The Epi Dog Mom Blog

Aussie Love, Epilepsy Struggles, and the Hope That Keeps Us Going

POSTS

  • Why Every Fursday Should Be a Celebration of Our Dogs 🐕

    There’s something so special about the bond between a dog and their human. It’s not just about the wagging tails or the playful moments; it’s about the way they teach us to slow down, appreciate the little things, and cherish every moment. As a dog mom to Forrest, I’ve had my fair share of highs and lows, especially with his epilepsy. But one thing I’ve learned along the way is that every moment with him is a gift that’s worth celebrating.

    The Power of a Simple Walk
    A few days ago, Forrest and I did something we haven’t done in months—go for a walkie! It was short and sweet, but oh, it made my dog mom heart so happy to see him so happy! For so long, I’ve been hesitant about taking him for walks. His seizures are always a worry, and I feared that something as simple as a walk could trigger one. The walks themselves are great; it’s the getting there that’s the issue. He gets so worked up on car rides, so it’s the over stimulation that I worry will trigger a seizure. But recently, I’ve learned that not everything will trigger a seizure, and some moments are simply meant to be enjoyed. He still has a life to live in spite of having epilepsy.

    It’s a slow journey toward relaxation and trust, not only in Forrest’s health but also in my own ability to let go of worry. Every day, I try to focus more on the joy of the present, and our walk reminded me of how important it is to enjoy these little adventures together. As much as I’m still cautious and aware (and yes, full or worry!), I’m also trying not to live in fear of what could happen.

    I’m even beginning to think about going on vacation with him again. At first, the idea filled me with worry, and I would question if it was safe or smart to travel with him. But I’m starting to believe it’s possible. He may have a seizure while we are there, but he may not. I will have to be sure to be as prepared as possible to travel with an epi dog, but I want to embrace the possibility of having more experiences with him—whether it’s a short weekend getaway or another week long beach adventure we can share together again.

    Making Every Day Fursday
    Each day I get to spend with Forrest is an opportunity to celebrate his life, his resilience, and the love we share. Whether it’s a quiet moment at home, a short walk, or simply watching him chase after a ball, I’m making it a point to soak in those moments, even if they seem small.

    This road we’re traveling together is teaching me that joy isn’t just found in big milestones; it’s often in the simple, everyday moments. So, I encourage you to take a moment this Fursday to celebrate your dog—whether they’re curled up next to you, playing outside, or just being their adorable, lovable (even sometimes naughty), selves. Life with our dogs is precious, and it’s these moments that truly matter.

    Here’s to more walkies, more frisbees and more time spent together—celebrating the gift that every day brings with the dogs who bring so much love and light into our lives.

    How do you celebrate the small moments with your dog? Share your favorite ways to enjoy life with your furry friend in the comments below!

    From our lavender world of grace — we’re holding onto hope and walking by faith. 💜

  • What Seizure Days Are Like for Forrest (and Me) ❤️‍🩹

    Forrest had a seizure last night—number eleven. It happened around 12:08 a.m. and lasted about a minute, though it’s hard to say for sure. I usually rely on my Blink cameras to review exactly how long the seizures last and how they start, but this time, they were unknowingly disarmed, so nothing was recorded. I did check my Apple Watch right after giving his rescue medication, and it said 12:08. The short 15-second clip from his Furbo camera—captured after the convulsions had ended, while he was still lying on the floor—was time-stamped 12:09. Without the Blink footage, I can’t confirm how this one began like I usually can.

    Forrest had been sleeping on the floor when it happened—he often moves between the bed and the cool hard floor throughout the night. I was asleep and woke up to the sound of him falling over, so I assume this seizure started like the others.

    During the seizure, I stay close to him—always. I always make sure his head is protected. Thankfully, his head landed on the rug in front of our bed when he fell over. I gently rest my hand on his side so he knows I’m there, and I talk to him calmly and lovingly, telling him that I’m right here, that I love him, and that he’s a good boy. I also pray over him, asking God to protect and calm his body. It’s become part of our rhythm now, as hard as it is. When he comes out of it, he always looks for me. And, of course, I am always right there. I think his vision is impaired in those moments as he is coming around so he always wants to smell my face and my breath. He has never acted aggressively after a seizure so I allow him to do this as I can tell it’s what he needs and it calms him to know I am there.

    These nights are never easy, even though I handle them better now than I used to. I wanted to share what seizure days are like for both of us, because if you’re navigating this too, you’re not alone.

    The seizure itself is always heartbreaking to watch. This time, I got behind him to administer the intranasal midazolam, and it went much smoother than when I used to try from the front. It’s such a small change, but one that helped so much in the moment. Once it passes, we’re both physically and emotionally drained.😒

    Today, the day after, I kept things as calm as possible for both of us. Forrest is always a little off—extra tired, quieter. I’m thankful I was off work and could be with him. We both needed the rest. We napped, snuggled, and kept it slow and peaceful. His granny (my Mom) dropped off a new stuffed pig she bought for him recently and, as you can see in the pic below, it was the little happy he needed today.

    To clean him up after the seizure (since he loses bladder control during seizures), I use rag and a bowl of lukewarm water mixed with his shampoo and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Once he’s dry, I follow with a waterless foaming shampoo to keep him fresh until I can give him a full bath the next day. I never bathe him on seizure days—I don’t want to add any more stress to his sensitive system.❤️‍🩹

    He’s always hungrier after a seizure, which I actually find comforting. He ate well today—so did I—and I made sure he had his favorite Sonic ice and lots of water to stay hydrated. Thankfully, he tends to bounce back pretty quickly.

    This seizure ended a 40-day seizure-free stretch, which ties with his second-longest run since starting phenobarbital. His longest was 54 days, right after we first started pheno. Interestingly, both longer stretches happened after a dosage increase, so I’m hopeful that we’re still heading in the right direction. My prayer is that he can make it at least 30 days on his current meds and not fall back into his old 17-day pattern.

    If you’re in the thick of dealing with seizures with your pup, you’re not alone. Every episode is hard, but they don’t define their whole story. There are still good days, tail wags, hopeful stretches, and sweet moments like Sonic ice and snuggles. I think I see a pupaccino in Forrest’s near future. He definitely deserves one!🍦

    We do better now—but it’s never easy.

    If you have a pup with seizures, I’d love to hear from you. What does a seizure day look like for you? Do you have any comforting routines or helpful things you do? Share in the comments—I know your ideas could help someone else too. 💜

    We’re praying this stretch continues and that Forrest gets many more calm, seizure-free days. Every nap, every snuggle, every Sonic ice moment matters.

    https://www.amazon.com/shop/forrestakalittledude

  • Little Things My Dog Does That Make My Whole Day ☺️

    Because the smallest moments often bring the biggest joy.

    Some days are heavy. Some days are messy. And some days, if I’m honest, feel like they’re held together with dog hair and chocolate.
    But even on the hardest ones — especially on the hardest ones — there are these tiny, beautiful moments that feel like Forrest is pressing “paws” on the chaos, just to remind me: Hey, life is pretty heckin sweet.

    So here are a few little things he does that completely turn my day around:

    • The dramatic way he wakes up every morning. He wakes up with more flair than I do all week.
    • The way he smiles when we make eye contact — like he’s been waiting for me to look at him just to say “hi.”
    • Bringing me his favorite toy of the moment then turning around and running off with it, inviting me to play.
    • The way he puts his head next to me or lays right on top of me when I need to get off my computer to be with him for the night. It’s his full time job to make sure I don’t overdo it!
    • Sitting extra close (like, literally on top of me), when I need comfort and also when he needs it too… but acting like it’s no big deal. Just chillin’. Not emotionally supporting or anything.
    • The zoomies he gets when I’m in the shower and he knows I can’t see him. No explanation needed!

    It’s not about the big, planned moments — it’s the little ones. The daily ones. The quiet ones. The ones that wouldn’t seem like much to anyone else, but to us, they are everything.

    So this weekend, I hope you slow down and soak up those little things too.
    I hope you paws when your dog does something funny or sweet or weird or wonderful.
    And I hope you let yourself laugh or smile or cry about how lucky we are to love them.

    Now it’s your turn.
    What’s one (or two) little thing your dog does that makes your whole day?

    👇 Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear!

