Paws for Purple Day for Epilepsy

Are you wearing purple?

PurpleDay.org

We sure hope so because today is Purple Day® for Epilepsy Awareness! There is so much to share all in an effort to promote awareness for those who live with Epilepsy--humans, canines, cats, horses, even the Easter Bunny (yes, rabbits)! We here at FiveSibes will be focusing on Canine Epilepsy and our #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness Campaign, where we share information, resources, and support to other families who are on this journey with their Epi-dogs.  

Woo! Coffee for Hu-Mom!

So grab a cup of coffee, tea, or whatever your preferred drink may be, call over your furbabies, and snuggle in for awhile for this is a lengthy post, but full of so many important things! Be sure to bookmark this page and come back later to check out all the informative links. And you won't want to miss the videos below! (You may need a tissue or two!)

As many of you know, my beautiful Siberian Husky, Gibson, was diagnosed shortly after his third birthday in 2009 with idiopathic Canine Epilepsy, and has become the face of Canine Epilepsy Awareness as we shared our journey of the past seven years with our readers and radio show listeners. 

When Gibson suddenly earned his silver wings this past December (NOT from Epilepsy, but from Heman-giosarcoma discovered while he was under for a splenectomy), the outpouring of love for this amazing boy was so overwhelming and touching. I had no idea just how many lives my Epi warrior touched. And hearing from everyone about how he made a difference in their Epi-dogs' lives, or helped to bring hope and information to others, just means the world to me. This is my first Purple Day without my boy. I won't lie, it's painful, yet bittersweet to know his life and his journey with epilepsy has helped others, and in his name, I will continue our outreach and education about dogs with seizures to others so they know they are not alone, and there are places to go for information, assistance, and support. Gibson was also so brave, strong, and  happy.  It is our hope that all Epi-dogs #LiveGibStrongForever.

Credit for Purple Day goes to the founder, a young girl named Cassidy Megan, who through her own struggles with Epilepsy, wanted to reach out and get people talking about it and remove any stigmas that might exist. I will let our video and a bunch of our beautiful, supportive furpals from across the world show you!

 

As many of you know, today is our second annual Purple Day Blog Hop! And this year we have expanded it to a Media Share, and are so pleased to team up with another brave Epi-warrior, "Rolo," and his mom Kimberley Matchem of Confessions of a Rescue Mom blog! 

#FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong #PurpleDay2016 #LiveGibStrongPurpleDay #RescueMomBlog

If you are not familiar with a Blog Hop, simply grab our badge above here, post it somewhere in your post or website, place a mention & link to our FiveSibes blog (http://FiveSibes.blogspot.com) ~AND~ Confessions of a Rescue Mom blog (http://confessionsofarescuemom.com), grab the "Get the Code" below to paste into your post, and link up by clicking "You Are Next-Click Here to Enter" at the end of this post so your site's thumbnail shows up. Don't have a blog or website and want to link up your pet's purple pic from Instagram or Twitter? Go right ahead!  Be sure to include hashtags! #LiveGibStrongPurpleDay so we can see them and share on our sites & #PurpleDay2016 so Cassidy can see them! Then follow the link-up process below! 

When done linking up, hop around and visit other blogs and posts to see how everyone has "gone purple" and spreading the word about Canine Epilepsy Awareness! 

Education & Support For Each Other is Key!

Did you see our Purple Day for Epilepsy 2016 Facebook Event page?

 Visit HERE and catch up on lots of news, info, links, broadcasts, videos, photos, books, and more for Canine Epilepsy (and a Feline post from Pawesome Cats)! You can also post your pet's purple pics there, too! 

 

 

Beautiful Epi-dog Olivia and Mom are hosting a Purple Day  "Knotty Chaw-Chaw" dog toy giveaway on their Knotty Toys for Good Dogs website! Winner to be announced tomorrow - March 27th, so hurry over to enter HERE.

