Epi-Warrior Gibson's Legacy on His 10-Year Rainbow Bridge Anniversary

 Ten years. A decade. Without my beloved heart dog and Epi-warrior, Gibson.

December can be a the most wonderful time of the year, and it is...but, it as I've also written for the past 10 years, it can also be a very melancholy time of year, too. I sure feel both. 

Post Bath: all fluffy and clean! Wasn't Gibson was the cutest fluffball! 

 

Gibson became part of my family in 2006 when he was just four months old. When I saw him—a dirty, stinky, ball of fluff with a winky eye who came loping toward me in what was to become his signature bunny-hip-hop style—my heart surged. I was in love. I didn't care that lady told me she thought something was "wrong with him because he had an odd eye."

 

What? He had a parti-eye! Clearly she knew nothing about Sibeiran Huskies! I didn't care. Gibson chose me and I chose him. I only wish I had taken more pics of us together. He grew up so fast! And I was usually the one behind the camera taking their pics. But, I digress...

 

At almost 9PM at night, I had my mother and daughter in the car with me as we zipped toward PetSmart to get him a bed, collar, harness, leash, toys, food, a crate, and most definitely doggy shampoo! (He really stunk! I don't think he was ever bathed.) And then we came home and introduced him to Harley, who was one, and our senior gal, Chelsey, a 12-year-old German Shepherd/Akita I had adopted as a puppy from our local SPCA. Once introductions were made, Gibson went into the tub, and then fell asleep sprawled across my lap on the recliner, where we stayed all night.

 

Gibson at 1-year-old with his love, Harley, 2.

 

My boy grew up fast!

 

 

Gibson with his love Harley and baby bro, Wolfie.

 

In 2015, I lost my beloved mother shortly before Thanksgiving, on November 15th. Then, just one month later, I lost my heart dog, Gibson, nine days before Christmas, on December 16. It was then that for the first time in my life, I understood feeling sad during the merriest time of year. Then, four years ago, I lost my baby boy, Wolfie, at age 13.5. He was the last of my FiveSibes. It was again in the beginning of December...so now...although I love the holidays and am so blessed to watch the magic in the eyes of my young grandchildren, my losses are also always there. I try to focus on the wonderful memories over all the years, but I have to say, there are moments when those tears just fall.

And that's okay.

Today, 10 years ago, my big, fluffy, flirty (there wasn't a vet tech he met he didn't schmooze!), silly boy earned his furangel wings (and not from his epilepsy, but from cancer--the dreaded hemangiosarcoma). I remember going into his surgery, I was well-aware he may not make it, but as always with my warrior boy who went up against the odds so many times and won, I believed he would come out of the surgery just fine, and ply me with his Gibbie kisses while resting his polar bear paw on my arm. I mean I had just lost my mother, and I really needed him. He just got me. We had a bond that I've never had before with a dog. He had to be okay.

Gibson, Harley, Chloe, Wolfie, and Bandit were such a loving, bonded pack family--always close together.

Gibson had always come through every set back—epilepsy, torn CCL, tumor removal, and acute bromide toxicity. He was the world's most specialest boy, and I needed him to help me with my grief; to let me bury my face in his silky wooly fur and let my grief ease away in his company. I knew he'd try to make me laugh as he was a true jokester. I think if he was human, he'd have been a comedian.

Helen of Troy's face may have launched a thousand ships, but my Gibson's beautiful face launched a massive positive K9 Epilepsy awareness initiative!

But fate had another plan, and I lost my beloved boy. Yes, I still had my other four, but in some ways, it was worse losing him and having to watch Harley, Wolfie, Chloe, and Bandit grieve as well. And grieve we did. I cried, they howled, looking for their big fluffy packmate; Harley's love and the pupsters big brother. But there would be no howl back this time from Gibson. 

(I still get choked up over his loss...right now, I'm typing through the blur of tears). Together, we went on, with a forever hole in all of our hearts; a hole that scabbed over in time, but never ever went away. And now, 10 years later, it still hurts. 

"Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and very dear.” ~Alex MacLean

Sometimes in the first seconds of waking up, my mind goes to my FiveSibes and I feel that brief joy...then it disappears as I wake and the realization hits that they are all gone. Sometimes, I even feel a slight "Gibbie Nibbie" - his little way of nibbling at my arm. Or, maybe I'll feel the weight of him, all 98 lbs, pushing up against my leg as I sit on the sofa. Or, a touch of his big polar bear paw on my foot. No matter what, he is forever with me in my heart and in my memories. And, now, he is no longer alone for his FiveSibes pack family is with him, and together I know they all are, having wild zoomies once again across the snow-covered land, north of the Rainbow Bridge. They will then break out in their howling song, Harley leading them in her non-graceful (always off-key) warble, and then they will all snuggle around Gibson for a winter's nap. I can see it all so clearly...as they had done so many times when they were with me.

