Today is a special blog post here at Knotty Toys for Good Dogs. Our CEO Olivia is celebrating her 13th Barkday (birthday) this coming Wednesday June 21st. Naturally we are reflecting back on her life.

Olivia was adopted from a local animal shelter back in February of 2011. Molly as she was known then, had been there for three months. Her first act upon arriving at her new home was to leap on her new huMom’s bed, declaring it hers too.

Three months later Olivia experienced her first seizure; it came in the middle of the night. Having no idea what was happening I was terrified. After a Grand Mal seizure Olivia ran about blindly, stumbling into everything for what seemed like an eternity. She was rushed to the vet early that morning & a few days later, after testing she was diagnosed with Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy.

Most of the time Olivia is just like any other dog. She loves her walks, lounging in her yard or having robust debates with the local chipmunks. Focal seizures are something she experiences from time to time; her eye lids will flutter or her head will flinch but it doesn’t seem to interfere with her enjoying every day to the fullest. She used to experience a Grand Mal seizure on an average of every 18 to 22 days; often in clusters.  Today Olivia is over 8 months Grand Mal seizure free; 247 days to be exact.  Each Grand Mal seizure free day is a blessing that I am always grateful for.

In spite of her epilepsy she remains my happy, little clown, healthy & much loved girl. She has learned how to manipulate me with her beautiful eyes & she clearly has a sense of humor I absolutely adore. I feel so very blessed to have this special soul in my life.

Happy Barkday Miss Olivia.

Love, Your huMom 💜

For those who are in the position to please consider a $5 donation to Wally’s Canine  Epilepsy Foundation.  You can do so by visiting their Facebook page, clicking on the ‘Learn More’ button which will take you directly to their PayPal page or click on this link.   🐾💜🐾