about Canine Epilepsy!
Our Dog Writers Association of America Award-Nominated Show for Excellence...
Chatting with Dr. Karen Munana & LVT/Research Specialist Julie
Nettifee from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary
Medicine
Canine Epilepsy and Seizures in Dogs: A Chat
With Gibson's Lead Vet, Dr. Arnold Rugg
NOTE: Blog Talk Radio, the hosting station, has now closed, therefore this podcast is no longer available. I'm trying to find another platform so I can hopefully post this important show again.
Talking About the Important Link Between Zinc Deficiency and Seizures in Siberian Huskies with Margit Maxwell
Visit our Online Library to listen to more episodes.
And
remember, Canine Epilepsy Awareness is not just one day ~ it's each
and every day because these dogs are amazing and don't let seizures
keep them from loving life!
This is such fabulous detailed information! Often when you are presented with an issue you just don't know what to think. You can't think of all the questions you need to have answered or even where to turn. You've covered everything here to help a dog parent with their Epi-Dog. Truly wonderful! You and Gibson have created such an amazing legacy that will endure. I'm always in awe of your work and the legacy you continue to work on for Gibs. Four Purple Paws Up!!! I'm sharing this with all my dog parents and I truly hope that at some point in the near future Epi-Dogs with be a thing of the past. 💜
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...
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Y'all sure created an amazing movement to battle that terrible disease.
ReplyDeleteA super awesome post #canineepilepsyawareness 🐾💜🐾
ReplyDeleteThis is such fabulous detailed information! Often when you are presented with an issue you just don't know what to think. You can't think of all the questions you need to have answered or even where to turn. You've covered everything here to help a dog parent with their Epi-Dog. Truly wonderful! You and Gibson have created such an amazing legacy that will endure. I'm always in awe of your work and the legacy you continue to work on for Gibs. Four Purple Paws Up!!! I'm sharing this with all my dog parents and I truly hope that at some point in the near future Epi-Dogs with be a thing of the past. 💜
ReplyDelete