#NEAM - Meet K9 Epi-Star & Birthday Boy "Bohdi"

November 10, 2025

Epi-Star, "Bohdi"

by Dorothy Wills-Raftery

It's November, that means it is also National Epilepsy Awareness Month (#NEAM) and here at FiveSibes, we are kicking off our official 4th Annual #LiveGibStrong #Epi-Star Features!

It's a special month here at FiveSibes. While this is the official fourth year of my series, there were, of course, "Epi-Stars" I highlighted along the way in early years, before the debut of this series. Their stories are also listed on my Special Series page HERE so you can read about all of our fabulous canine stars!

A brief recap for those new to my blog: I was inspired by my beloved Gibson, who was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy in 2009 shortly after his third birthday. I began the #LiveGibStrong Canine Epilepsy awareness and education initiative, and also authored the multi-award winning EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Life With Canine Epilepsy, a 264-page beautiful book, where I share stories of amazing Epi-dogs from across the breeds and across the world. As a follow-up to all the amazing Epi-dogs and caregivers I've met along the way, this #NEAM series picks up where my book left, and I continue to feature annual stories about these amazing dogs who have Canine Epilepsy, but never let that stop them from loving life as only a dog can.

Today, I'm so pleased to shine a spotlight on Julie Lieck 's handsome Golden Retriever, "Bohdi," who is celebrating his 4th birthday today, November 10th! Happy Birthday, Bohdi!

Bohdi, with sister Jude peeking in, getting ready to celebrate his special day!

Julie vividly recalls the day when her beloved boy experienced his first seizure. "Bohdi had his first seizure out of the blue on October 27th, 2024 when he was still two years old. It was traumatic and terrifying and we have all been through a lot since then," says Julie.

And as us Epi-dog caregivers know, it certainly is a shock and very traumatic and frightening when our dog goes into their first seizure. And often, it comes from out of the blue, while they are sleeping, with no warning, no indications...just a sudden fright. And it becomes a moment frozen in time—one we never forget.

"Bohdi is the most loyal dog we have ever had. I will stay by his side every day forever, and I would trade places with him in a heartbeat." ~Julie Lieck

Julie agrees. "Bohdi was a healthy, happy, energetic boy full of love and innocence. He loves to swim every day, play with his big sister (same parents, different litter), and be by my side every minute of the day and night. He never had a single health issue until October 27th at 11 pm, when he had his first seizure. He was peacefully sleeping on my bed with no warnings whatsoever. This was traumatic, scary, and came out of nowhere. I contacted my vet, who pretty quickly diagnosed him with idiopathic epilepsy. We did all the tests needed and he was 100% healthy otherwise."

After veterinarians run tests for the dog, and no know reasons are found (i.e. illness, injury, brain tumor), they dog is typically then diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, which translated means no known cause. While there are a myriad of possible triggers for the seizures, having positive results from testing typically is a far better scenario. Your veterinarian may then recommend your dog going on anti-seizure medications, or they may adopt a wait-and-see perspective to see if the seizure was a one-time thing. If your dog has another, they will typically then suggest the medications and to also get in touch with a veterinary neurologist.

Julie's beautiful Epi-boy out enjoying a walk!

"We were in complete denial," recalls Julie. "We were already so careful with our pets. No pesticides, no flea meds, no candles or scents in our house. Only homemade dog food." Still, Bohdi was triggered and two months later, Julie says he had his second seizure. "We added a neurologist to Bohdi's medical team, and she confirmed the diagnosis. Still in denial, we logged every bite of food we put in his mouth, started dividing his meals into three meals a day to regulate blood sugar, and we prayed. We never left him alone, ever and we still have not. Every time he breathed loudly or didn't breathe loudly or had a nightmare or moved, we jumped. It was like living on pins and needles."

To read my FiveSibes article on possible triggers,

please visit my post HERE.

By April, Julie reported that Bohdi had his 10th seizure, with two in one day.

"At that point, we had no option but to accept the diagnosis and put him on meds. He is on 750 mg of Keppra three times a day. We have multiple alarms set for each dose (7:15am, 3:15pm, and 11:15pm ) like clockwork. We joined every dog seizure forum we could find and tried everything possible prior to starting meds. Bohdi went 72 days without a seizure."

Even with that wonderful 72 days of being seizure free, the seizure monster reared its ugly head and Julie remembers that day clearly. "On a peaceful afternoon, the boogyman visited again. This time with a focal seizure (fly biting) and then a full seizure to follow. Terror struck again, but he came right out of it and bounced around like the happy boy he is. The neurologist told us to expect a breakthrough here and there, but two seizures or less per month is okay."

According to Dr. Karen Muñana, Professor of Neurology at The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab at North Carolina State University-College of Veterinary Medicine, and member of the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force, "Epilepsy is a general term, so anything that causes an abnormality in certain areas of the brain can cause epilepsy. What we tend to see most commonly in dogs is a disease called “idiopathic epilepsy,” and that is where the brain appears structurally normal — from what we can tell with testing such as MRI — but at a microscopic level or cellular level, there are some abnormalities. Idiopathic epilepsy can occur in any breed, but we see it more in certain breeds where it has been shown to be inherited. In general, idiopathic epilepsy usually does not affect the lifespan of affected dogs."

"Bohdi is the most loyal dog we have ever had," Julie says proudly. "We still have not left him alone, ever. We hired someone to stay with him for the day, one time when our whole family had to attend a family member's funeral. It is taxing on us, but I will stay by his side every day forever, and I would trade places with him in a heartbeat. Every day is like Christmas with Bohdi. We wake up to this 75-pound, (now) four-year-old puppy and absorb his love and joy. We are blessed to have him in our lives."

Bohdi helping to decorate the tree while waiting for Santa Paws!

"Every day is like Christmas with Bohdi. We wake up to this 75-pound, (now) four-year-old puppy and absorb his love and joy. We are blessed to have him in our lives."~Julie Lieck

Even with having seizures, Julie happily reports that "Bohdi is living his best life now, on medication, with minimal breakthrough seizures. He takes walks and swims every day. He is the most spoiled, sweet loving boy ever."

Stay strong, Bohdi!

And kudos to your amazing hu-mom, Julie!

Epi-Dogs Rock!

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.

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 presentation in partnership with The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab at North Carolina State University~College of Veterinary Medicine

"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.

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The Inspirational Book Behind

This Epi-Star Feature Series