Read Ellen's story (Ellen is a member of our family)
at TAKE CARE OF YOUR DOG.COM
"My Epi Girl"
In April of 1996, a beautiful black lab puppy joined our family. I named her “Ellen.” Ellen was the most active and inquisitive puppy I had ever had. She absolutely exhausted all of my energy with her rambunctious ways.
She destroyed all of my herb garden, my hostas were pulled out and chewed up and my azalea bushes were completely naked of leaves. She carried rocks in her mouth all of the time. She even swallowed a small one, but fortunately upchucked it before it got her in trouble. She loved dropping cow hoofs into the commode and trying to retrieve them. She would run through the woods,carrying huge tree limbs in her mouth, barely missing the poodle, Jennifer. She loved getting new toys and would butt tuck down the driveway with the toy in her mouth, thrilled beyond measure. Although she wore me out, I wouldn’t have missed a minute of her puppyhood. She brought bricks into the house, dead birds and, one time, a can of beer. Where she found it, I’m not sure. We were living it up enjoying every minute.
She was one beautiful girl and very intelligent. The thing she enjoyed most was the kiddy pool filled with water. She would dig the water out as fast as she could. She was a joy to watch and of course, I stayed wet with water, when I was outside with her, as she frequently had to give me a big kiss every so often. It didn’t matter how wet she was and of course she shook all the water from her coat onto me before the kiss. She became my dog completely. Wherever I was, Ellen was there also. There was a wonderful rapport between us. She slept near my bed at night protecting me, worried when I was away and jumped for joy when I returned.
She grew into adulthood and was absolutely stunning to look at. She was always so full of energy and enthusiasm and kept us laughing continuously with her antics.
Then, on a sunny September day, 1997, a monster struck with its ugly fury. I didn’t know what was wrong with Ellen. I just knew it was something awful and she was going to die. I knelt and hugged her jerking body close and ask God not to let my girl die. I was frantic. The episode lasted about three minutes. She stopped jerking and seemed okay. Something was wrong with my girl and I didn’t know what to do.
I made an appointment with my vet the next morning. We had a long discussion on what these mystery symtoms could be. He was so caring and kind to Ellen and me. You see, He loved my Ellen too.
We casually discussed a disease called Epilepsy. He suggested we wait and see if she had another episode. Then, we would talk again. He talked about the possibility of Ellen getting into poison of some kind or perhaps she got stung. I’m sure he knew the true reason. He just wanted to give me some hope that first day that just maybe it wasn’t Epilepsy. So I went into denial concocting every story in the world as to why this happened to her. She continued on her merry journey through life as though this had not happened. I continued on the journey with her, loving every moment and almost forgetting what had happened to her.
Then, on a cool November evening, two months later, the monster struck again with awful fury this time. This was a full-blown seizure with all the ugliness that goes with it. It lasted 4 or 5 minutes. I rushed her to the emergency clinic as it was after hours for our vet. The diagnoses was a seizure. I brought her back home and was just numb with concern for her. I took her to her vet early the next morning. Tests were done and finally the awful words – My girl had Epilepsy. I was heartbroken. I loved this girl beyond measure and couldn’t imagine what her life would be like in the future.
In the days ahead, I made a promise to her. I would give her the best life possible. So, Ellen and I took the football and ran with it and have never looked back. That was 1997. Ellen is now going into her 12th year. She has had many seizures over the years, has taken a lot of medicine and has had to visit the vet many times, which included lots of blood tests to check the levels of the meds. She has endured it all with grace. Through all the years, She has managed to live a wonderful life through her enthusiasm for life and her love of me.
I couldn’t have asked for a better veterinarian to help me deal with an Epi baby. He is wonderful, caring and supportive. He has let me research every possible avenue on the internet and elsewhere to see if I could find a solution. I have kept journals and calendars recording her entire life trying to see some pattern. I know I have tried his patience with my unending quest for information. He has continued to listen and be the best vet in the world. He and I have worked together to give Ellen the best life possible. We have succeeded in doing that.
Ellen's photo appeared on May 8 in the BrownTrout Publisher's Black Labrador Retriever 2003 Desk Calendar. She has two tennis balls in her mouth, which is indicative of her happiness and love of life.
I have never been able to pinpoint as to why Ellen is epileptic. She just is. It’s kind of odd, but in this winter season of her life, the seizures have decreased. I have been able to greatly reduce her meds, so that I feel she can enjoy her senior years more without the effect of the drugs in her system.
Even in Ellen’s winter season – she is still stunning to look at!
It is my desire, if you are reading my story, and you have just found out you have an Epi baby, don't panic. Please know things can work out just fine. You can enjoy a beautiful life together. Money could not buy the joy I have experienced with Ellen being in my life. God gave me a very special gift.
Best wishes to you!
By j swann
My Epi Girl is written by a family member. If you would like to respond to Epi girl's story, please e-mail at: ellen@takecareofyourdog.com
