Author #FiveSibesMom & Her #FiveSibes
"When you live with Siberian Huskies, you always have a story to tell!"
Purple Day: A Decade of #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness Blog Hop & Media Shares!
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Woo! Today is THE day--Purple Day® for Epilepsy Awareness worldwide when we #GoPurple to bring awareness to epilepsy in all forms and show the world it's not something to be feared and highlight important information and amazing success stories of those living with epilepsy and seizures. Here, at FiveSibes, we're about dogs, so we will be discussing Canine Epilepsy and hoping to turn social media purple in honor of all Epi-dogs, humans, cats, rabbits, and even horses who live with epilepsy.
Be sure to scroll down to the ed of this post and click on the 18 thumbnail links to read even more info from those who joined in the blog hop & see how they spent Purple Day!
Join us - it's simple! You and/or your pet wear something purple, or bake something purple (like a purple dog treat?!), or create a purple artwork, turn a photo purple, whatever you like...then you can go to the bottom of this post and link it up! You can also share the pic under this graphic on our FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews Facebook Page!
What is Purple Day?
What's New For Purple Day 2025?
Each year, I love to launch some new piece of information, video, podcast, book, etc. Last year, it was the Caring for the Epi-Dog & Caregiver: The Importance of Self-Care video in partnership with the Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab. This year, it's all about the meds!
For those who share life with dogs on medication, getting them to take it can sometimes be tricky! With Epi-dogs, they often times have many medications to take daily, and sometimes they flat out refuse, or spit up the pills and/or capsules, only to be discovered at a later date. That can be a real fright for the caregiver, and could trigger a seizure for the dog. So, this year...I'm please to say that I've teamed up with Tracy Smith, Epi-dog hu-mom and administrator of GIBBS-erish...Making Sense of Canine EpilepsyFaceebook group to bring you our video slideshow on Helpful Tips on Giving Your Epi-Dogs Medicine.
We hope this will be helpful to many!
A Reissue of my illustrated children's book, What's Wrong With Gibson?
Learning About K-9 Epilepsy Book!
Woo! You
asked for it, I heard! My FiveSibes Tale children's book was first
released back in 2011 through my ArcticHouse Publishing company. I've since closed ArcticHouse Publishing...however...I'm pleased to
announce that it will be back for a second edition and will be available soon! A percentage of profits will once again be donated to canine epilepsy research. I had hoped that it would be done for Purple Day, but alas,
there are some final layout technical issues I still need to work out before
publication. But stay tuned and watch for our release announcement here and on
our social media and here!
Read the Purple Day message from the Companion Epilepsy Research Lab at North Carolina State University-College of Veterinary Medicine.
Now that you're familiar with Purple Day and it's founder Cassidy Megan, (hopefully) watched our new video on Epi-dog medications, and seen what's new here at FiveSibes...come join me on a short trip down Memory Lane for the past 10 years...
Let's take a L👀K back...
Joining in the important march of raising awareness for, and education about, dogs living with epilepsy was so important to me. My beloved Gibson, a wooly Siberian Husky, scared the heck out of me when he began
having seizures shortly after his third birthday in 2009. A
diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy was given, and from that moment on, I I made it a mission to find
out everything I could about seizures and epilepsy in dogs, and then share that with others who were on the same, sometimes scary, journey. Here's some high points from over the past decade...
💜 2009 - At
the time, there was not much information available, and the internet resources were still in its infancy. As a journalist, I dug in to research and
reached out to experts to find out what was happening with my dog? What
choices were out there for treatments? Would he be okay?
My first connection was with a gal named Laurie, who, at the time was a nurse and
Epi-dog hu-mom. After I had posted a notice on MySpace (remember that
forum?!), she immediately reached out across the miles, gave me her phone number, and we connected.
She helped me so much in those early days, and I'm happy to say, we are
still friends today!
💜 Over
the years, I shared information from several veterinary experts I respect and who are always willing to help, including Dr. Karen Muñana, Professor of Neurology
at the Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab at North Carolina State Univeristy-College of Veterinary Medicine (NCSU-CVM)
and International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force member; Julie
Nettifee, RVT, MS, VTS (neurology) and the 2020 American Humane Hero
Veterinary Nurse; my own vet, Dr. Arnold Rugg, founder and former owner
of Kingston Animal Hospital, who has amazing knowledge of seizure
disorders; as well as so many fellow Epi-dog caregivers over the years
and miles who have shared their stories with me.
