#NEAM: Life's a Beach for Epi-Dog "Lenny!"
“Lenny was rescued by us when he was about six months old. When he was just a pup, he was abandoned in the Everglades in south Florida, by of course people with no heart. Luckily, he was found by volunteers who search areas like this. He had Parvo and survived seven weeks in the hospital.” Greg also shares that Lenny was also in “three different foster homes.” So the puppy was off to a really rough start in life.
Greg and his wife Becky recall how Lenny became a part of their family. “We were mourning the loss of one of our two dogs for quite a few months at that time, and I started to look online at rescues. I saw his story and contacted them, and that’s how we got him.”
Six months after Lenny’s adoption, he had his first seizure. “I have been around and in love with dogs before I could walk, and have never had a dog have seizures,” notes Greg. "So, we dove into what was needed, like putting out $4,100 for an MRI.”
There's nothing the Frank's won't do to help their boy. Greg says, "Lenny is our family and will do
whatever it takes to help him."
As of writing this, Lenny has surpassed the 40-day mark of no seizures! And, that is certainly wonderfully inspiring news!
- According to a study by Felicity Y. Han, Lisa Conboy-Schmidt, Galena Rybachuk, Holger A. Volk, Brian Zanghi, Yuanlong Pan, Karin Borges published in the Wiley Online Library, "More recent data demonstrate that addition of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which provide the medium chain fatty acids octanoic and decanoic acid, as well as ketone bodies as auxiliary brain energy, can be beneficial in rodent seizure models, dogs and humans with epilepsy. MCTs provide medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and ketones as auxiliary brain energy and can reduce seizures in...dogs and humans with epilepsy...MCTs are a promising adjunct to standard pharmacological treatment for both humans and dogs with epilepsy."
In pursuing holistic treatments, Greg and Becky also began Lenny on something new. “One of the things we also have been giving him is organic tripe. Tons of omegas and so good for the gut, which then helps with anxiety as well. It took some time, and I’m so excited right now that we have possibly found a combination that helps him.”
How lucky for Lenny!
“Lenny is our family, and we will do whatever it takes to help him.” ~Greg Frank
No matter what arises, the Franks are committed to helping Lenny continue to live his best life, and not let epilepsy get in the way of that. “He’s our family, and we will do whatever it takes to help him.”
"It took some time, and
I’m so excited right now that we have possibly found a combination that helps
him.” ~Greg Frank
Bravo to Lenny!
And Bravo to his amazing caregivers, his hu-parents Greg and Becky!
Caregivers of dogs with epilepsy are amazing folks. It's so important to remember to care for yourselves, as well as your Epi-dog! Please be sure to watch my special slideshow "Caring for the Epi-Dog and Caregiver: The Importance of Self-Care"
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.
Other Stories in the Epi-Star Series:
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