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. — Dawn You 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.

  1. Aug 26

    Back on Track: Big Updates from Life With Old Dogs

    It's been a while, so this episode is all about catching up and sharing what's been happening here at the farm. The house is finally about 98 percent complete, and for the first time in a long time, I feel like I am getting back on track. I share updates on Sashi, Maggie, Honey, our nine sanctuary cats, and life with my personal German Shepherd.  The Shepherd Shoppe will also reopen soon, and I am genuinely looking forward to returning to some of the things that had to be put on hold during the build. I also talk about the planned expansion of Woody’s Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary, which is expected to begin this fall. We are still raising the funds needed to make that happen, and the Givebutter link here for those who wish to donate: https://givebutter.com/gvfYur There are some exciting things ahead, including the return of Canines in the Country in fall 2027. We are tentatively planning for the third week of September, right here at the farm. It will be a day for the dogs and the humans who love them, and we will need volunteers, vendors, and rescue organizations to help make it special. Finally, I'd like to introduce my new personal Substack, Life Between Dog Walks, where I write about relationships, family patterns, abandonment, rebuilding, getting older, changing direction, and figuring out who you are while caring for everyone else. You can check that out here: https://lifebetweendogwalks.substack.com/ Pour yourself a cup of coffee and join me for a long-overdue catch-up from Life With Old Dogs. Support the show 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.wpsgss.org https://www.facebook.com/WoodysPlaceSeniorGermanShepherdSanctuary We would LOVE it if you could leave a thumbs-up or comment! Please and thank you! 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.

  2. Jul 14

    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 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. Support the show 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.wpsgss.org https://www.facebook.com/WoodysPlaceSeniorGermanShepherdSanctuary We would LOVE it if you could leave a thumbs-up or comment! Please and thank you! 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.

  3. Jun 3

    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 on the care of aging dogs, the emotional impact those comments can have on devoted caregivers, and how to separate judgment from genuine concern. She also discusses what quality of life truly means, why mobility aids are not a death sentence, and how to respond when others question your decisions. Whether your dog is simply slowing down or requires extra support in their golden years, this episode offers perspective, encouragement, and practical ways to navigate one of the most challenging conversations senior dog owners face. Because old age is not a disease, and every dog deserves to be evaluated as an individual, not by a number on a calendar. In this episode:  Why do people often judge the care of senior dogs  The difference between aging and suffering  How these comments affect loving caregivers  What quality of life really looks like  Why wheelchairs and mobility aids can be life-enhancing  Respectful responses to criticism and unsolicited advice Life With Old Dogs is dedicated to helping you provide the best possible life for your older dog through compassionate, informed, and holistic care. Other podcast episodes you may want to hear: https://www.wpsgss.org/lifewitholddogspodcast/episode/778cb25c/how-do-you-know-when-its-time-to-say-goodbye-to-your-fur-friend https://www.wpsgss.org/lifewitholddogspodcast/episode/76dd2f69/when-should-i-say-goodbye-to-my-older-dog-three-markers-to-help-you-decide Support the show 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.wpsgss.org https://www.facebook.com/WoodysPlaceSeniorGermanShepherdSanctuary We would LOVE it if you could leave a thumbs-up or comment! Please and thank you! 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.

    When People Think Your Old Dog Should Be Put Down: Navigating Judgment, Guilt, and Quality of Life
  4. Mar 27

    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, patience, and compassion. I’ll also share some of the very real caregiving routines many of us know all too well, including frequent back-end baths, keeping the coat trimmed for easier cleanup, making sure the rear is fully dry, using diapers and pee pads, and watching closely for signs of bladder infections or urinary tract infections, which can be more common in dogs dealing with urinary incontinence. If you are caring for an old dog who is leaking urine, losing bowel control, or simply needing more support in this stage of life, this episode is for you. Because old dogs still deserve comfort.  They still deserve dignity.  And they still deserve to be deeply loved through every stage. To see a list of products we use for incontinent dogs, click on this link: https://www.amazon.com/shop/woodysplaceseniorgermanshepherdsanctuary?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_VKR76VTDB0PHRN6DED8D Support the show 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.wpsgss.org https://www.facebook.com/WoodysPlaceSeniorGermanShepherdSanctuary We would LOVE it if you could leave a thumbs-up or comment! Please and thank you! 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.

    When Old Dogs Become Incontinent: Real Life Care and Compassion
  5. Mar 2

    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 where animals are often relinquished when life becomes inconvenient — during divorce, moves, financial strain, or emotional upheaval — this episode speaks to a different standard. This is an honest look at what it means to honor the responsibility you chose — even when your life is unraveling. Old dogs don’t need you perfect. They need you steady. And steady is a decision. Welcome back to Life With Old Dogs This is to let the skeptics know, I'm not just talking the talk. I'm walking the walk with old dogs by my side. Support the show 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.wpsgss.org https://www.facebook.com/WoodysPlaceSeniorGermanShepherdSanctuary We would LOVE it if you could leave a thumbs-up or comment! Please and thank you! 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.

    When Your Life Falls Apart But the Dogs Still Need You: Commitment in the Hard Lessons
  6. 02/04/2025

    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 a brighter note, I also introduce the new residents who joined our pack this year! Each one has a unique background and personality, and I can't wait to share their journeys with you. Additionally, I discuss our hunt for a new property for Woody's Place!  This new space will allow us to expand our mission and provide even more care for homeless senior German Shepherds in need.  Tune in to hear all about the challenges and triumphs of 2024 and the future plans for our sanctuary. Your support means the world to us! Support the show 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.wpsgss.org https://www.facebook.com/WoodysPlaceSeniorGermanShepherdSanctuary We would LOVE it if you could leave a thumbs-up or comment! Please and thank you! 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.

  7. 01/13/2025

    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 teaching platform that provides valuable resources for pet owners interested in holistic care. She aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their pets' health. Rita also hosts "The Dogs Are Individuals Podcast," where she shares a wealth of knowledge through engaging episodes. Each episode is designed to fit seamlessly into busy schedules, with short segments under 12 minutes and longer discussions available. These informative episodes are perfect for anyone seeking to explore an all-natural approach to canine health. Her expertise is further showcased in her book on herbal remedies for dogs, making her a trusted resource in the field of canine herbalism. www.canineherbalist.com www.canineherbalism.com www.theherbaldog.com Socials: @canineherbalist Support the show 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.wpsgss.org https://www.facebook.com/WoodysPlaceSeniorGermanShepherdSanctuary We would LOVE it if you could leave a thumbs-up or comment! Please and thank you! 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.

    Rita Hogan | The Canine Herbalist | The Herbal Dog

Trailer

About

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 athttps://www.wpsgss.org/lifewitholddogspodcast and on all podcast platforms. #LifeWithOldDogs media supports Woody's Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary.