It is with a broken heart that I now share that my beautiful, strong Epidog, "Gibson," has earned his angel wings. Epilepsy did NOT define him, nor did it take him from this earth. He was a strong, brave, and inspirational boy who did not let challenges stop him from loving life. Each health challenge he met head on, trust me that I would be by his side, and he conquered each one. And at the end, Gibson beat the "seizure monster." His epilepsy was managed by medications and supplements, and Gibson was sei zure free for almost 7 years! Bravo, Gibson! Today, while in surgery, it was discovered that Gibson's tumor had metastasized. It was not just in the spleen. It was all over, including an orange-sized tumor in his liver. Gibson was gently and peacefully let go as the heavenly angels came to escort him North of the Rainbow Bridge. I know my mother who just passed away on November 15, now has him wrapped safely in her loving arms. She was with us the d...

Gibson's first Christmas 2015 season photo with Clarice.   The past few days has been such a rollercoaster of emotions. Gibson made it through the night at the ER, just barely, and was transferred to our vet hospital in the morning, where they had him on heavy doses of antibiotics and IV fluids.  Gib at ER My brave boy began to rebound. His fever dropped from nearly 107 at ER to 103.3. The first two days were touch and go. I've brought him home at night to be with the family, and the days he has been in our vet hospital on the IV fluids.    Over the weekend, our vet tech tech came to check up on him and administer fluids and his meds. His fever continued to drop. Blood tests confirm no more bleeding or bacteria in his belly. Small baby steps in the positive direction.  Last night he began drinking water on his own, had no fever, and could even manage to stand up, although extremely weak after not eating (and he is still not eating on...

While today was supposed to be our FiveSibes Flashback Friday post, we had an emergency here today with Gibson. He was his perky chipper self all day today, even prancing around the back yard, just being a happy Husky! After dinner, he was out lounging on the deck with his Sibesmates, and suddenly took ill this evening. He was lethargic, wouldn't move, and spacey. At first, I suspected a seizure and he was in post-ictal, but he had none of the typical signs.  We rushed him over to the ER hospital. He has spiked a high fever of 106 and they are having a hard time getting to come down. It ranges between 104.7 and 106. He is wrapped in cool blankets, on an ice pad, fan on, IV of fluids, and they are starting antibiotics and fa ever reducer medication. Tomorrow (actually today in about three hours) he will be transferred to our veterinarian hospital and a discussion on exploratory surgery will be had. After many tests, Xrays, sonograms, the ER vet believes it is not Epilepsy related,...

To round up November's (Canine) Epilepsy Awareness Month, I'd like to highlight my very special and amazing boy, Gibson. He is my continued inspiration and the namesake behind our #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness Campaign where we help share information, resources, links, and fundraisers all to promote education about Canine Epilepsy and the positive and realistic side to living with a dog who has seizures and/or has been diagnosed with Canine Epilepsy. Gibson and I have traveled this journey for nearly seven years together. We live it. He lives with it. I have written about his journey and will continue to do so in the hopes of helping others who may now find themselves on this very same path. We are here to say, Epi-dogs are amazing! And they can and do live full, happy lives. Is it easy? No. Is it expensive? It can be. Is it scary? At times, yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely yes! So today my Epi All Star is the beautiful Husky who started me on this journey, ...