#lifewitholddogs podcast by Dawn Mimnaugh

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. 

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 noses of our older dogs are unknowingly subjected to a barrage of harmful chemicals. The alarming reality is that while we may be aware of the dangers posed by secondhand smoke to human health, the risks it poses for our aging furry companions often go unnoticed.

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 homeless dogs in need. In a landscape where many rescues struggle to survive, Andrea's passion and commitment bring new life into the mission of saving our furry companions. With a 501 c3 nonprofit status now in place, they strive to be a beacon of hope amidst the challenges faced by stray and abandoned dogs.

In this podcast episode, we speak with Harmony Diers, the communications team manager of The Dog Aging Project.

In this #lifewitholddogs podcast, we chat with Winpro Pet President Tim Mitchum.

Finding a reputable rescue is paramount when navigating the ups and downs of animal adoption. 

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. 

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 sanctuaries and rescues to enlightening accounts of their daily operations, this captivating season has truly left no stone unturned.

This week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Justin Klemer, Co-founder of Pepper's Senior Dog Sanctuary in Littleton, Colorado.

This episode, we welcome back Deanna Sackett, the driving force behind Animale' Sanctuary, a 501 c3 nonprofit organization located in Ten Mile, Tennessee.

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 longer care for them will have a loving home for life.

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 Finger Lakes for an inside look at what it truly means to run their dog rescue organization.

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 animal gets the care it deserves. 

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 are easy to make, and you can control the ingredients used in them.

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.

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.

As a dog owner, you want the best for your furry friend. One of the most important aspects of their health is their diet, and deciphering dog food labels can be difficult. However, knowing what to look for on a label can help you spot the good from the bad.

When it comes to choosing the right food for your dog, there are many different variations available on the market today. 

As dogs age, their nutritional needs change. Just like humans, older dogs require a balanced diet that supports their aging bodies.

Losing a pet can be one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. The grief associated with pet loss can take many forms, from sadness to guilt and even anger. While the grieving process is never easy, understanding the stages of pet loss grief can be an important first step in navigating these emotions and beginning to heal. By being aware of the common stages of pet loss grief, you can build better coping strategies for yourself or others who may be going through this experience.

Saying goodbye to your beloved fur friend is one of the most difficult tasks a dog owner has to face. Euthanasia is an emotional and heartbreaking process, but it can also be a peaceful and dignified way to honor your dog's life. Understanding what to expect during euthanasia can help make this transition easier for both you and your fur friend.

Bidding farewell to an aging dog we cherish is always a challenging task, and determining when it's time to make that heart-wrenching decision can be quite daunting.

The number one question I get asked is, "How do you know when it's time to say goodbye to my fur friend?"

In this final episode of season 5, I answer 10 questions asked by you fine folks.

Food is the building block of our bodies, and it's no different for your older German Shepherd.  And we will eventually get sick if we pack our bodies with heavily processed, sugar-laden, carby junk.  And it's the same for our dogs.

Just because your German Shepherd is older doesn't necessarily mean he wants to lay around all day, letting life pass him by.

Just because our German Shepherds are older doesn't mean they don't benefit from being clean and groomed. Like us, they want to be clean. They feel better when they are clean. And when they feel better, we feel better.

This week we had special guest Colleen Mimnaugh from KM Fitness & Nutrition on to talk with us about being as healthy as possible, especially while caring for our senior German Shepherds.

Being the best you can be in terms of physical health  Should be a priority no matter what, but it's especially important if you're caring for an older German Shepherd.

In this Podcast, we cover how your diet affects your overall mental and physical health and the impact your dietary choices have not only on yourself but your ability to care for your older German Shepherd.

In this episode of the #lifewitholddogs podcast, we take a look at the importance of keeping a positive mental well-being while caring for our older German Shepherds.

Welcome back to the #lifewitholddogs podcast.

Hey there, folks. This is the last episode of season 4, Degenerative Myelopathy.

This week we chat with Molly Cooke of Bubba's Buddies. Molly and her husband saw a need to raise awareness and find a cure for Degenerative Myelopathy when their dog, Bubba was diagnosed with DM and Bubba's Buddies was born.

This week our guest is Mark C. Robinson of Walkin' Pets by Handicapped Pets. Mark founded Walkin' Pets 2001 in memory of Mercedes, a slightly epileptic Keeshond who was put to sleep before her time because Mark didn’t know any better, and had no way to find out more.

This week I had the pleasure of talking with Marc Halprin  of Dr. HempDog CBD Oil, a top notch company whose mission is to provide our fur friends with  the very best CBD products grown from the finest plants with organic practices and  superior extraction methods.

This week we had the pleasure of talking with Tauni Beckmann of Shade Out DM, an organization whose mission is to raise awareness about Degenerative Myelopathy while also offering a support group on Facebook to any canine parents that are having to take the DM journey with their fur friend.

