22/07/2025
This is Willow, our 3½-year-old Rottweiler, our daughter in every sense of the word. Her soul is so pure, filled with love, playfulness, and the gentlest heart I’ve ever known.
Willow developed epilepsy at just 2 years old. I’ll never forget her first seizure, the fear that took over, the protective instinct that kicked in like nothing I’d ever experienced. We didn’t know what was happening, what it meant, or what her life and ours or would look like moving forward. I have family members who live with epilepsy, but I had never known it could affect dogs too. That moment of thinking we might lose her… it broke something in my heart I didn’t know could break.
So many people aren’t aware that dogs can live with epilepsy and what that truly looks like, so I’m sharing Willow’s story in hopes it helps others.
Her first episode began with her staring into the distance, her eyes glazed, ears pinned back, her muscles went into lock, and falling stiff to the floor. The seizure would escalate into running movements, spasms, heavy shakes, and her jaw tightening until her teeth were bared. Sometimes crying out, breathing turns to loud snorting, followed by loss of control of the bladder. Episodes can last from a minute to 3 minutes, sometimes longer to come back round. When coming round she would have drooled, pacing around as she tries to get her bearings again, this is normal and letting her pace calms her, she is then very hot and needs open windows or doors to cool down. Following this she will lay flat for weak muscles after locking.
It’s absolutely heartbreaking to witness, something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
The most important thing I’ve learned is how crucial it is to stay calm. Speak gently to them, stay close, and hold them gently from behind to prevent injury but never put your hands near their mouth, as the jaw can lock involuntarily. Make sure there’s something soft under their head and check the area for anything that could injure their paws or nails. Willow has collapsed unexpectedly during walks and has torn her pads or nails, requiring vet care.
Willow’s epilepsy is considered high-intensity. She experiences clusters sometimes five or more seizures in a row, which over time have affected her brain. She’s now on the highest dosage of two different medications every day, which also impact her mind. Yet even with everything she’s been through, she is the happiest, kindest, most joyful soul.
You’d never guess she lives with such a serious condition, she meets everyone with a big Rottie smile, full of love and playfulness. She adores cuddles, meeting new people, and especially children. If she hears a child cry, she immediately wants to go comfort them. Her compassion is so natural and deep, she’s the gentlest soul I’ve ever met.
She has taught me what unconditional, non-judgmental love truly is. Our bond is like that of parent and child and I would give her the world if I could.
Her condition hasn’t stopped her from living fully. She’s explored Europe, befriended farm animals, played in rivers, chased droplets, and dug secret forest hidey-holes, often leaving toys behind for other animals to find. She watches birds out the window and brings joy to everyone she meets.
It was Willow’s epilepsy that led me to become self-employed. I had worked three jobs, always busy, always helping others but I knew I had to be more present for her. I still do what I love healing others but now I can be here for her the way she needs and deserves.
Willow gets regular massages and Reiki sessions which she loves. She even has her own little “Rottie purr” to let me know when she’s enjoying herself.
So, this is my daughter, my gentle giant. She will love you endlessly, never judge you, and always greet you with a heart full of light. She’s not just part of my life, she’s guided me, taught me, and changed me in ways I can never repay.
Willow turns 4 this November and every single day with her is a gift!
