Meet EpiStar "Elsa" for #NEAM: November's Epilepsy Awareness Month

November 25, 2023

Epi-Star, "Elsa"

by Dorothy Wills-Raftery

November is a special month here, and if you've been following us, you know that it is National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM), and I enjoy highlighting some amazing stories about Epi-dogs (dogs who have epilepsy). Inspired by not only my own Epi-dog Gibson’s story, but all the stories in my book EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Life With Canine Epilepsy, I am in my second year of this special "EpiStar" feature series about these amazing dogs who have Canine Epilepsy, but never let that stop them from loving life. In sharing these stories and connecting with other Epi-dog caregivers, we have created special bonds--a camaraderie and caring support network with each other and our veterinarian teams.

I'm so pleased to introduce you to today's Epi-Star...meet Monika McDonald's Epi-Star "Elsa," a beautiful black Standard Poodle.

Monika, who authors the Tails Around the Ranch blog since 2014, and who has visited patients and staff at a local hospital/hospice center over the years with her Therapy Dogs (first Sam and then Norman), took the time to share with me how Elsa came to be her precious girl.

“In June 2016, Elsa was one of 8 Standard Poodles who were seized from a Northern Colorado puppy mill after the owner passed away. She was thought to be between two and four years of age; was filthy, matted, and completely unsocialized. All of the dogs seized had various health issues, many with genetic diseases with epilepsy being Elsa’s cross to bear. She was placed with a local Poodle rescue in foster care following a health evaluation. She was spayed and prophylactic gastropexy surgery performed to minimize the threat of bloat in the breed. Elsa’s seizures began shortly after she was adopted.”

"Elsa occasionally will experience a break-through seizure, but they have been well managed with techniques and tips learned over the years."

~Monika McDonald, Dog Mom & Blogger

Monika knew adopting a dog with seizures was not something to take lightly, and it is not always "a bed of roses," but she was a not a stranger to it as she previous had dog who had epilepsy. "I was at least familiar with the commitment required to keep her condition under control. At first, her seizures appeared as life threatening grand mal seizures, her condition was stabilized and after a multi-day stint in an ER clinic, she was sent home on the most commonly prescribed prescription of Phenobarbital."

Monika recalls how, "Two weeks later, seizures reappeared, thus beginning a several month period of adjustments to the dosages. Her vet also recommended adding CBD oil to her daily anti-seizure med. We teamed up with a local grower who provided product that, with the help of Phenobarbital, has substantially reduced seizures in both frequency and intensity. Elsa occasionally will experience a break-through seizure, but they have been well managed with techniques and tips learned over the years."

Monika McDonald with her beautiful dogs: Standard Poodle "Elsa" and now-furangel Old English Sheepdog "Norman."

"Elsa is a sweet, clever girl, and I’m ever so grateful to have discovered the FiveSibes and Knotty Toys for Good Dogs’ blogs, both of whom shared amazing techniques and info about successful living with Canine Epilepsy."

~Monika McDonald, Dog Mom & Blogger

Monika is happy to report that "Since her adoption, Elsa enjoys bouncing through snow like a jack rabbit, spirited episodes of fencing barking and racing with the next door dog, and taking long daily walks through our neighborhood. Elsa learned how to be a dog from her two older ‘brothers (another bouncy Standard Poodle, Sam, and a patient and über-calm Old English Sheepdog, Norman). Being a puppy mill survivor, she has personality quirks and maintains a 'still waters run deep' kind of personality but is friendly if not cautious around people until she is comfortable."

On her blog, Tails Around the Ranch, Monika turns the keyboard over to Elsa who is solo now (following the recent passing of her Old English Sheepdog brother, Norman) and whose commentaries Monika says are filled "with sassy observations about life in general." A really fun and entertaining blog (and she has recipes, too!) Be sure to check it out!

"Elsa enjoys bouncing through snow like a jack rabbit, spirited episodes of fencing barking and racing with the next door dog, and taking long daily walks through our neighborhood."
~Monika McDonald, Dog Mom & Blogger

"It is the first time in her life she’s been alone without siblings which has dramatically transformed her personality," notes Monika. "She’s more mellow, suggesting the Post Office delivery folks are no longer considered serial killers these days."

Through it all, Monika says, "Love and patience have been key elements in Elsa’s ongoing socialization as a former puppy mill dog and she enjoys a good life even with a condition like epilepsy. Initially feral when first adopted, she didn’t even know how to accept food from human hands."

"Elsa is a sweet, clever girl," says Monika, adding, "And I’m ever so grateful to have discovered the FiveSibes and Knotty Toys for Good Dogs’ blogs, both of whom shared amazing techniques and info about successful living with Canine Epilepsy."

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.

💜

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.