The Epi Dog Mom Blog

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

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  • 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

  • Being Their Voice: How to Advocate for Your Dog with Confidence and Compassion ❤️

    It’s easy to second-guess ourselves when we’re sitting in a vet’s office, overwhelmed, worried, and hoping for answers. We want to do the right thing for our dog, but that little voice in our head — the one nudging us to ask more questions or speak up — can feel so quiet compared to the authority of a white coat.

    That feeling is real. It’s often called white coat syndrome, and it can make us forget just how deeply we know our own pets.

    But here’s the truth: you do know your dog. You know them better than anyone! You know what’s normal for them, what’s off, and when something doesn’t sit right. You live with them, love them, and care for them every single day. Your intuition? It matters. And it’s okay — more than okay — to trust it.

    Let me say it clearly: 📢
    You are allowed to ask more questions.
    You are allowed to ask for clarification.
    You are allowed to get a second opinion.

    Advocating for your dog doesn’t mean you’re being difficult. It means you’re being responsible.

    Most veterinary professionals truly do want what’s best for our pets. They carry a heavy emotional load, working long hours with so many animals and families counting on them. I have deep respect for that. But just like in human medicine, not every experience will be a good one. Not every recommendation will be the right fit for your dog.

    That doesn’t make you less trusting. It makes you careful.

    Because while your vet may care for hundreds of pets, I only had one Lily. I have only one Forrest. You only have one Daisy. Or Max. Or Luna. And they only have you.

    It’s our job to be their voice — to ask the hard questions, to slow things down when needed, and to make space for both science and intuition and holistic care options. That’s not being dramatic. That’s being a good dog parent.

    So the next time something feels off, or you need to pause and gather more info, or you want to advocate for a different approach — do it. Don’t hesitate to speak up for your beloved friend. Ask all the questions you need. Research more. And always trust your gut.

    Screenshot

    Because no one knows your dog like you do. And no one will fight for them the way you will. 💜

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

  • Forrest’s Guide to Being the Goodest Boi 🐶

    Hey frenz, it’s me — Forrest aka little dude. I’ve been told I’m a very good boi (Mom says I’m the goodest), so I thought I’d share some of my secrets in case any other pups want to step up their game. 🐕

    Rule #1: Stick Close to Your Human ☝🏼

    Especially when they need you. Especially when you need them.
    Even when they go to the bathroom. Even when they move three inches on the couch. Stay close. Make it weird. Tail (or should I say, nub) contact recommended.

    Rule #2: Tongue Out, Always 😋

    A little tongue goes a long way. It makes the hoomans smile and sometimes gets you extra belly rubs. Just let it peek out… like a tiny pink napkin. Effortless. Iconic.

    Rule #3: Master the Side-Eye 👀

    Use it sparingly but with great impact. Especially when Mom says “no” to a snacko or gives you that look when you get caught digging in the dirt. (Spoiler: worth it.)

    Rule #4: Be Brave, Even When It’s Hard ❤️‍🩹

    Seizures are scary. Pills are weird. But bravery isn’t about being fearless — it’s about snuggling through the hard days and showing up again and again with waggy determination. Remember, there is always tomorrow and more frisbees that need catching!

    Rule #5: Be the Vibe 🙂

    Need to nap in a sunbeam? Do it. Want to splash in a kiddie pool like a toddler on espresso? Yes. Want to gently rest your paw on Mom’s hand like a tiny lavender-scented angel? Absolutely. Whatever the vibe, be the vibe.

    Rule #6: Let Love Be Loud 🗯

    Bark. Even when there’s nothing there to bark at. Just bark. Do it loud. Do it proud.

    I may have epilepsy, but I also have a lot of love to give. Being the goodest boi isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present, being kind, and knowing when to pull out your best tongue-out face.

    Stay pawsitive, frens. 💜
    — Forrest (dictated by Mom, paw-proved by me.)

  • What I Feed Forrest — and Why 🐶

    I used to feed my dogs kibble, but when my senior girl Lily started slowing down, I began adding homemade crockpot toppers to her meals — things like ground turkey, sweet potatoes and veggies. It was my first step into the world of whole food feeding, even though I didn’t know it at the time. Lily was diagnosed with inoperable cancer in July of 2019, and I lost her less than two weeks later. Losing her broke me. But it also changed me. She taught me to ask more questions, trust my gut, and always advocate for my dogs. I promised her — and Forrest — that I would never stop learning and doing better.

    So, when Forrest was diagnosed with late-onset idiopathic epilepsy in August 2024 at age 7, I dove deep. I followed my vet’s advice and fed him Purina NeuroCare for a while, adding homemade toppers. But after months with no seizure improvement, I knew we needed a better path — one that was fresher, more supportive, and built on real ingredients.

    I now feed Forrest a home-prepared diet using Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm, a keto premix where I just add the protein. Right now, that means cooking and shredding about three whole chickens aweek. He’s adjusted well, and honestly, it smells amazing — even to me! I’m planning to rotate in their Raw Vibrance blend soon for added nutrients. Feeding a home-cooked diet is a labor of love. It’s not always easy, but it gives me peace of mind. I’m still working with a veterinary nutritionist to get things fully balanced, and I’ll always be adjusting based on what works best for Forrest.

    Glutamate, dairy, and rosemary are seizure triggers, so we avoid those completely —even in treats. His new favorite frozen bedtime treat is a puree of his food, chicken broth, sardines, and blueberries in a Toppl. He loves it!

    I’m not in any way affiliated with Dr. Harvey’s — just a dog mom who’s been really impressed by their quality and service. But if they’re looking for affiliates, I think it’s safe to say Forrest would be interested! 😉

    If you’re on a similar journey, I’d love to hear what you’re feeding your epi dog, too. This journey is all about learning.

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