This season (season 4) we are taking a deep dive into Degenerative Myelopathy which  is a common, merciless neurological disorder in senior German Shepherds that surfaces anywhere between 7 and 14 years of age and is seen more in males than females. It is a slow, progressive spinal cord disorder similar to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in humans, which starts with a loss of balance and coordination that progresses to muscle weakness. Then, in time the dog will be unable to support himself, which will lead to paralysis resulting in quadriplegia or paraplegia. Eventually, death occurs from respiratory failure due to paralysis of muscles around the chest cavity. 

If your senior German Shepherd has been feeling a little off lately, it's possible that he or she may be suffering from hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition that causes the thyroid gland to underproduce thyroid hormone, which then causes the metabolism to slow. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can result in weight gain, lethargy, and a host of other health problems. 

Perianal fistula, also known as anal furunculosis, is a serious medical condition that causes chronic inflammation and ulcerative, tunnel-like lesions of the perianal tissues surrounding a dog's anus. It starts as tiny holes in the dog's skin in the anus area and then evolves into deep tunnel-like lesions until the anus is consumed entirely. Perianal fistula is relatively common among senior German Shepherds. In fact, of all diagnosed canine perianal fistula cases, 80% are middle-aged and older German Shepherds, and most are male. Unfortunately, many German Shepherd owners are unaware of this progressive and painful disease until it's progressed. 

Pannus, otherwise known as Chronic Superficial Keratitis is an autoimmune disease frequently seen in senior German Shepherds. Pannus is a condition that affects the cornea (the clear part of the eye), which typically manifests as a reddish-brown, non-painful lesion on the eye lens and surrounding tissues. Both eyes are typically affected. In some cases, the lesions can grow quite large and affect your dog's vision. While there is no cure for Pannus, there are ways to manage it and keep your fur friend comfortable.

As a senior German Shepherd parent, you may be concerned about your fur friend's health and well-being. One condition that you may not be familiar with is pancreatitis. The pancreas is a small organ that sits behind the stomach and intestine. The purpose of the pancreas is to digest food while also regulating blood sugar levels through the production of insulin, which helps move glucose from the bloodstream into cells so it can be used as energy. Pancreatitis is a serious inflammation of the pancreas that can be fatal if left untreated. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, many dogs recover fully from this potentially life-threatening condition. 

Megaesophagus (ME) is a widespread and potentially fatal disease that affects German Shepherds of all ages, and seniors are no exception. The disease is caused by a genetic defect that interferes with the dog's ability to move food down its esophagus and into its stomach. Without treatment, the dog will slowly lose weight and eventually die of malnutrition and starvation, or aspiration pneumonia. There are several ways to treat megaesophagus, and most dogs can lead a relatively normal life with proper care and lots of dedication from their doggie parents. If you suspect your senior German Shepherd has megaesophagus, it is vital to get him diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

Chronic kidney disease, which is a kidney disease that occurs over time, is a common health issue in senior German Shepherds. As our furry friends age, their organs don't function as well as they used to. This can lead to a build-up of toxins in their system and eventually kidney failure. While it's not always possible to prevent kidney disease, there are things we can do to help our German Shepherds live longer, healthier lives. 

As your German Shepherd enters its golden years, you may notice some changes in its mobility. His once-sprightly steps may now be slightly slower, and he may have difficulty getting up after lying down. These are common signs of hip dysplasia, a congenital, degenerative joint disease that can cause significant pain and discomfort as your fur friend ages. Although hip dysplasia is one of the most common afflictions in older German Shepherds, there is no cure for it, but treatments are available to help manage the condition and improve your fur friend's quality of life. 

If you are a German Shepherd owner, you should be aware of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), a potentially life-threatening disease. EPI is caused by the pancreas not producing enough digestive enzymes, which can lead to malnourished and other health problems. EPI is a common health issue in German Shepherds, so If your fur friend has symptoms of EPI, it is important to get him or her diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Thankfully, EPI can be successfully managed with proper care.

Canine elbow dysplasia (CED) is a developmental orthopedic disease that affects the bones and joints in a dog's elbow. It is thought to be caused by abnormal growth or development of the bones and joint cartilage in the elbow, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and lameness. While CED can occur in any dog breed, it is prevalent in larger breeds like German Shepherds. It is the most common cause of front leg lameness in larger breeds. And although there is no cure for CED, there are a number of treatment options available that can help reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life for fur friends affected by the condition.

Older German Shepherds are at a higher risk for developing Diabetes Mellitus, which is similar to type 1 diabetes in humans where the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin resulting in high blood glucose. It is the most common type of diabetes in older German Shepherds. Therefore, it's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so that you can get your fur friend the treatment he needs as soon as possible. This condition is treatable, but it is important to catch it early to have the best success. In this podcast, I cover the "ins and outs" of what you need to know.

