It's November 1st and that means it's Epilepsy Awareness Month. Here at FiveSibes, we focus mainly on Canine Epilepsy and the message that dogs can and do live happy lives, for however long we are blessed to have them. As many of my longtime readers and listeners know, my advocacy for Canine Epilepsy was inspired by my own beautiful boy, Gibson, a wooly Siberian Husky who was diagnosed shortly after his third birthday in 2009. He lived a happy, amazing life and inspired me to have faith, confidence, and always keep trying, just like he did! While we managed his seizures through a regmien of anti-seizure medications, supplements, and alternative and holistic therapies, Gibson did experience side effects of the meds such as lethargy, voracious appetite, weight gain, weak hind -end issues, ataxia, and bouts of vomiting. Each of these side effects, we combatted as they came...and he overcame so many of them. After two years of a strict diet and rehab, he lost 20 pounds he init...

I miss those big polar bear paws. Gibson was not only an amazing boy and Epi-warrior, he was quite the character! There are so many things I miss about him, and even with four other Huskies, his presence is greatly missed. I feel as though he is just out in the backyard, lounging on the deck until I call him in. And to hear so many of you tell me you miss seeing him, too, well, it just warms my heart to know of how many lives he touched. Since I'm a shutterbug by trade, suffice it to say I have a lifetime of photos of my FiveSibes, so Gibson will be popping in every now and again to share a memory and a smile with us all. Gibson was a very special boy. He was so in tune with me. He listened. He understood. He responded. I sorely miss our two-way conversations, his understanding, and his playfulness. He was just so much fun to be around. And when he was feeling good, he felt goooood! And on those days I was even more prouder of him, if that's even possible, because I was a...

FiveSibes "Gibson" Les Paul of Mystic Mountain January 6, 2006 ~ December 16, 2015  Happy 10th Birthday to my sweet FurAngel Gibson on his first birthday in Heaven. If you were to ask me a month ago, I'd tell you this certainly was not how I was planning on spending today. But then again, we never do plan for these days, do we? While we know the day is inevitable, we secretly hope it never comes, that maybe it will be forgotten by fate... I spent most of today reminiscing...looking at photos and videos of Gibson with me and his pack family. I had hoped today would be similar to birthdays of the past - a day of celebrating with Gibson and the FiveSibes, complete with new toys, a singing toy "cake," Husky games, and a special bone-shaped ice cream cake proudly sporting those double digits 1-0, seven of them beating Canine Epilepsy and the seizure "monster."  Let's eat cake! January 6, 2012 I can see so clearly all those birthdays pas...

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...

Note: There are also some great digital apps for journaling as well. See previous post about the free RVC Pet Epilepsy Tracker app.   "CIARA"  Many of you know beautiful "Ciara" of The OP Pack, one of the furry faces behind The Chronicle of Woos blog here in Blogville . This sweetie has been having some visits from that dreaded seizure monster, but she's not letting that stop her from enjoying life with her brother Lightning. We hope one day that Ciara will have no more visits from that monster, and admire her "dognacity" at staying strong and looking beautiful. Pop over to their blog for updates on how this darling Epi-dog is doing, and be sure to say "woo" to Ciara from the FiveSibes, too! Stay strong, Ciara! Sending you lots of Husky hugs and love!

 

To round up November's (Canine) Epilepsy Awareness Month, I'd like to highlight my very special and amazing boy, Gibson. He is the continued inspiration and namesake of my #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness Campaign, where we help share information, resources, links, and fundraisers to promote education about the positive and realistic side to living with a dog who has been diagnosed with Canine Epilepsy. Gibson and I have traveled this journey. We live it. He lives with it. I have written about his journey and will continue to do in the hopes of helping others who may now find themselves on the same journey. We are here to say - Epi-dogs are amazing! Is it easy...no! Is it scary? It sure can be. Is it worth it? Definitely yes!  So today, my Epi All Star is the boy who started me on this journey and has filled my heart with so much love.  My boy , Gibson.   Gibson has taught me so many things over the years. First, there's love, trust, and a b...