Author #FiveSibesMom & Her #FiveSibes
"When you live with Siberian Huskies, you always have a story to tell!"
SHOW US YOUR PURPLE! Today Kicks Off Our 8th Annual #FiveSibes #LIVEGIBSTRONG Purple Day for Epilepsy Blog Hop & Media Share!
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FiveSibes™ K9 Epilepsy Ambassadog & the Beautiful Face of #LiveGibStrong ~ "Gibson" ~ and our Epi bracelets.
It's Our 8th Annual Purple Day®
Blog Hop & Media Share!
FACT: THERE ARE OVER 600,000 DOGS LIVING WITH EPILEPSY IN THE UNITED STATES ALONE.
In
honor of my beautiful brave Epi-Husky Gibson, and all those who have found themself on this journey
called Epilepsy, I am honored to be hosting our #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong 8th Annual Purple Day for Epilepsy Blog Hop & Media Share! This year, I want to say thank you to my wonderful Blog Hop co-hosts who are joining me this year and who are also amazing advocates for dogs living Canine Epilepsy: Jan of Ruby, the Therapy Dog; Jeanaann of Oh, the Life of Olivia & Knotty Toys for Good Dogs; and Tracy of GIBBS-erish...Making Sense of Canine Epilepsy Facebook Group. To join in our Hop, you can be an Epi-dog caregiver ~OR~ a friend who would like to show your support by sharing something purple on your blog/social media!
"People affected by epilepsy will change the face of epilepsy."
~Anita Kaufmann Foundation
U.S.A. Global Partner of Purple Day®
Now Part of Purple Day® Every 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.
PLEASE BE SURE TO SEE THE SPECIAL NORTH CAROLINA STATE COMPANION ANIMAL EPILEPSY RESEARCH LAB, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VETVINE, CANINE EPILEPSY PRESENTATION'S SPECIAL PURPLE DAY DISCOUNT CODE FURTHER DOWN IN THIS POST.
Gibson,
as many of you know, was one of my beautiful 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. Last year, I was honored to be invited to be part of the Purple Day® Around the World Education Week.I created this FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong & #Paws4Purple presentation for that event. I think you'll enjoy it and find it very informative.
At FiveSibes, we are celebrating the 11th Anniversary of Being An Official Purple Day® Ambassador for
Canine Epilepsy Awareness!
Proud Ambassador Since 2012
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 awareness 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.
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."
If you read my earlier blog post or saw on social media, we are looking for your creative artwork, journal entries,
essays, and photos relating in some manner to Epi-dog Caregiver Support, which includes your caregiving for your dog who has Epilepsy, and also support for you--the caregiver. This information will then be compiled and shared in a video format that we will share in order to help others who are on this jourmey with their Epi-dogs.
I cannot wait for your to see the final project, which I will update you all on when it will be out!
"I know this journey can be so hard-but it also can be filled with connection, growth and other opportunities."
~Julie Ann Nettifee, RVT, MS, VTS (Neurology)
North Carolina State Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab
and
2020 American Humane Hero Veterinary Nurse Award Winner
While today, Purple Day, is the deadline for submissions, if you have a story to tell and would like to be part of this, just send me a note and let me know! We can get your creative work(s) in right up until the video is ready to go live. But get them in today, if you can!
EMAIL ENTRIES WITH YOUR NAME, PET'S NAME, STATE/COUNTRY TO:
FiveSibesLiveGibStrong(at)gmail(dot)com
(replace at and dot with the symbols)
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.
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 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.
An excellent place to start your search is right here...
A Peek at Some of the Info You'll Find in Our Library:
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.
Visit Our "Chalkboard" Area:
Read About Other Amazing Dogs Living Life With Epilepsy in My Epi-Star Series
How to Get FREE Copies of #LiveGibStrong/#Paws4Purple K9 Epilepsy Handouts!
Listen to the Veterinarian Neurology Experts on Canine Epilepsy!
Important InfoFrom The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine...
The Canine Epilepsy Summit,
developed by the North Carolina State University Companion Animal
Epilepsy Research Lab in partnership with VetVine, is an EXCELLENT event. They produced this in order to educate and support
all who care for #EpiDog warriors.
For Purple Day, they are offering a special deal* with the following code:
Purple Day PROMO Code:
PDPACK23
Expires: 3/31/23
*Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians save $23
the North Carolina State Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab
Click on Image to read the full brochure:
A Special Edition of Wag 'N Whine “Talking About Canine Epilepsy”
Featuring Special Guests!
I am thrilled to have joined the panel of wonderful guests—as you can see from the graphic below—including
a Q&A session with veterinary
neurology experts, Dr. Karen Muñana, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology),
Professor of Neurology at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary
Medicine/The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab, and member of the International
Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force, and Julie Nettifee, RVT, MS, VTS (Neurology)
& Research, also from The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab at North Carolina
state University-College of Veterinary Medicine and the 2020 American Humane
Hero Veterinary Nurse, along with several other Canine
Epilepsy caregivers and advocates.
A “Must-See” for any Epi-dog caregiver. Click on graphic above to view and Enter Passcode:cjZCQs8?in box where asked in order to listen to the 2-hour session (you can pause it).
✰ ✰ ✰
"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 -
"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."
Thank you for your ongoing and wagnificent support of epi-warriors. Your info has guided me as long as I've owned Elsa and has helped me so very much. We 💜 you and all you do.
Deer Gibson wee wanted to stop bye from THE Purrfect Pad an meow Happy Purrple Day to you! Wee are sorry you are an Eppylepsy Warrior liek Olivia an Elsa Poochiess! Mee made a badge to cellybrate all mee Eppy-frendss online an fore BellaSita Mum, who alltho not a Poochie, suffurrss with Seezuress two!! Yore a furry hansum man Poochie!! Bee well Gibson.... ~~~head rubss~~~BellaDharma~~~ an {{hugss}} BellaSita Mum
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 many of y
*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 points can be a relief for a dog with seizures and
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 the below photo
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 his w
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
Thank you for your ongoing and wagnificent support of epi-warriors. Your info has guided me as long as I've owned Elsa and has helped me so very much. We 💜 you and all you do.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all you do in the fight against K-9 Epilepsy!
ReplyDeleteDeer Gibson wee wanted to stop bye from THE Purrfect Pad an meow Happy Purrple Day to you! Wee are sorry you are an Eppylepsy Warrior liek Olivia an Elsa Poochiess! Mee made a badge to cellybrate all mee Eppy-frendss online an fore BellaSita Mum, who alltho not a Poochie, suffurrss with Seezuress two!!
ReplyDeleteYore a furry hansum man Poochie!! Bee well Gibson....
~~~head rubss~~~BellaDharma~~~ an {{hugss}} BellaSita Mum