💜#LiveGibStrong was born!
💜In 2012, I became an official Purple Day® Ambassador advocating for
dogs with epilepsy and sharing important information. What a huge step for Epi-dogs to be recognized by this international movement! My beloved Epi-dog
Gibson became an Ambassadog, showing that dogs with epilepsy can and do
live happy lives, and his face became a beacon of hope for other
Epi-dogs.
💜My FiveSibes Tale illustrated childrens' book, What's Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy, was published.
💜I began highlighting Canine Epilepsy Awareness on my new podcast The Sibe Vibe" aired on Dog Works Radio and iTunes. The episode on "Talking Epilepsy" with Dr. Karen Muñana and Julie Nettifee, RVS, MS, VTS (neurology) of The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab was nominated for Award of Excellence by the Dog Writers Association of America!
💜In 2013, in conjunction with House Wolf and Edelweiss Bakery in Vermont, "Gibbie Snacks" dog treatswere created with the Epi-dog's diet in mind! These were a huge hit, and they said they donated a portion to a canine epilepsy non-profit. (Sadly, the bakery closed down and these wonderful homemade dog treats are no longer available).
💜My articles on Canine Epilepsy were published in numerous publications including The Sled Dogger, Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine, Kings River Life Magazine.
💜In 2015, my big 264-page coffee table reference book EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living and Loving Life With Canine Epilepsywas published. It containsthe personal stories of over 100 amazing Epi-dogs worldwide, and an extensive resource section. A portion of profits are donated to Canine Epilepsy research and health.
Gibson poses with my two books on Canine Epilepsy inspired by him!
💜In 2018, we were excited to team up with Sassy's Goodies in Missouri for the debut of
"Gib Nibs" homemade dog treatsnamed after my Gibson by a Husky hu-mom and US veteran family! This recipe was created by Nanette specifically with the Epi-dog's diet in mind, and boy were they a hit! She donated a portion to canine epilepsy non-profit. (Sadly, after a few years, Gib Nibs are now no longer available).
💜On Purple Day—March 26, 2019, I debuted the FREE vet-approved "Cooling Down an Epi-Dog: Where Do I Put the Cold Packs?" informational poster starring my Gibson! Created with artist/illustrator, Cameo Anderson, this poster notes the importance of cooling down a seizing dog, and shows where the placement of cool packs should go. Click on image to see the poster.
💜I
hosted numerous Canine Epilepsy informational exhibits at veterinary events
and at book signings, but a highlight was when The Easter Bunny joined me at my booth one year set up at our veterinary hospital. We all went purple there, even the Easter Bunny! #GoPurple!
💜#Paws4Purple was born!
In 2018, the human nonprofit The Anita Kaufmann Foundation (now the
Purple Day® Every Day, presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation)
invited me to have #LiveGibStrong be part of their organization and we created #Paws4Purple , an initiative for
dogs with epilepsy. Available on the site are free informational handouts with hard copies available upon request or to download.
💜I gave a taped welcome speech for a symposium hosted by the Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab at the NCSU-CVM. More recently, my #LiveGibStrong information was included in one of their
online symposiums. The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab host many clinical trials and studies, are an excellent resource for Canine Epilepsy, and have a nationwide database of pets with epilepsy. Their website is: go.ncsu.edu/epilepsyresearch
💜In 2022, I became the proud recipient of the Dog Writers Association of America's prestigious Maxwell Medallion for Excellence for my FiveSibes blog and companion #LiveGibStrong Online K-9 Epilepsy Resource Library! What an honor!
Click on image to read all about this honor!
💜Also in 2022, I began the Epi-Stars Feature during November's Epilepsy Awareness Month on my blog here, where each November I continue the theme from my book EPIc Dog Tales, and share stories of amazing Epi-Dogs and their caregivers from across the world!
💜Last year, 2024, I was excited to be joined by The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab to bring you a special Caring For the Epi-Dog Caregiver: The Importance of Self-Care Video!
💜In the past 10 years, much on Canine Epilepsy and seizure disorders in dogs have been studied.
