Life With Old Dogs Podcast
Life With Old Dogs Podcast
Dawn Mimnaugh
Hi, I’m Dawn.I’m the creator of Life With Old Dogs and the founder of Woody’s Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary.For years, my life has revolved around caring for aging dogs — especially senior German Shepherds who needed safety, stability, compassion, and a place to simply grow old in peace.What started as a deep love for older dogs eventually became something much bigger.Life With Old Dogs was created as a space to share the real-life experiences, lessons, heartbreaks, humor, and meaningful moments that come with loving and caring for senior dogs.Because life with old dogs isn’t always polished or perfect.It’s muddy paws, medications, mobility issues, reusable diapers, special diets, grief, laughter, exhaustion, loyalty, and unconditional love — often all at the same time.I’m also a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist, and nutrition plays a major role in my care philosophy for senior dogs. I believe food can be a powerful tool in supporting comfort, mobility, digestion, energy, and overall quality of life as dogs age.A large part of my daily life involves preparing home-cooked meals, toppers, and supportive nutrition for the dogs in my care, using simple, practical approaches people can realistically incorporate into their everyday lives.Through blogs, podcasts, videos, courses, and storytelling, I share what I’ve learned from living alongside aging dogs and navigating the emotional and physical realities of senior dog care.My goal is simple:to help people give their older dogs the happiest, healthiest, safest, and most comfortable life possible.I believe senior dogs still deserve adventure.They still deserve joy.They still deserve dignity.And they still deserve to be deeply loved.When I’m not creating content for Life With Old Dogs, I’m caring for the residents of Woody’s Place, working behind the scenes on sanctuary life, and continuing to build a peaceful life surrounded by animals and nature here in Pennsylvania.Thank you for being here and for loving old dogs, too.— DawnYou can listen to the #Lifewitholddogs podcast athttps://www.wpsgss.org/lifewitholddogspodcast and on all podcast platforms.#LifeWithOldDogs media supports Woody's Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary.
When Real Life Interrupts the Routine: Caring for Your Older Dogs Without Losing Yourself
What happens when unexpected company arrives, plans change, and your normal dog-care routine gets turned upside down? This past weekend, I had unexpected family company for three days. But with sanctuary and farm responsibilities taking approximately six hours every day—not to mention finishing my house and preparing for the upcoming Woody’s Place renovation—the daily responsibilities did not simply disappear. In this episode of Life With Old Dogs, I share how I temporarily simplify the sanct...
Jul 14
20 min
When People Think Your Old Dog Should Be Put Down: Navigating Judgment, Guilt, and Quality of Life
Have you ever been told you're keeping your old dog alive too long? If you share life with a senior dog, chances are you've encountered unsolicited opinions from friends, family members, strangers, or even people on social media. They see a gray muzzle, a slower gait, arthritis, or a mobility device, and immediately assume your dog is suffering. But is old age really the same as a poor quality of life? In this episode of Life With Old Dogs, Dawn explores why people feel compelled to comment o...
Jun 3
18 min
I didn’t realize how much living closely with older large dogs would teach me… until I had no choice.
Living in a small space with senior dogs changes everything—your routine, your environment, and the way you care for them day in and day out. In this episode of Life With Old Dogs, I’m sharing some of the most meaningful lessons I’ve learned through this experience. Not from a textbook—but from real life, lived closely alongside dogs who depend on me. This isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about learning what truly matters… and showing up for them in a way that honors their c...
Apr 30
18 min
When Old Dogs Become Incontinent: Real Life Care and Compassion
In this Life With Old Dogs episode, we’re talking openly and honestly about something so many senior dog families deal with, but few people really discuss: urinary and fecal incontinence in older dogs. I’m covering why incontinence happens, what can cause it, how it can affect your dog’s comfort and dignity, and what daily life really looks like when you’re caring for an incontinent senior dog. This is not just about accidents. It is about hygiene, skin care, infection prevention, mobility, p...
Mar 27
53 min
When Your Life Falls Apart But the Dogs Still Need You: Commitment in the Hard Lessons
Last year, Life With Old Dogs went quiet. Not because the mission changed, but because my life did. In this deeply personal return episode, I share what it was like to navigate divorce, move into a fifth-wheel RV on my newly purchased Pennsylvania farm, rebuild my life from the ground up, and continue caring for senior dogs and homeless cats who still needed me. Incontinence. Medications. Arthritic bodies. And not one of them was surrendered, displaced, or treated as disposable. In a culture ...
Mar 2
19 min
2024 Recap Solo Episode
I finally took the time to record the 2024 recap solo episode for the Life With Old Dogs podcast. In this special episode, I dive into all the heartfelt moments and significant events that unfolded at Woody's Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary over the past year. Listeners will hear about the beloved residents we had to say goodbye to, sharing their stories and the impact they left on our hearts. Losing a furry friend is always tough, but their memories will forever be cherished. On...
Feb 4, 2025
30 min
Rita Hogan | The Canine Herbalist | The Herbal Dog
Rita Hogan is a dedicated clinical canine herbalist specializing in the health and well-being of dogs and their human companions. Her holistic practice integrates a variety of natural remedies, including flower essences, herbs, mushrooms, essential oils, and phytoembryonic therapy. By combining these elements with tailored dietary plans and energetic assessments, Rita creates comprehensive wellness strategies for dogs. In addition to her hands-on consulting services, Rita offers an online te...
Jan 13, 2025
50 min
The Role of Physical Therapy for Senior Dogs with Dr. Courtney White
This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Courtney White DPT, CCRT of Oklahoma K9 PT Dr. Courtney White, DPT, CCRT, is the dedicated force behind Oklahoma K9 PT Canine Therapy and Wellness. Her passion lies in enhancing the lives of senior dogs by alleviating pain and improving mobility. Specializing in geriatric canine care, Dr. Courtney creates individualized treatment plans tailored to meet each dog's unique needs. By focusing on optimal function and independence, her ...
Nov 13, 2024
34 min
Top Care Products for Dogs Facing Degenerative Myelopathy and Other Mobility Issues
I am pleased to present a carefully selected collection of high-quality care products that I have found beneficial for dogs suffering from Degenerative Myelopathy and various mobility issues at Woody's Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary. This compilation will help you identify which items are effective for your beloved pet and which may not be ideal! Quality care products for dogs facing Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) and other mobility challenges are vital resources that can greatly impr...
Oct 2, 2024
55 min
In Episode of the #LifeWithOldDogs Podcast, I Talk With Blake Dube' Inventor of Pawprint Oxygen
This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Blake Dube', the Founder and CEO of Aeronics, Inc., and the inventor of Pawprint Oxygen, the world's first rescue oxygen supply for pets. Pawprint Pet Oxygen provides veterinarians and pet owners with the ability to deliver critical oxygen to pets in various circumstances. Whether you're addressing respiratory issues at home, transporting your pet to an emergency clinic, or offering prolonged oxygen therapy at home, Pawprint Pet Oxygen ensures y...
Sep 25, 2024
26 min
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