***Need an intermission? Stand up, stretch your legs, walk your dog, grab a second cup of coffee or tea and come on back to read more! Thank you! ***
 

 Our Purple Day Episode features Willard Moore, founder of The Molly Canine Epilepsy Outreach Program & Molly's Fund through the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine

A great show on Epilepsy - human and canine - on Radio Non-Profit with host Lainie Sevante’ Wulkan who talks with Kris McNair, president of Epilepsy Support & Education Services, yours truly for ‪#‎FiveSibes‬ ‪#‎LiveGibStrong‬ ‪#‎K9‬ ‪#‎Epilepsy‬ Awareness, and Dr. Katen Muñana & Julie Nettifee, LVT of North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Many thanks to Sue Sehi-Smith of Paws to People:Bridges to Cures for uniting us all in this supportive effort! Tune in here:

Many thanks to Knotty Toys for Good Dogs for the tribute to my Epi-Warrior, best buddy, and  heart dog, Gibson. You can read it in their post HERE. Also be sure to check out their Instagram page HERE, and the Oh, the Life of Olivia Facebook page HERE to see all the amazing and beautiful Epi-dogs sharing their pics and stories! 

Be sure to check out their beautiful tribute to Epi-dogs worldwide HERE.

 

Sending some big Husky woos to Pawsitively Pets for highlighting my beloved Gibson as one of their "Pawsome Pets of the Week!" You can read all about him in their post HERE.

Read my full article on the 4Knines blog HERE. 

Check out my full article in Kings River Life Magazine HERE.

As part of our #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness Campaign, we help to raise funds for various Canine Epilepsy non-profit organizations and team up with others to do the same! Here's some recent highlights:

I want to thank Gibson's amazing veterinarian team at Kingston Animal Hospital who loved him and gave him the best care for his Epilepsy and for his weak hind issues. Always going above and beyond and treating him as if he was their own. Gibson loved going to the vet! When he was able to walk over, he would take a direct path without any cues right to their back door! Once inside, he was always treated like a celebrity, and he enjoyed every minute of it, bestowing his famous Gibbie kisses on the staff! They have allowed me to put up a collection "doghouse" for donations for Gibson's "Live Gib Strong" awareness bracelets, and to date have raised over $75 in donations over the past two years, and still counting, that has benefitted Canine Epilepsy Resources Epil-K9 Foundation (home of the Epil-K9 List) Emma's Seizure Fund through the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

 These bracelets are also available online at our ArcticHouse Publishing house store HERE.  (Excuse our mess, we are in the middle of revamping our site)!  

Also available through ArcticHouse, are my two books  on Canine Epilepsy, What's Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy, and EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy. 

A great Canine Epilepsy resource book and stories of 124 Epi-dogs worldwide!

A portion of proceeds from both books is donated to Canine Epilepsy Resources Epil-K9 Foundation (home of the Epil-K9 List) Emma's Seizure Fund through the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

 "Gibbie Snacks" are Gibson's namesake treats formulated by House Woof Dog Biscuits with the Epi-dog in mind. For every bag of Gibbie Snacks purchased, House Woof donates $1.00 to The Wally Foundation~Canine Epilepsy (TWF). TWF offers possible financial assistance to families, rescues, and fosters of dogs diagnosed with idiopathic Epilepsy. Our FiveSibes love these treats, so they are not just for Epi-dogs!

Gibbie Snacks are all natural and organic, and they never contain any wheat gluten, preservatives, rosemary (all possible seizure triggers), salt, or sugar! 

YouTube stars Gone to the Snow Dogs conducted a #LiveGibStrong Sock fundraiser, raising $364 that benefitted the Canine Epilepsy Resources Epil-K9 Foundation (home of the Epil-K9 List) Emma's Seizure Fund through the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.




"We choose to support Canine Epilepsy after following the story of Gibson for the past few years! Very inspiring!"

~Jessica Hatch, Gone to the Snow Dogs

This past summer saw the very first New York/Long Island Canine Epilepsy Expo and Fundraiser, in conjunction with our #LiveGibStrong campaign, hosted by The Empire State Snow Dogs Club, where $150 was raised for The Wally Foundation~Canine Epilepsy, and $200 for Canine Epilepsy Resources Epil-K9 Foundation!



Harley loved sniffing the checks and was busing wooing, "Show us the money!" As Gibson, above,  prepped the donation checks to Epil-K9 and The Wally Foundation!
Several of the group members graciously volunteered to be reporters on the ground at the event, and this was our first "The Sibe Vibe" Dog Works Radio show with taped segments live from the day of the Expo! Tune in here to here the live segments from the Expo!