Today, on Gibson's 10th Anniversary, I glance out my window across the snow-driven yard, and in my mind's eye see them in their full winter glory racing each other, kicking up snow as they go. And I smile.

I choose to remember all the wonderful moments...and there were so many. I've talked about how beautiful and soulful my Gibson was, but he was also a silly boy! He loved to do his Gibson "hip-hop" dance...that just made me smile...see for yourself below!

 

Gibson was such an inspiration. After a series of grand mal and clusters seizures, he was eventually diagnosed shortly after his third birthday with idiopathic epilepsy. But, Gibson being Gibson, he never let being an Epi-dog (dog with epilepsy) stop him from his love and zest for life and his family. Oh, how he loved being with his true love Harley, and his younger pupster siblings Wolfie, Bandit, and Chloe. 

Nothing stopped my boy. He was so strong of will and determination, yet the kindest, sweetest big boy ever. He always looked like he was smiling, with his cute little mustache. I loved his parti-eye because it always looked like he was winking at me, sharing a secret just us two knew about.

 

My boy became the beautiful face of my #LiveGibStrong & #Paws4Purple Canine Epilepsy Awareness. He was a magazine cover star. 

AmericanPet Magazine cover model, my Gibson, Ambassadog for Canine Epilepsy.

 

 

My boy with his forever love, our Harley, gracing the cover of the Dog Writers Association of America's Ruff Drafts magazine.

 

Articles, blogs, and books have been written by me, and others, about him, and he is still inspiring my writing.  

 

 And he starred inside Ruff Drafts for our story on living with Canine Epilepsy.

 

 

My article on the Purple Pumpkin Project starring Gibson and his purple pumpkin!

 

 

 

 

 

We were featured in the Paws to People: Bridges to Cures Pulse newsletter several times.  

 

To read Gibson's #NEAM Epi-Star Story, visit HERE.
 

In 2022, FiveSibes blog and the #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness Online Resource Library was awarded the prestigious Dog Writers Association of America's Maxwell Medallion for "Excellence"

What an honor!

 

 

Gibson was featured in the newspaper! 

 

My boy began cold laser therapy to help with his hind end weakness from the epilepsy medications. He was featured in a regional daily newspaper. Oh, how Gibson enjoyed his "spa" sessions, and really loved the vet nurse and techs!
 

  

Gibson Inspired Books!

 

 

 Gibson with my two multi-award-winning published books he inspired~What's Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy (children's book) & EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy (coffee table reference book).

 

When my children's book, What's Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy arrived hot off the presses, Gibson was there to check them out!

 

Gibson posing proudly with EPIc Dog Tales when they were hot off the presses, and where he is featured on the cover and is one of the stories inside.

 

My boy with on the cover of my Gib Strong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness booklet. 

 

Gibson was the model and star of his own poster for Epi-dog caregivers.

Gibson had his portrait painted by artist Kat N K9 on the side wall of the Animal Hospital, where his amazing team of vets & vet techs worked.

 

I was so honored to have some amazing artists create some beautiful portraits and illustrations of my Gibson and FiveSibes...

 

He was immortalized in art.
 

  

In 2012, Gibson and I became official Purple Day® for Epilepsy Ambassadors! What an honor to have our canine cause to become part of the human nonprofit organization!

 

Me with my heart dog and K-9 Epilepsy/Purple Day

co-ambassador, Gibson.

Gibson was also a video star for several K-9 Epilepsy Awareness slideshows, including this presentation at the Purple Day® Around the World Education Week held on March 26, 2022.

 

What an honor to be part of this presentation with the human epilepsy organization - The Anita Kaufmann Foundation/Purple Day® Every Day who invited me and my #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness into their organization. 

 

Raising Awareness & Donations for Canine Epilepsy Research & Medications for Epi-Dog Families

 

Gibson and I raised funds through a very successful online auction and made DONATIONS in Gibson's name to Emma's Fund/Epil-K9 Foundation housed at the North Carolina State University-College of Veterinary Medicine Neurology Department for Canine Epilepsy research and for The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, an organization that offers qualifying families possible financial assistance for the much-needed anti-seizure medications.

