Meet #NEAM EpiStar "Sage" of Husky House for #NEAM: November's Epilepsy Awareness Month

November 29, 2023

Epi-Star, "Sage"

by Dorothy Wills-Raftery

As you know by now if you ae a follower of our blog and social media, November is a special month here, as it is National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM), where I highlight not only information on Canine Epilepsy, but also share amazing stories about Epi-dogs (dogs who have epilepsy). Inspired by my own Epi-dog Gibson’s story, I wrote the book multi-award winning EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Life With Canine Epilepsy, where I share stories of amazing Epi-dogs across the world. This all launched my Epi-Star series here on my blog that I began last year where I continue to feature stories about these amazing dogs who have Canine Epilepsy, but never let that stop them from loving life. Through this, we have formed a unique and caring community where we connect with with other Epi-dog caregivers, rescues, and veterinarians who care for them. We have become a wonderful network of vetted information and a network of support and camaraderie.

As we wind down November, I'm so pleased to bring you today's feature and introduce you to our last Epi-Star of the month, "Sage," who resides at the fantastic rescue Husky House Siberian Husky & Fellow K-9 Rescue based in New Jersey.

Beautiful Sage was surrendered at just 9 months old because she had seizures. She is a resident at Husky House, and "She rules the place!" says Lorraine Healy, founder. "We sent her to a foster, but she was too nervous about her seizures and her vet advised her that we should put Sage to sleep."

Once upon a time, euthanization was the recommendation for dogs with seizures, and we know that is not the case anymore. There are many clinicial trials and research into Canine Epilepsy over the last 10 years that we know Epi-dogs can live a happy life and do whatever dogs without epilepsy can do. Of course, as with anything, there are some severe cases that unfortunately medications and therapies may not be able to help, but today there is much to try in an effort to try and help an Epi-dog first before euthanization should even be consideed.

"Sage is a real beauty and is great with other dogs."

~Lorraine Healy, Founder

Husky House Siberian Husky & Fellow K-9 Rescue

Epi-dogs and Canine Epilepsy Awareness is something close to my heart. In my own experience with my beloved heart dog Gibson (who was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy when he was just three) who inspired me over the years to research, write books and articles on the topic. To this day, I continue talking with neurology specialists as there is much research and clinical trials happening. While there is no cure for Canine Epilepsy, there are treatments and therapies aimed at helping to manage seizures ranging from (and sometimes together) anti-seizure medications, holistic and homeopathic therapies, natural supplements, wholesome nutrition, environmental changes, and eliminating as many possible triggers from a dog's diet and life that can help to manage seizures.

As I stated earlier, euthanization is certainly NOT the typical recommendation today, unless the dog has an underlying health issue such as a brain tumor as the cause. Epi-dogs are brave and resilient, and can do all the things that a dog without epilepsy can do ranging from being sled dogs, show dogs, dogs who enjoy urban mushing, dock diving, swimming, hiking, bikejouring, and skijouring to playing and snuggling with their humans on a couch!

Lorraine notes that Sage is under the care of a veterinarian neurologist, who she sees her twice a year for check-ups (something that is necessary when Epi-dogs are on medication so the vet can check their medication levels and to keep an eye on liver function).

"When she clusters, if I take her for a ride in the car, the clusters almost always stop."

In addition to medication and supplements, other things to help with seizures are cool packs placed in particular areas (see my here poster on how and where for placement), occular compression (OC), acupuncture, TTouch therapy, Reiki, massage, flower essences, and aromatherapy (caution: there are some essences that should not be used).

"Will you adopt me?" wonders Epi-dog Sage.

Isn't this face just so adorable?!

As far Sage's medication regimen, Lorraine says, "She is on Phenobarbital , Zonisamide, Keppra, Topiramate, and Pexion. She also has a internal Venus access port so we can administer meds to immediately stop a seizure if needed."

Having an Epilepsy First Aid Kit is something every Epi-dog family should also have at the ready.

Lorraine has discovered a very unique way of helping to control Sage's seizures. "When she clusters, if I take her for a ride in the car, the clusters almost always stop." Now whether that is from distracting the brain, or calming, but it is very interesting and a positive thing. I have actually reached out to neurology experts to delve more into this, and will report back on it when I get some more info. But it sure is wonderful to hear of another easy and possible helpful aide for dogs with seizures!

The love Lorraine and the folks at Husky House have for Sage is obvious and so deserved by this beautiful girl. Epilepsy does not stop her from living and loving life as only a dog can. "Sage is pretty much in charge here at Husky House! We do whatever she wants! She’s a sassy girl who is spoiled rotten."

"Sage is a real beauty. Lorraine says she "is great with other dogs." So she sure would make a lovely companion for a family with other dogs.

Sage is available for adoption and would make a wonderful addition to a loving family with or without other dogs, but only to seizure-experienced folks. If you have experience and would love to welcome Sage into your family, you can read the adoption process and apply to adopt her HERE.

"Sage is pretty much in charge here at Husky House! We do whatever she wants! She’s a sassy girl who is spoiled rotten."

If you are looking for information on Canine Epilepsy, check out our FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library where you will find accurate and vetted information you can trust including links, articles, podcasts with vets and veterinary experts, helpful tips, bookmarks, where to go if you need financial help with epilepsy medications,. Epi-Star success stories, and much more. It's a great place to seek out information so that you can have an in-depth conversation with your vet about your Epi-dog's care.

With some extra special care and specifically timed medications, an Epi-dog like Sage, can live a happy life and bring years of happiness to a family who understands her needs, and in return give her a wonderful life she so deserves.

Sage even has her own merch (complete with her beautiful face and a purple Epilepsy awareness ribbon) and all the proceeds benefit her medical bills and care! (Husky House is a non-profit organization). Check it out HERE!

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The Inspirational Book Behind

This Epi-Star Feature Series

To purchase my book, go to our FiveSibes

ArcticHouse Books & Gifts Shoppe HERE.

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

25% DISCOUNT using our code: EPIcGIBSON ~and~ DONATING 20% to a Canine Epilepsy nonprofit.

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. Offer ends 12/31/2023.

There is a limited quantity of print books.

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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.