💜There have been many clinical trials; with even more ongoing to study seizures in dogs. In March 2025, the Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab published their most recent study! Click on image to read the article!
💜Euthanization is NOT the immediate go-to for a diagnosis anymore.
💜Folks
are NOT alone-there is much support now online (but you still have to
know where to look to be sure you have accurate information).
💜My FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library was developed and is always FREE for reading.
Visit on drop-down menu above, or click on image to go directly to the Library.
💜One-Health
now studies the effects of catastrophic diseases, such as epilepsy,
cancer, etc., and covers both humans and animals.
Even
with all the testing, studies, information, trials, medications,
natural and holistic treatments, environmental and dietary
recommendations...some dogs sadly may not respond and continue to have
seizures for unknown reasons, and still some caregivers will have no
other option but to euthanize when they have exhausted things to do and
their beloved dog's quality of life has diminished greatly. Those are
the sad facts...BUT...over the course of 10 years, so much positive has
been discovered to help these dogs live happy lives.
💜
HOPE is more today than ever.
Never.
Give.
Up.
💜
With many thanks to my co-hosts who signed up over the years! Featuring Epi-dogs: Gibson, Rolo, Olivia, Ruby & Gibbs!
💜A helpful item is having one of our FREE Epi-Dog First Aid Bookmarks I created in partnership with Purple Day® Every Day/The Anita Kaufmann Foundation. They are sturdy and beautifully printed and great to keep on hand to post on your fridge, on a bulletin board, in your Epi First Aid Kit, in your purse, with your pet sitter/walker, for your vet's office, at the animal ER, at your local rescue and animal control, etc. To request a supply of these sturdy and helpful bookmarks, simply Email Debra@akfus.org and put #Paws4Purple Bookmarks in the subject line.
Thank you for taking the
time to #GoPurple with us and letting the world know that those living
epilepsy do not let it stop them from loving life. No stigmas. These
dogs, humans, horses, rabbits, and cats are all warriors. So if see a
seizure happening, don't panic. Stay calm...and follow the protocols.
For dogs (since FiveSibes is a K9 blog)...read my #LiveGibStrong Online K-9 Epilepsy Resource Library so you can be prepared should your dog ever experiences a seizure.
Be sure to click on the thumbnails of the fellow "hoppers" below who are also joining in to #GoPurple. If you'd like to join in, the link will be open all week.
May all Epi-Dogs #LiveGibStrong!
FIVESIBES.BLOGSPOT.COM
A heartfelt "Woo" and Thank You" to my current co-hosts &
Many thanks for all you do as an Epi-Ambassador. Without your advocacy, info, and resources, Elsa's life could have been far less normal. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart 💜 💜 💜
I'm sorry to say, I totally forgot to do a post for this event...my bad. Your post today has so many helpful links for those who need assistance. Thanks for being a hero for all those epi-pups out there.
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 m...
*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 poin...
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 ...
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 h...
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...
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💜I began highlighting Canine Epilepsy Awareness on my new podcast The Sibe Vibe" aired on Dog Works Radio and iTunes. The episode on "Talking Epilepsy" with Dr. Karen Muñana and Julie Nettifee, RVS, MS, VTS (neurology) of The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab was nominated for Award of Excellence by the Dog Writers Association of America!
💜#Paws4Purple was born!
In 2018, the human nonprofit The Anita Kaufmann Foundation (now the
Purple Day® Every Day, presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation)
invited me to have #LiveGibStrong be part of their organization and we created #Paws4Purple , an initiative for
dogs with epilepsy. Available on the site are free informational handouts with hard copies available upon request or to download. (1).png)
You're such a wonderful help to those in need of this information. Bless you.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day and rest of the week. ♥
Many thanks for all you do as an Epi-Ambassador. Without your advocacy, info, and resources, Elsa's life could have been far less normal. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart 💜 💜 💜
ReplyDeleteThank you for all you do to help others fight this battle!
ReplyDeleteYou do so much for canine epilepsy awareness, you're a hero.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to say, I totally forgot to do a post for this event...my bad. Your post today has so many helpful links for those who need assistance. Thanks for being a hero for all those epi-pups out there.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a warrior for all who fight this battle.
ReplyDelete