 

 

 While the auction was a lot of work, it was worth it and turned out incredible. A special thanks goes out to the late Kerry McBrearty, who tirelessly worked with me on this auction, and I couldn't have done it without her. We proudly raised and donated a total of $2,554, split between Emma's Fund/Epil-K9 Foundation and The Wally Foundation.

 

 

Gibson with the donations dropped off in our Donation Box that I set up at our vet's office (until someone stole the box with the second round of donations. Heartbroken that someone would take it, we then we stopped). The donations collected were sent to "Emma's Fund" c/o the Epil-K9 Foundation at the North Carolina State University-College of Veterinary Medicine's Neurology Department for Canine Epilepsy research.

 

 

In addition to my own FiveSibes™ #LiveGibStrong awareness and educational initiative, in 2018 I was excited to join with The Anita Kaufmann Foundation at their invitation and launched the #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong #Paws4Purple Initiative that is now part of their human organization covering the Canine Epilepsy aspect and education. 

 

 

Gibson has his own K-9 Epilepsy First Aid Bookmarks through The Anita Kaufmann Foundation/Purple Day®Every Day nonprofit organization. 

 

I created these bookmarks featuring my Gibson's beautiful face, and they are FREE for the asking! Simply Email Debra@AKFUS.org and put FiveSibes #Paws4Purple Bookmarks in the subject line. These are wonderful for rescues, shelters, vet offices, groomers, dog sitters, dog walkers, animal control officers, Epi-dog families, or anyone to have on hand, and/or put up on the fridge and in First Aid Kits. These are FREE, but if you'd like to make a small donation to The Anita Kaufmann Foundation to help defray the cost of postage, you can ask Debra in the Email how to do that.

 

Gibson also starred alongside all of my FiveSibes and Alaska's Team Ineka Huskies in a recording artist's music video...

 

Gibson had dog treats developed for Epi-dogs and named after him...

(Unfortunately, both "Gib Nibs" by Sassy's Goodies and "Gibbie Snacks" from House Wolf" are no longer available. House Wolf has since shuttered their bakery). 

 

~and~

 

~and~

Even this past July Gibson was featured on Husky Coffee Company's bag of "Gibson's Treats" as one of their Dogs of the Month, and we raised donations for MUSH Rescue from the sale of the treats!

Gibson even tossed his collar into the political arena year. #Paws4Chage 🐾 #Vote4Gibson! A Dog For All Seasons! 🐕

 

 

Gibson loved meeting people, and a special visit was when he met Frankie, a girl who lives with epilepsy and they so bonded!

  

And, there's even #LiveGibStrong merch! Click on each image to view items if you'd like!

EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy Book!

(this one is in limited quantities at this time & on sale in my imashutrbug Ebay store) 

A portion of sales is donated through #LiveGibStrong to the "Emma's Fund" at The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab, North Carolina State University-College of Veterinary Medicine.
 

 #LiveGibStrong Awareness Bracelets

$1 from each bracelet is donated to 

The Wally Foundation~Canine Epilepsy

Note: We are trying to find a much more reasonable way to ship these. Stay tuned! 

 

 

 T-Shirts 

If you'd like, please send me a note or Email letting me know what size BEFORE. you order. Thanks! 

 

 Custom Embroidered FiveSibes K-9 Epilepsy Awareness Patches 

Modeled by Gibson's little brother, Wolfie, as they came out after Gibson earned his wings. (Trivia: Our patch was worn twice in the Alaskan Junior Iditarod by Musher Nicole Forto!)

$2 from each patch is donated to 

The Wally Foundation~Canine Epilepsy

 

 You can find all of our books & items on our website's store HERE.

 

 Always a happy, fond scene that I replay often in my mind—my FiveSibes celebrating their birthdays together and sweetly sharing an ice cream cake!

Gibson will always be remembered, and hopefully continue to give hope to other Epi-dog families. But he was much more than an Epi-dog...epilepsy did not define him, it was just part of him.

Above is one of the last photos I took of my beautiful, strong, brave boy. You can see he wasn't feeling well. I knew he was in dire straits, so I gave him his Christmas presents early. Here, he snuggled with a squeaky Clarice from Rudolph, and a fuzzy Christmas tree. He was, thankfully, back home after being at the ER all night (because doesn't everything seem to happen after hours?), and he was dying. His temperature had shot to 107, he was splayed out on the exam table, and I knew I was losing him. 

And that was absolutely unacceptable.  

