#FBF: Epi-Dog Gibson Stars in Ruff Drafts; Also Looking at Epilepsy in Cats, Rabbits & Horses

 

#Flashback ~ Gibson & My Epi-Dog Article in Ruff Drafts ~ 2013

The year was 2013...four years after my beloved heart dog, Gibson, was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy and came to be known as an "Epi-dog" - a dog with epilepsy. We were in the midst of becoming ambassadors for Epi-dogs, sharing Gibson's journey and treatments and his absolute zest for live and love of his pack family (and Harley!) when my article "Epi-Dogs: Dogs Living Full Lives With Canine Epilepsy" was published in Ruff Drafts magazine.

One year earlier in 2012, I became an official Purple Day® for Epilepsy Ambassador, speaking and writing about K9 Epilepsy and how these dogs do NOT need to euthanized upon diagnosis, and they can—and DO—live happy lives, just the same as non-Epis. It may take time and some trial-and-error with medications, treatments, diets, and environmental changes, and sometimes everything you try may not work, but management is key and these amazing dogs still love life the same as any other dog. To shortchange them by not giving them a chance is just so heartbreakingly unfair.

Did you know not just dogs can get seizures? 
Be sure to see my links at end of post 
for seizure info on cats, rabbits, and horses.

I was thrilled when Ruff Drafts magazine, by the American Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA), published my article on Gibson and Canine Epilepsy in their Summer 2013 issue. Amazing to me that it feels like just a couple of years ago, rather than 12 years. 

So, today, for #FlashbackFriday, that's what I'm sharing! You can read the PDF version of my article HERE. 

NOTE: I do want to add that some of the resource links are now out-dated, but I have compiled an extensive list of resources on my FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong Online K-9 Epilepsy Resource Library.

 
FiveSibes #Flashback ~ Gibson in his purple bandana for K9 Epilepsy Awareness
when he was featured with my article in Ruff Drafts ~ 2013
 
The Canine Epilepsy road is not easy. I won't lie. The path is not cheap. And, at times, it can take an emotional toll on us, their caregivers, to see our beloved dogs have a seizure, and dealing with the aftermath and trying to find the right "management plan." But... it is a path so worth traveling together. The joy and bond I had with Gibson will forever transcend time. He truly started a revolution, and my wish remains the same - for Epi-dogs to #LiveGibStrong.

With Purple Day coming up on the 26th...as I gear up for our 10th Annual Blog Hop & Social Media Share, I'm blown away by all the wonderful notes I've received from folks with Epi-dogs telling me how much Gibson and I helped them on their own journey. That warms my heart and I know I hear a big ol' "woooo" from my boy about that! Those notes mean the world to me.

So, in my beloved Gibson's name...and for you...I continued to write and share important information and education on Canine Epilepsy. And one day...I surely hope...a cure will be found for both our dogs and humans alike...and to broadly answer the many questions I receive, yes cats, bunnies, and horses can also have epilepsy.

For some info on seizures in other animals:

Click on each image below to go to articles...

 

 

For info on Companion Animals, including Dogs, Cats, and Horses
Visit the Companion Aninal Epilepsy Research Lab's website and type in which type of animal you are seeking info on in the Search Box.

 


For more info on Canine Epilepsy, visit our always FREE #LiveGibStrong Online K-9 Epilepsy Resource Library

Click on image

 

 

💜 Memories Are Visits For The Heart 💜

 


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 Be sure to check out our info on our upcoming 10th Annual #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong Purple Day® for Epilepsy Blog Hop & Social Media Share! Join us in "Going Purple" on March 26th for 24 hours! Read all about how HERE!
 
 

Back to our Home Page and Don't Forget to Visit Our Other Pages, including Our #LiveGibStrong On-Line K-9 Epilepsy Resource Page,  About the Siberian Husky Breed, Rescues, Lost & Found, Other K9 Articles by FiveSibesMom, ArcticHouse Gifts & Books Shoppe, and more! Just click on "More" Pages at top of blog.

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Comments

  1. Tails Around the RanchMarch 21, 2025 at 9:05 AM

    A(nother) 1000 thank you's for providing such invaluable info for dogs, cats, and rabbits. Without your and Olivia's (from Knotty Dogs) info, I'm convinced my precious Elsa's quality of life would not have been enjoyed as much as she did for as long. Your tips and techniques along with day to day solutions to manage episodes helped make her life better. 💜

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hindy PearsonMarch 21, 2025 at 1:01 PM

    What an accomplishment! Even though it's been a few years, the impact of your writings and resources you share continues. I've only ever heard of seizures in dogs, I had no idea horses, rabbits and other animals can also be affected.

    ReplyDelete
  3. messymimiMarch 21, 2025 at 4:11 PM

    You've done so very much for the canine community with your research and resources, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Even if I don't have a dog in my life right this moment, I know where I can send someone who does who is facing this diagnosis, and it's important.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Brian's Home BlogMarch 21, 2025 at 7:53 PM

    Such another wonderful bunch of information, important information!

    ReplyDelete

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