Meet "Teddy": A #LiveGibStrong #NEAM #EpiStar!


  Epi-Star, "Teddy"
  

 

by Dorothy Wills-Raftery  

W elcome to National Epilepsy Awareness Month, also known as #NEAM! November is a special month here, as it is where I highlight not only information on Canine Epilepsy, but also share amazing stories about Epi-dogs (dogs who have epilepsy). 
 
Inspired by my own Epi-dog Gibson’s story, I wrote the book multi-award winning EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Life With Canine Epilepsy, where I share stories of amazing Epi-dogs across the world. This all launched my Epi-Star series here on my blog that is now in its fifth year, where I continue to feature stories about these amazing dogs who have Canine Epilepsy, but never let that stop them from loving life. Through this, and in my Gibson's name, we have formed a unique and caring community where we connect with with other Epi-dog caregivers, rescues, and veterinarians who care for them. We have become a wonderful network of vetted information and a network of support and camaraderie.
 
For today's #LiveGibStrong #NEAM Epi-Star feature I'd like to introduce to you to Stefanie Goswami's "Teddy!"
 
"Teddy" and hu-mom, Stefanie, having a snuggle!

“My husband and I drove to pick Teddy, a moyen poodle puppy, up on January 1, 2020. We had searched online, and that’s how we found Teddy. When we got there, they seemed like nice enough people, but we had a feeling they may have been running an Amish puppy mill, especially being he was a moyen (medium-sized), and not a usual poodle breed size. But we couldn’t be sure. We just couldn’t leave him—it was love at first sight.”
 
It was love at first sight when Stefanie saw puppy "Teddy!"

“He was such an adorable puppy," says Stefanie. "But when he turned two years old, he started having seizures.” 
 
Teddy was ultimately diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy.

But epilepsy did not stop this brave poodle from enjoying life! 
 
“Teddy just recently turned seven years old on September 26th!” Stefanie happily reports.
 

As far as seizure triggers go, Stefanie shares her thoughts. “I honestly believe it was the heartworm shot, or getting fixed that may have triggered it initially.”
 
 According to a post by ProactivePaws, Dr. Karen Becker, and Rodney Habib, there is a new study in the peer-reviewed Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine that raises questions about reproductive hormones and epilepsy. Click on the image below to read more, and for the link to download ProactivePaws FREE E-book,  
Spay/Neuter Health Effects.
 

Stefanie also had her suspicions that overheating, tiredness, full moons and super moons were also trigger sources. My own Gibson was definitely triggered by overheating, and many Epi-dog caregivers have mentioned that lunar activities a trigger for seizures. 
 
And, after keeping a seizure log, Stefanie notes, “I would never have believed full moons could trigger a seizure, but I noticed it (the correlation) while logging and tracking his seizure activity. After experiencing it, I definitely can’t deny it.”

Click on image below to read my post about lunar phases being possible triggers.

Since being diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, Teddy’s vet has him on several medications. Says Stefanie, “He is now on Phenobarbital, Postassium Bromide, Zonisamide, and Pregabalin. Keppra after a seizure, and nasal Midazolam and Clorazepate for rescue meds." 
 
"Unfortunately, five years and five seizure meds later, we still have grand mal seizures about every two weeks. It has become our ‘normal’,” states Stefanie, who is a member of several Canine Epilepsy support groups. “I have learned so much from my epilepsy groups on Facebook, and I don’t think I would have made it through without all the support."

“To anyone dealing with Canine Epilepsy, I would say give yourself grace,  and hang in there. Your dog will pick up on your emotions. I always try to be calm, peaceful and positive for him so he can sense that and I do believe it helps.” 
~Stefanie Goswami
 
Having epilepsy doesn’t stop Teddy from enjoying life, nor does it stop Stefanie from loving him. “Teddy is such an amazing dog and has taught me more about life than anyone or any other dog I’ve ever known. Even though it can be hard and exhausting at times, I consider myself lucky to be Teddy’s Mom.” 

Stefanie explains that even with having seizures, “He is such a brave and loving boy despite this awful disease. Teddy never lets his epilepsy get in the way of anything and has the most fun! I love seeing him be so happy, even after all the vet visits, tests, and medications he has been so patient of throughout his entire life.”
 
Stefanie notes that when people meet Teddy, they “would never even know he had epilepsy unless you were to experience one. It continues to amaze me his strength and bravery. Being an epi caregiver is very hard work, and it takes a very special person.”
 

“To anyone dealing with Canine Epilepsy, I would say give yourself grace, and hang in there. Your dog will pick up on your emotions. I always try to be calm, peaceful and positive for him so he can sense that and I do believe it helps.”
“One day there will be a cure, but until then, we are all in this fight together. Hugs, kisses, woofs and love from me and Teddy!”
 
"Teddy" gives his hu-mom,  Stefanie, a big kiss!
  
“Teddy is such an amazing dog and has taught me more about life than anyone or any other dog I’ve ever known. Even though it can be hard and exhausting at times, I consider myself lucky to be Teddy’s Mom.” 
~Stefanie Goswami
 
 
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.
 
💜

The Inspirational Book Behind 
This Epi-Star Feature Series
 
 
To purchase my book, go to our FiveSibes
A percentage of sales will be donated to Canine Epilepsy Research.

If you prefer, you can Email me at FiveSibesLiveGibStrong(at)gmail.com 
and put EPIc Dog Tales in subject line and I will send you an invoice where you will have a variety of ways to pay. Please note, there is a limited quantity of print books.

💜

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 before giving to your dog. 

  

Other Stories in the Epi-Star Series:

 
✭Epi-Star Gibson of FiveSibes, go HERE
 
✭All Previous Epi-Stars, go HERE 
 

 


 
 Click on graphic above to visit our online resource library.
 
  
 
About FiveSibes and the Author HERE  

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