And before we sign off, just a reminder that our #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness Campaign message will always be, "Dogs can live, and have lived, full and happy lives with Canine Epilepsy, for however long we are blessed to have them." On behalf of furangel Gibson and myself, thank you for all your support and love for Epi-dogs.

Now, let's show the world our purple!

And don't forget to visit and support the Purple Day hoppers listed below, too!

~Or~

It's Purple Day!

Have your dogs gone purple?

Today is a very special day. It’s Purple Day. A day to spread awareness of Epilepsy by wearing the color purple. Last year, I was made a Purple Day Ambassador for life, and as such, as many of you know, I have made it my mission to spread the word about Canine Epilepsy. My boy, Gibson, diagnosed as an Epi-dog four years ago when he turned three, has been my inspiration to shine light on these amazing warrior dogs and how they do not stop living life just because they have seizures or Canine Epilepsy. Once, the recommended treatment for dogs with seizures was euthanasia. Not so anymore. There are many possible treatments to try ranging from medical to holistic and dietary, and/or a combination of both. With some special care and a lot of love, Epi-dogs can and do live full happy lives, for however long those lives may be.

How Did Purple Day Start?

According to Purpleday.org, “Purple Day was founded in 2008, by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan of Nova Scotia, Canada, with the help of the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia (EANS). Cassidy chose the color purple after the international color for epilepsy, lavender. Cassidy created the idea of Purple Day in 2008, motivated by her own struggles with epilepsy. Cassidy's goal is to get people talking about Epilepsy in an effort to dispel myths and inform those with seizures that they are not alone. The Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia came on board in 2008 to help develop Cassidy's idea, which is now known as the Purple Day for Epilepsy campaign.”

As many of you already know, I have been carrying the torch for many years for Canine Epilepsy awareness. My children’s book, What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy was, of course, based on Gibson and a way to let children know that if they see a dog with a seizure, or even a loved one or friend, to not be afraid. There are tips in the book to help a child feel helpful and learn that there are a few ways that they can help their pet. 

"Thank you for liking my book!"

This past  November during National Epilepsy Month I launched the “Live Gib Strong” K-9 Epilepsy Awareness Campaign to hopefully really spread the word about seizures and our pets and how they can still live their lives even with this uncertain monster. So many fellow Epi-parents have joined me in my crusade, and I have made some very special and dear friends along the way. We all love our furkids and just because they have Canine Epilepsy does not mean that they don’t deserve the very same, if not more, love back than what they so loyally and devotedly give us. We love our Epi-dogs. And they love us.

“We want to show people that their dogs can live a normal life and be active with their condition and that Canine Epilepsy shouldn’t be considered a handicap that eliminates them from activities.” 

~Brenda Halverson, Hu-Mom of "Riley," a Dock Dog of Team Riley Bear. 

For new readers to my blog, you can put “Canine Epilepsy” in the search box at the top left hand of this blog and it will pull up past stories with photos, videos, and information about Gibson and his journey with Canine Epilepsy.

For new Epi-dog parents, please don’t fret. Yes, it is VERY scary. Seeing Gibson seize for the first time was one of THE most frightening experiences of my life. It’s something that is emblazoned in my heart forever. Is it easy? Not always. Is it worth it? Absolutely, without a doubt, yes!

“Seizures are not a death sentence or an end to quality of life. With knowledge and observation of your pet, life can continue to be a wonderful sharing adventure.”

~Sue Smith, Hu-Mom of "Quinn" of the 

White Dog Army

As part of my awareness efforts, I support the Canine Epilepsy Resources site. A percentage of proceeds from What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9Epilepsy will, for the life of the book, be donated to the Canine Epilepsy Resources site, which is home to the Epil-K9 list and supports "Emma's Fund," and it is provided by the Epil-K9 Foundation. We also have items in my “Live Gib Strong” K-9 Epilepsy Awareness Campaign, including artisan handmade bead awareness bracelets (made to order), silicone awareness bracelets, and T-shirts for sale, with a percentage going to Canine Epilepsy Resources. There is also "Live Gib Strong" Resource Booklet I’ve produced to help give information on resources available and testimonials from Epi-parents available. 

