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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.
Life With Old Dogs Podcast
When Real Life Interrupts the Routine: Caring for Your Older Dogs Without Losing Yourself
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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 sanctuary routine while ensuring every resident’s essential needs are met.
I discuss:
• The difference between an older dog’s essential needs and an ideal daily routine
• The sanctuary responsibilities that remain non-negotiable
• Why feeding, fresh water, medications, bathroom access, cleanliness, safety, and comfort always come first
• How I adjust walks and activities when life gets busy
• Simple ways to include family and visitors in your dog-care routine
• Why older dogs do not have to participate in everything we do
• Creating safe, comfortable spaces where dogs can relax while we enjoy time away
• Letting go of caregiver guilt when routines temporarily change
• Why flexibility can help prevent caregiver burnout
• The importance of maintaining an identity and a life outside of caregiving
• Reconnecting with your dog after a busy few days—even if it involves a car ride and a pup cup
Caring deeply for an older dog does not mean every day has to follow a perfect schedule.
Sometimes life happens.
The routine changes.
The walk is shorter.
Your dog stays home in the air conditioning while you spend time with family.
And that is okay.
When their essential needs are met and they are safe, healthy, comfortable, and loved, allowing flexibility is not a failure in caregiving. It is part of creating a sustainable life—for you and for the older dogs who depend on you.
Life With Old Dogs
Helping older dogs live longer, healthier, happier lives—and helping the people who love them enjoy the journey.
LifeWithOldDogs.com
https://www.instagram.com/wp_lifewitholddogs/
https://www.youtube.com/@lifewitholddogs
https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewitholddogs
Woody's Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary
https://www.facebook.com/WoodysPlaceSeniorGermanShepherdSanctuary
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You can support our podcast by going to http://www.patreon.com/LifeWithOldDogs
Every little bit helps, and your support is what keeps the #Lifewitholddogs podcast going.