Dental issues can be a problem for senior German Shepherds, and the effects of poor oral care can be felt throughout the entire body. Like us, as our German Shepherds age, their teeth may start to wear down, and decay and gums may not be as healthy as they once were, which can lead to pain, infection, loss of teeth, and other health problems which can be life-threatening. Prevention is key, but sometimes you can do everything right, and your frosty muzzled fur friend can still suffer from dental issues.

German Shepherds of all ages can suffer from degenerative disk disease (DDD), but the condition is more common in senior German Shepherds. DDD is the result of aging and wear on their spinal disks. As they get older, these disks (or cushions between the vertebrae break down, harden, and shrink in size, causing pain to shoot up into your dog's neck or back.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a common, merciless neurological disorder in senior German Shepherds that surfaces anywhere between 7 and 14 years of age, and is seen more in males than females. It is a slow, progressive spinal cord disorder that is similar to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in humans.

Cataracts are a common eye condition in older German Shepherds. As our fur friends age, their eye lenses become less transparent and more cloudy, resulting in reduced vision. 

Your senior German Shepherd has unwaveringly been by your side for the past ten years. He is your family and best friend, and you would do anything for him. Lately, you've noticed that he is not eating like he usually does or that he seems lethargic and depressed despite you taking him to all of his favorite places. You chalk it up to him being older and perhaps let this new behavior slide for a little bit while keeping a close eye on him. But after giving it some time, he doesn't seem to be bouncing back, so you take him to his trusted veterinarian for a full workup, including diagnostic imaging, and that's when you discover that he has cancer.

This week's #Lifewitholddogs blog post and podcast covers #3 of the top 20 most common health issues in senior German Shepherd series. Be sure to check it out.

Unfortunately, arthritis in your senior German Shepherd is a common condition that affects their joints. It can lead to pain, making it difficult for them to get around or even stand up without causing discomfort. Fortunately, there are many treatments available.

Have you had the misfortune of witnessing your senior German Shepherd suffer from allergies? If you answered yes, then you're probably are all too familiar with the ramifications that the allergies cast on both you and your stricken fur friend as you desperately try to solve the mystery of the, oftentimes, insidious affliction at work, sooner rather than later.

In Season 3, Episode 1 of the #LifeWithOldDogs podcast we listed the 20 most common diseases that affect senior German Shepherds, but many of the same diseases we listed, unfortunately, affect lots of older dogs. Therefore, since many of our listeners have multiple breeds of dogs, we decided to do a bonus season 3 episode to give you a broader perspective as to how a few of these diseases present in another large breed, the  Rottweiler.

Our fur friends don't live forever.....none of us do.... but as your German Shepherd ages, it's important to know the typical aliments your fur friend can suffer from and how to navigate the waters if something does come up, instead of being blindsided and feeling helpless. We want to help you with that. At the end of season three of  #LifeWithOldDogs  podcast and blog posts, we will send you the entire season's worth of all the information we cover in a FREE ebook, so be sure to subscribe to be "in the Know."

We are wrapping up season two ( Sanctuary Life) with my husband Ken (Mr. Woody's Place).

In the last episode, I covered what sanctuary life looks like here at Woody's Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary including what a typical day looks like for us.

Did you ever wonder what it takes to care for a sanctuary for senior German Shepherds? Have you ever said, "I want to start a sanctuary." 

In this episode, Deanna Sackett from  Animale' Sanctuary joins us to discuss her sanctuary life. The ins and outs, trials and tribulations, and how and why she started and now runs Animale' Sanctuary.

One thing about Sanctuary Life and #LifeWithOldDogs is that no two days are alike, and on any given day, we could get a new abandoned senior German Shepherd in need of our help.

Often I am asked, "How do you get all the dogs to get along?" And recently another person looking to surrender their senior German Shepherd said, "It's harder to get my dog into Woody's Place than it is to get into Harvard." And there's probably some truth to that, because not only are space and finances limited, the bottom line is that we can't take every senior German Shepherd, because not every senior German Shepherd will be a good fit for our program.

Woody passed away, and I was left with many feelings...overwhelming feelings of sadness, grief,  and anger 

In this episode of Life With Old Dogs, I tell the story of Woody and not only how he came to be a big part of my life, but change the trajectory of it as well.  

Season one is about the origins of Woody's Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary. In this episode, I fill you in on why Woody's Place is a sanctuary solely for abandoned and displaced senior German Shepherd.

Welcome to the Life With Old Dogs podcast, where loving senior German Shepherd dog parents can learn the ins and outs, tips, and tricks of caring for older German Shepherd dogs, especially those with special needs. Have you found yourself wondering why your German Shepherd is losing mobility in his backend and what you can do about it? Do you worry that your daily walks with your older German Shepherd may be a bit much now that he is showing signs of slowing down, and what would be the appropriate amount of exercise for him in his later years? Or perhaps you want to learn how to make healthy home-cooked meals and treats that are delicious and nutritious for your older fur friend without packing on any extra weight.