We don’t normally post on Tuesday’s but this year it seemed more important than ever to merit posting on a topic that is near and dear to my heart. Today we join our friends, Dorothy Wills-Raftery, the award-winning author, K9 Epilepsy Awareness Ambassador, and creator of the Five Sibes™️ blog along with CEO Olivia from Knotty Toys for Dogs for this year’s annual celebration of Purple Day,® a global grassroots event created to increase epilepsy awareness throughout the world to dispel many of the common myths and fears associated with this neurological disorder. We can’t begin to thank Dorothy and Olivia enough for their ongoing advocacy, shared information and tips relating to seizures and epilepsy.
Purple Day® was created to reduce social stigmas many encounter while providing valuable assurance and resources to all those living with epilepsy by letting them know that they are not alone. Purple Day® occurs every March 26 and honors all epi-warriors, be they 2 or 4-legged. Once again, we proudly support this event by wearing purple. As many of you know, Elsa, was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy shortly after she was rescued in 2016 as a puppy mill survivor with unknown lineage, (her story can be read here). Supporting epilepsy awareness and education has become a no-brainer for me and I continue to be committed to learning as much as possible about this condition, how to effectively manage it while providing a safe and loving home for this special dog by bringing attention to the condition. We are truly fortunate that despite some of the recent stressors she’s experienced that could trigger a seizure, my favorite ‘Ninja’ {knock on wood} has been mostly seizure-free of late.
So again for this year’s “Purple Day®” event you are invited to join us by wearing purple for everyone who is impacted by seizures and epilepsy. Please check out the Epilepsy Foundation’s website for useful information for people and pets who experience seizures with a worldwide resource database can be found here.
Live, love, bark! ❤︎
Sorry we’re so late here ~ such an important day. Canine epilepsy seems all to common, and the need to educate about this is critical. Spreading the word through social media is a great way to do so. Though we do not have personal experience, we can still voice our support.
Thank you. We very much appreciate your support! 💜 💜 💜
Such an important challenge to tackle and we hope the mission is accomplished soon!
We couldn’t agree more. 💜 💜 💜
Lulu: “It’s great that you are helping spread the word about epilepsy in dogs! I think we mentioned once about Dada’s dog Missy when he was little. She had epilepsy and lived a long, full life ― long enough to meet our Mama after Dada had gotten all grown up!”
Java Bean: “Ayyy, lucky dog, getting to meet Mama. Mama is the best!”
Thanks Lulu and Bean. Epilepsy has touched my life in numerous ways, from canines to peeps. We want people to know there is help available out there and to not have to endure any social stigma.
Looking good, Elsa and lots of tummy rubs to you, precious fighter! I wore my purple sneakers yesterday 💜
Aww, thanks for supporting us on Purple Day! 💜💜💜
Most welcome! ((Hugs)) 🥰
Elsa does a great job of “wearing the purple” in support of people and animals everywhere who deal with epilepsy. The more people know and understand it, the less misunderstood this condition will be and the more tolerant and empathetic the world will be. Sending PURPLE HUGS!
Love, Teddy and Mom Pam
Elsa and I thank you for your kind words and support. 💜 💜 💜
How kind of you to spread the word about this. XO
Thank you. We have a big soft spot for anyone or any pet who lives with this condition. 💜 💜 💜
I am so glad that you’ve got a good network to help you and Elsa, and that there continues to be a strong advocacy for the work being done to prevent epileptic seizures. My second schnauzer had them along with a heart condition and several other maladies. But they weren’t from epilepsy. I just know how scary it can be. Give Elsa my love…and a treat, of course!
Elsa is most grateful for your love and a treat. I’ve recently been aware of several readers whose lives have been upended by epilepsy/seizure disorders. It can be heartbreaking to experience first hand (two nephews have seizures) but with education and promotions like this, perhaps we can combat some of the cruel stigmas associated with it. 💜 💜 💜
I do not have anything purple to wear and I see the day here has passed, but I will have a look and see what I can find and just wear it anyway. Annabell’s last seizure was in December but it was not good. However, she is on anti-seizure medication and that seems to be ok .
Glad to hear the medication is keeping her seizure free. It’s hard to get used to seeing but the websites I shared have great info for family members and how to copy with it. Keeping you and Annabell in our thoughts and prayers. 💜 💜 💜
Peace and love to Elsa and to everyone who lives with this.
Thanks, Marc. I’ve recently learned several of my human readers have personal experience with the condition, I just wanted them to know I care and understand what they’re going through. 💜
You done good Monika. You always do.
Aren’t you sweet. Thank you.
Bless Elsa and all afflicted. I am wearing purple
Bless you for wearing purple. The more we can spread the word, the better the life for all those affected.
I agree,😁
Such a scary disease. Mom had a new friend who died from it back in 7th grade, eons ago and she will never forget that film in her brain. So tragic. Take care, Elsa.
Thanks for the kind wishes. We’ve recently learned a few of our followers suffer from seizures. All the more reason to be supportive of the struggles they endure. 💜
Beautifully said. Beautiful Elsa.
Thank you for the beautiful card to Zane. Made us smile.
Have a fabulous day and rest of the week, my friend. Scritches to the pups. ♥
You’re too kind, Sandee. So pleased it made you smile. Stay well and keep smiling.
My husband joins Elsa as survivors of this bizarre disease! Hugs.
You and several other readers have shared their personal connection to epilepsy. It is a bizarre condition and it needs to be better known. People (and pets) can definitely lead positive and productive lives. 💜
Definitely. Seeing it the first time is scary when you don’t understand.
💜💜💜
Love this! Thank you so much for “going purple” with us today in support of Canine Epilepsy and amazing, brave #Epidogs, like Elsa! 💜
It is our great privilege to share what we’ve learned due in no small part to everything you’ve shared about Gibson. Thank you for all you do advocating for everyone who suffers from this condition. 💜 💜 💜
Purple Day it is! I am participating 🙂
Bless you for participating! Much appreciated. 💜 💜 💜
I should take a selfie to show you. 😀 💜💜💜💜
👍🏻 We’d love that!
Sent to your Messenger 😉
💜
💜
Well said.
Many thanks. It’s something I’m passionate about for pets and people. I’ve been surprised by the number of people who read this blog who have personal experience dealing with the condition.
awe, bless you elsa… purple is beautiful on you, and you’re a good spokeswomanpoodle for this affliction. Your mama does so much to help you and others
Thanks so much-that’s so kind of you. Too many people don’t understand this condition and make the wrong assumptions. People and pets can enjoy relatively normal lives and should not be stigmatized by it. 💜 💜 💜
Happy Purr-ple Day Elsa an Miss Monika an ‘angel’ Sam an Wilson! Wee hope today iss a Seezure-free day fore you Elsa (an fore all Poochiess an Kittiess an Hu’manss who suffur!)
~~~~head rubss~~~~BellaDharma~~~~ an {{{huggiess}}} BellaSita Mum
We’re right there with you! 💜
Unfortunately that’s not unheard of around here as well which we think is absolutely horrid. That’s why we are so supportive of initiatives that help educate people about a manageable condition.
My first cleaner here suffered from epilepsy….and had found that people did not want to employ her despite it being well under control.