Shoes and Seizures!!!

Tuesday night, I went to sleep thinking about which shoes I would wear with what dress, for Easter.

I think Tucker blinked, but don't you just love his collar???

Wednesday morning I woke up to my precious 14 year old Tucker having his second grande Mal seizure.

The first seizure was New Years Eve, I was awakened with thrashing sounds from his bed.  With this being a first for me, I was uncertain as to what was going on or what to do or not do.  Well, I woke Scott up, with some difficulty I might add.  Long story short, WE did all the wrong things.  I turned ON the lights, OPENED the door to his crate, SCREAMED at Scott to wake up, and REACHED my hands in his bed (in an attempt to comfort him).  Scott, REMOVED him from his bed, PICKED him up (while in his arms, Tucker involuntarily urinated all over ), SET him on our bed (which he preceded to fall off), and took him OUT.  During all of this, I got out my Well Dog Book and GOOGLED "seizures in canines"!  Of course I did.  I read all the info about seizures and "what not to do", then shared my new found info with hubby.  I guess you can imagine how well that went over in the middle of the night on New Years!  Tucker finally seemed calm, but exhausted, and we all went back to sleep.  We somewhat dreaded what morning would bring.  On January 1st, 2012, we all woke up after 4 hours of sleep and the only ones traumatized, were Scott and I.  Tucker seemed unfazed!  PTL

So we quickly realized lots of things:

• Tucker had every symptom listed for a Grande Mal Seizure.  Convulsing, foaming at the mouth, temporary blindness, disorientation, involuntary urination, temporary paralysis, stiffening and period of time seizure lasted.
• The great "THEY" say;  Stay calm, don't turn on lights, talk softly, if confined:leave your canine safe, if not confined: try to keep them on the ground, away from sharp corners.  
• Your dog is NOT AWARE that he is seizing.  So therefore, he is not scared half to death like you.
• Your dog is NOT in PAIN during his seizure, and does NOT remember the horror.
• If a your dog has an Epileptic seizure, he probably won't have residual effects.

I keep trying to get the "perfect"profile pic!

April 3rd, 2012, I awoke to "violent thrashing' sounds at 7 am ish!  This time we were a lot wiser.  Therefore, the seizure was not near as frightening.  Just as severe, poor Tucker, but again we are blessed and have all recovered.  I thank God for everything, but specifically for SAVING us from ourselves!

Tucker Fredrickson Helms has been and continues to be a joy in our home.  He worships me tho I'm not worthy, he loves me when I'm unlovable. and he comforts me whether I need it or not.  I am thankful for almost 15 great years.  The next ones may be rough, but WE will get thru it!

We love you, TOOTIE!!!