    From our lavender world of grace — we’re holding onto hope and walking by faith. 💜

    Screenshot

  • To the Dog Parents Who Are Doing Their Best: I See You ❤️

    To the dog parents out there quietly doing your best every single day — this one’s for you. 🥰

    Maybe, like me, you’re navigating a diagnosis that’s turned your world upside down. Maybe you’re up at 2 AM Googling symptoms, adjusting meds, cleaning up accidents, or gently whispering “you’re okay, baby” into a furry ear.

    Maybe you’re dealing with behavior issues and wondering if you’re doing something wrong. Or maybe you’re just trying to keep up with life while making sure your dog knows they’re safe and loved — even when you’re running on fumes.

    I see your tired eyes.
    I see the way you notice every little change.
    I see the way your voice softens when you talk to them.
    I see the way you advocate, research, pray, and show up — even on the hard days.

    You’re not a bad dog parent for feeling overwhelmed.
    You’re not failing if you don’t have all the answers.
    You don’t need a perfect routine, spotless house, or Pinterest-worthy life to be the exact person your dog needs.

    Your dog doesn’t see your mess.
    They see your love.
    Your presence.
    Your effort.
    Your heart.

    You are their everything.

    So to the dog parents doing their best with what they have, learning as they go, and loving like it’s their full-time job — I want you to know something: you’re doing better than you think. ❤️

    And if no one has told you lately — take a little time this weekend to do something just for you and your dog.
    Something simple, sweet, and special that you both enjoy. It doesn’t have to be big or fancy — just something that reminds you how good it feels to be together.

    Here are a few easy ideas to get you started:
    🐾 Go for a slow, sniff-filled walk in a quiet park
    🐾 Try a new treat recipe together (yes, taste-testing counts!)
    🐾 Sit in the sunshine and do nothing — just be
    🐾 Set up a mini photo shoot and capture your pup’s silly side
    🐾 Let them pick the route on your walk
    🐾 Have a couch cuddle date with a cozy blanket and a movie
    🐾 Play their favorite game — fetch, tug, hide-and-seek, you name it
    🐾 Explore a new trail or drive-thru they’ve never been to
    🐾 Give them a spaw moment — gentle brushing, paw balm, or a relaxing bath

    Now I’d love to hear from you!
    What are some of your and your dog’s favorite things to do together?
    Leave a comment below and let’s share some joy with each other — because this little community? It gets it.

    From our lavender world of grace — we’re holding onto hope and walking by faith. 💜

  • Our Favorite Products – Epi Dog Life 🐶

    What Forrest Actually Uses & What Helps Us the Most!

    When you’re caring for a dog with epilepsy, everyday life can feel like a balancing act. Over time, we’ve found a handful of things that make our routine feel a little more manageable — and help Forrest stay as comfortable and calm as possible. From cozy spots for him to rest after a seizure, to tools that help us stay on track with his meds and homemade meals, these little things add up in big ways. Some items bring peace of mind, like a pet camera for when I have to step out, or night lights that keep things calm after dark. Others help us stay organized with his supplements or make meal prep a bit less overwhelming. And then there are the quiet toys and enrichment activities that let him play safely without too much stimulation.

    We’ve tried a lot, and not everything has worked, but these are the ones that stuck — the ones that really support us day to day. If you’re navigating life with an epi dog too, I hope this gives you some ideas, or at least lets you know you’re not alone. If you’d like to see exactly what we use, I’ve organized everything into categorized lists on our Amazon storefront — from comfort and safety to feeding tools and enrichment. The link is there if you want to take a look, and just a heads-up: we do earn a small commission if you make a purchase through it, at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support what we’re doing while finding things that might help you and your pup, too.

    https://www.amazon.com/shop/forrestakalittledude

    💜 Final Thoughts

    If you’re just getting started on this journey with your own epi dog, know that you’re not alone. There’s no one-size-fits-all, but I hope our list helps you find something that brings comfort to your pup — and peace to your heart.

    Feel free to reach out or comment with your own favorites — I’m always learning and love sharing!

    From our lavender world of grace — we’re holding onto hope and walking by faith. 💜https://www.amazon.com/shop/forrestakalittledude