Life With Old Dogs Podcast
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.
— Dawn
You can listen to the #Lifewitholddogs podcast at
https://www.wpsgss.org/lifewitholddogspodcast and on all podcast platforms.
#LifeWithOldDogs media supports Woody's Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary.
Episodes
78 episodes
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 ...
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 incontine...
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 purchas...
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 She...
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, essen...
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 ...
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.
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 o...
Interview With Dog Parent Coach and Author Angie Winters
For dog parenting coach Angie Winters, who has worked with and rehabilitated over 1,000 dogs, the answer is clear: Training does not work for family dogs. In her new book Don’t Train Your Dog: A Pet Parenting Guide to Teachin...
Final Episode of Season 9 - Sanctuary Updates
As the curtains closed on Season 8 of the #LifeWithOldDogs podcast, listeners eagerly awaited the next chapter. However, the anticipated Season 9 took an unexpected turn as only a handful of episodes made it to production. Amidst t...
Smoke Signals: Why Secondhand Smoke Poses Risks for Older Dogs
In the cozy corners of our homes, where wagging tails and loyal companionship abound, secondhand smoke lingers as an unseen threat to our faithful canine friends. As some puff away on cigarettes and exhale plumes of toxic fumes, the innocent no...
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The Inspiring Mission of a New Dog Rescue Organization, I'll Hold You Till Forever.
On this week's episode of #LifeWithOldDogs podcast, Andrea Romeo, the founder of I'll Hold You Till Forever, an animal rescue located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, shares her unwavering dedication to providing a safe haven for homele...
Dog Aging Project
In this podcast episode, we speak with Harmony Diers, the communications team manager of The Dog Aging Project.The Dog Aging Project is a study of healthy aging in companion dogs led by scientists and veterinarians at the University of ...
Unleash the Power: WINPRO's Plasma-Powered Products are Changing Canine Health.
In this #lifewitholddogs podcast, we chat with Winpro Pet President Tim Mitchum. Tim helps us discover how WINPRO PET is revolutionizing canine health with its innovative line of plasma-powered products designed specifically for dogs. <...
Navigating The Ups and Downs of Dog Rescue and How to find A Reputable Organization
Finding a reputable rescue is paramount when navigating the ups and downs of animal adoption. A trustworthy rescue organization will have thorough screening processes, including a home check to ensure the animals are placed in su...
#LifeWithOldDogs 2023 recap video and our plans for 2024
It's been a long time since our last lifewitholddogs podcast episode, so we thought it would be a great idea to look back on 2023 and share our plans for 2024. The past year has been quite a journey! We had to bid farewell to four ...
Wrap up of Season 8 Behind the Scenes of Animal Sanctuary/rescue
Throughout this season, we brought you an authentic glimpse into the reality of operating an animal sanctuary or rescue as we uncovered a multitude of heartfelt stories. From touching anecdotes that chronicle the humble beginnings of various sa...
Behind the Scenes with Justin Klemer of Pepper's Senior Dog Sanctuary
This week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Justin Klemer, Co-founder of Pepper's Senior Dog Sanctuary in Littleton, Colorado.Running a dog sanctuary requires more than just fulfilling basic needs. Justin knows this all too well. Hi...
Behind the Scenes of Animal Sanctuary/Rescue with Deanna Sackett of Animale' Sanctuary
This episode, we welcome back Deanna Sackett, the driving force behind Animale' Sanctuary, a 501 c3 nonprofit organization located in Ten Mile, Tennessee.Deanna and her team at Animale' Sanctuary are driven by a deep love and unwavering...
Behind the Scenes of Marty's Place Senior Dog Sanctuary with Doreen Jakubcak
Doreen Jakubcak is the Founding President and driving force of Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of senior dogs and ensuring that older dogs whose owners can no l...
Behind the Scenes of an Animal Sanctuary/Rescue With German Shepherd Rescue of the Finger Lakes
Imagine a place where wagging tails and wet noses fill the yard—a dog rescue dedicated to rescuing German Shepherds in need. In this episode of the #lifewitholddogs podcast, we step into the world of the German Shepherd Rescue of the F...
Introduction to Behind the Scenes of an Animal Sanctuary: Tales of Love, Dedication, and Heartache
Behind the scenes of an animal sanctuary or rescue, there is a lot of love, dedication, and sadness, and the people involved work hard to provide a safe place for animals in need. These dedicated folks work day and night to make sure every anim...
Senior Snackers: The Health Benefits of Homemade Dog Treats
As dogs age, their dietary needs change, just like humans. Feeding them with nutritious foods is essential for their overall health and well-being. Homemade dog treats using real whole foods offer several benefits for senior dogs. These treats ...
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From Kitchen to Bowl: Why Home Cooking is Best for Your Older Dog & How to Do it Correctly
Home cooking for dogs is a growing trend among dog parents who want to ensure their older fur friends are getting the best possible nutrition.While commercial dog food can be convenient and cost-effective, it is often loaded with preser...
Kibble with a Kick: Adding Whole Foods to Your Older Dog's Diet
If you are a dog parent, you want to make sure that your furry friend is healthy and happy. One way to achieve this is by feeding your dog real food alongside their kibble. Trust me; I get it. Sometimes it's hard to cook a decent meal f...
