A s an ambassador for awareness for dogs living with epilepsy (Epi-dogs) since 2012, I love to look for a purple pumpkin this time of year in honor of my Gibson and all other Epi-dogs. And, wow! Did I find a beauty! ( The crystal pumpkin is lying by my beautiful Siberian Husky lamp that was a gift to me from my hubby years ago. Sorry, it's been discontinued!)   Why is a purple pumpkin so important? Because purple is the color of epilepsy awareness, and on Halloween when you see a purple pumpkin, it's most likely a participant in the Epilepsy Foundations "Purple Pumpkin Project." You can read all about the Project - and download a FREE Gibson & his purple pumpkin coloring page HERE. Note: This post may contain an Amazon affiliate link, which simply means that if you click on it and make a qualifying purchase, I may receive a small commission *at no cost to you.* Thank you!   I am so impressed by this beautiful handmade crystal pumpkin by H&D (Hyaline & Do...

  Epi-Star, "Elsa"   by Dorothy Wills-Raftery    N ovember is a spe cial month here, and if you've been following us, you know that it is National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM) , and I enjoy highlighting some amazing stories about Epi-dogs (dogs who have epilepsy). Inspired by not only my own Epi-dog Gibson’s story, but all the stories in my book EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Life With Canine Epilepsy , I am in my second year of this special "EpiStar" feature series about these amazing dogs who have Canine Epilepsy, but never let that stop them from loving life. In sharing these stories and connecting with other Epi-dog caregivers, we have created special bonds--a camaraderie and caring support network with each other and our veterinarian teams. I'm so pleased to introduce you to today's Epi-Star...meet Monika McDonald's Epi-Star "Elsa," a beautiful black Standard Poodle. Monika, who authors the Tails...

 Flashback ~ Why is Gibson's Pumpkin Purple? ~ October 2014   Six years ago, as part of our #LiveGibStrong K9 Epilepsy Awareness and as a Purple Day ® Epilepsy ambassador,  I introduced everyone to  The Purple Pumpkin Project when I posted, "Why is Gibson's Pumpkin Purple?"   It's a great story behind the project, and I hope you'll take a few minutes to watch this short video all about it, and featuring many of our furry friends and their purple pumpkins!  So while you and your family are carving and painting your orange pumpkins, paint one purple and proudly display it! Then, when someone stops and asks, "Why is your pumpkin purple?" You can tell them it's for Epilepsy awareness so that people do not become afraid if they see someone or a dog have a seizure! And...since we are all about Canine Epilepsy Awareness, to tell them all about an amazing Siberian Husky named Gibson, whose silliness and zest for life was magnificent and inspiring, and ...

International #EpilepsyDay is the second Monday of February. According to InternationalEpilepsyDay.org, this day is " a joint initiative created by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), is a global event celebrated annually on the 2nd Monday of February, to promote awareness on epilepsy right around the world." You can celebrate the day any way you wish in order to bring awareness of Epilepsy - in both humans and canines - to others. We here at FiveSibes are continuing with our furangel Gibson's advocacy #LiveGibStrong legacy to help educate others and continue to bring awareness to Canine Epilepsy and how these amazing dogs embrace life, even with seizures. Dogs with Epilepsy *can and do* live happy lives and have so much love to share. Is it an easy path? No, it's not, but the bond I formed with my beloved Gibson was such an amazing one, I would not do one single thing different if it meant...