While the ER vet had been concentrating on Gibson's "odd blood behavior" on the microscope plates, and kept calling me to look, until I finally said, "He needs a fan and a wet towel or blanket ASAP. He's dying. He has epilepsy, and if his temperature goes any higher, he will start seizing. I won't lose him. Not here. Not like this. Not tonight."

To which the ER vet asked, "Are you a vet?" 

"No. But I know my boy and I know what he needs. That book out on your counter? That's him. And he has worked hard to be healthy. Now he is dying on your table. I won't accept that." 

I then placed a phone call to my vet, who stepped in at 2:30 in the morning and advised the ER vet how to treat Gibson's symptoms. The ER vet then came out and said Gibson must be some special dog as no vet has ever called them to direct them on how to care for a dog. Yes, he's special!  But shouldn't they all be? Then, my vet came in early to open up, and we transferred Gibson to our hospital, where he temporarily rebounded under my amazing vet's care. And I once again had hope. Gib was given IV fluids for a week at home, with the techs doing house calls, in order to prep him for surgery to remove what my vet discovered was his bleeding spleen. However, he had "the talk" with me—that should he discover anything bad while he was doing the surgery, what did I want him to do? He advised me to let Gibson go if it didn't look good. I drew in a deep, shaky breath, and agreed. I never wanted my boy to suffer. He had dealt with so much in his life already, he deserved peace. 

Once Gibson was under, the worst was discovered—he was full of cancer, plus there was an orange-sized tumor discovered that was not seen on the tests. I received that call we all dread. And we let my beautiful brave boy go gently into the forever night. Part of me was not expecting that...my last words to him were, "You've got this Gib. I love you so much. I'll see you soon, when you're out of surgery. Harley and the Pupsters are all waiting, too. Love you, G." 

But, just three weeks shy of his tenth birthday, and nine days before Christmas, I lost my big, fluffy, beautiful best boy. I never did get to see him again, or say goodbye. But then again, Gibson wouldn't have wanted to say goodbye. He was all about living. And in the end, epilepsy did not steal him from me, hemangiosarcoma did. Gibson had beat the seizure monster...and...he had been seizure free for the last seven years of his life. 

My brave warrior had won his battle against the seizure monster, and went off to be with my Mom. I was devastated when he left, heartbroken from the loss of both my mother and him one month apart. But, then again, Gibson knew how close I was to my mother and I'd like to think he earned his wings to be with her. 💜🐕🪽

And then...he sent me snow. His sign that he had safely made it to north of the Rainbow Bridge. 🌈✨❄️🐕💜 

 Heartfelt Thanks to You, My Readers

There is so much more I can say and write about this gorgeous, soulful, loving, amazing dog, but I will pause now. I thank you all for being with us on this journey here at FiveSibes, loving my Gibson and all of my FiveSibes, reading my posts, commenting, and for all the beautiful cards and notes over the years.

I truly appreciate you all! 

I was truly inspired by my Gibson, and learned so much from him and from our journey together with Canine Epilepsy back when there was not a lot of information available. Gibson was not handicapped...he was a very special dog who just happened to have some special needs. But for all the love and care I gave him, he gave back to me tenfold. And for as long as I can, I shall always spread awareness about how dogs can—and do—live happy lives even with seizures, like my Gib did. He truly did #LiveGibStrong. And forever in my heart he shall stay.

It is my continued hope, that all Epi-dogs may #LiveGibStrong. 💜

What an amazing Dog. 

What an amazing Life. 

   What an amazing Legacy.   

My Dearest Gibson,

Ten years, sweet boy. Ten years of missing of your Gibbie kisses. Ten years of not snuggling, running with your pack family, going for winter walks with me, eating ice cream, and snoozing peacefully under the Christmas tree. It feels surreal. I know you left to take care of my mother, so please give her a big ol' Gibbie hug with those big polar paws, and tell her I love and miss her so much. Go run through that snow, my boy. Nuzzle the rest of the pack and woos to them about how I miss you all. Know how much I love and miss you, and forever will. You have left behind an amazing legacy, one that is still continuing to help other dogs with epilepsy on their journeys. Be proud of your work, my sweet, fluffy G-man. I sure am. Merry Christmas beyond the Rainbow Bridge, my boy. 

Love always & forever,  your FiveSibesMom

 I am joining in the Happy Tuesday Blog Hop, hosted by Comedy Plus, because I am forever thankful to have had my beautiful Gibson, and all of my FiveSibes, in my life. Be sure to pop over and see some other great posts!

 

Return to FiveSibes Main Menu & #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library HERE!  

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