I'd like to offer some kudos and sincere appreciation to a few of our supporters. I'd like to thank the vets and staff at Kingston Animal Hospital in New York, who not only do an amazing job with treating and caring for Gibson, but who also has graciously allowed me to place a donation dog house and container of the “Live Gib Strong” bracelets on their counter in their office. To date, they’ve raised $57 for the Canine Epilepsy Resources “Emma’s Fund!”

"Woo, thank you for donating in my name!" 

I also was so touched when recently the White Dog Army recently celebrated “TheMighty Quinn’s” Gotcha Day with a Comment-a-Thon, where for comments left on the post, they would make a donation to the Canine Epilepsy Resources “Emma’s Fund.” At the close of the event, they donated $65!

And…through my “Live Gib Strong” campaign in November, including some sales of the book, I raised $58 for the Canine Epilepsy Resources “Emma’s Fund.” In total – with the support of so many – we will be sending a donation check of $180 to Canine Epilepsy Resources! Woooo!

The “Emma’s Fund” is a memorial fund for beautiful Dalmatian Emma, the furangel of Marion Mitchell of Canine Epilepsy Resources. The Neurology Department at the Veterinary School at North Caroline State University set it up and the fund is used to help the Neurology and Genetics Departments with small projects, research, and pieces of equipment. 

In honor of Purple Day, I’ve produced the following photo slideshow video honoring many fellow Epi-dogs across the breeds and across the globe. Together, we have joined paws and hands to go purple to honor these wonderful, loving, amazing warrior dogs. I hope you enjoy it, and please…share the video link with everyone you know! Together, we can share awareness that Epi-dogs deserve a chance at a happy life.

It is my hope that one day soon, a cure will be found.

Until then…we love our Epi-dogs!

Blog the Change: Dogs Can Live Full and Happy Lives with Canine Epilepsy

Today is Blog the Change. I'd like to take this opportunity to once again talk about Canine Epilepsy Awareness. As the parent of a seven-year-old Epi-Husky, Gibson, who was diagnosed shortly after his third birthday, I believe it is so important to spread the word that Canine Epilepsy and seizures do not have to mean a death sentence for dogs. There are many dogs who have, are, and will continue to live life to the fullest even with Canine Epilepsy. We don't know how long our canine companions - both Epis and non-Epis - will bless us with their presence, but we can make their lives as full and happy and love-filled as we can. And, whereas once upon a time euthanasia was the suggested protocol for dogs with seizures or Canine Epilepsy, that is not the recommendation today. Today, there are so many resources and healthcare routes to explore, both medically and/or holistically and there are many treatment options available for the Epi-dog parent that just didn't exist years ago. There are also very important support groups available with other Epi-dog parents who share their stories, recommendations, treatments, and support.

GIBSON: SpokesHusky for K9 Epilepsy Awareness

"Epi-dog can - and do - live full, 

happy lives!"

So you've just learned that your dog has seizures and/or Canine Epilepsy. What should you do? 

First, as any Epi-parent can tell you, bearing witness to a seizing dog is a very scary thing. Remembering Gibson's sends chills of fear down my spine. I will never ever forget how scared I was. The first thing to do when your dog has experienced a seizure is get him to the vet. With your vet, or vet team (that may include a neurogologist) you will discuss different course of treatments for your dog. Or, you may be advised to just watch and wait to see if he/she has another, or if it was a one time thing. I would also suggestion doing all the research you can on Canine Epilepsy, seizures, medications, alternative therapies, treatments, etc. Become your own personal expert on the disease. Then, connect with other Epi-dog parents for support and information exchange.

Tune in to our "The Sibe Vibe" episode on Canine Epilepsy with Marion Mitchell of the Canine Epilepsy Resources:
 

So many things can cause seizures: toxins, foods, stress, medications, illnesses, and genetics. But, just as many causes there are, there are also treatment options. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. Sometimes it takes several attempts at various doses and medications to get them under control or "managed." The thing about the sleeping Epilepsy beast is that even if the seizures are managed, one never knows if the seizure monster will make an appearance. That is the fear all Epi-parents silently have, but pray will never happen. My Gibson is on a combination of both medications and natural supplements. I've changed his diet and try to keep our home and his environment as stress-free as possible. Even if I had a crystal ball and knew when I first saw him as a pup that he was to become an Epi-dog, I would not change one single thing. I would still scoop up that fuzzy fluffball and love him with all my might. 

To help spread the word, this past fall I launched a "Live Gib Strong" Canine Epilepsy Awareness campaign with a kick-off at the Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue's annual Tails on the Trails event in Pennsylvania. Then again during November's National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Through my book, What's Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy, a Live Gib Strong Resource Booklet I've produced, and sale of artisan designed bead charm awareness bracelets, rubber awareness bracelets, and T-shirts, I wanted to get the word out that our hope is for Gibson and all Epi-dogs to live life to the fullest - to live Gib strong - as we continue to let the world know that these wonderful, loving, amazing dogs are worth saving, helping, and loving. And, at the same time, raise some funds for the 

Canine Epilepsy Resources site at www.Canine-Epilepsy.com, which is home to the Epil-K9 list and supports "Emma's Fund," and it is provided by the Epil-K9 Foundation. This site is so chock full of information, I highly recommend all Epi-parents to check it out and sign up for the very supportive and informative EPIL-K9 emailing list.

There are so many resources that are available to Epi-parents as well. To name a few: 

*Canine Epilepsy Resources
*Canine Epilepsy Network
*The Epi Guardian Angels
*Nichols Online Dog Training
*Canine Epilepsy UK Online Resources
*American Kennel Club-Canine Health Foundation
*Siberian Husky Health Foundation
*Pharaoh Hound Epilepsy Foundation
*Canine Epilepsy Awareness Community Facebook Page
*Canine Epilepsy Group on Facebook (request to join)
*Dog Seizures Guide 
*FiveSibes Blog (enter Canine Epilepsy in search box)  

Through blogging, Canine Epilepsy Resources, and our other social networking, I have met so many other wonderful Epi-dog parents. They alone are such a valuable resource and support. The main thing for an Epi-parent to know is that  

you are never alone!

In an excerpt from my Live Gib Strong Resource Booklet, Sue from the White Dog Army blog shares a bit of her Mighty Quinn's story: 

"Mighty Quinn, our 10 years plus rescued American Eskimo, suffers from complex psychomotor seizures, where he paces and walks in circles for long periods. During these times he is very fearful and nervous. His attacks are infrequent and Gabapentin is effective in managing the seizures. Knowing what to watch for helps us be prepared. Quinn leads a  normal life with the White Dog Army...second in command, Mighty Quinn is an active important member of our Army, first to be served at dinner, and always there to add his deep bass "WOOF" during the mailman song. Seizures are not a death sentence or an end to quality of life. With knowledge and observation of your pet, life can continue to be a wonderful sharing adventure."

Epi-parent Jenifer, hu-mom to "Nukka," shares this:  

"Canine Epilepsy doesn't make (Nukka) less of a dog, it makes us realize even more how lucky we are to have her in our lives." 

I am currently working on a book of collective stories and if you are/have been an Epi-dog parent or know of one, I would love to include their story in a book I'm writing scheduled to be published later in 2013 through ArcticHouse Publishing. We do hope you'll join us and share your Epi-dog's story and photos (your Epi-dog may be past or present) with us to show the world our beautiful, wonderful, amazing Epi-dogs! March 1st is the deadline for submissions. See below for details. Stories and photos can be Emailed to ArcticHousePublishing(at)gmail(dot)com.  (Word docs and high resolution jpegs for photos). Please be sure to state your permission for publishing your story and photos in the book. In Email's subject line state EPI-STORY. A percentage of proceeds post-production costs will benefit the Canine Epilepsy Resources "Emma's Fund," which is a memorial fund set up through the Neurology Department of the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University, and the funds help the neurology and genetics departments.

 

Through this work, Gibson and I hope to join others and "Be the Change For Animals" by spreading the word that Epi-dogs can - and do - live full, happy lives and bring so much joy and love into ours!