Old Dog, New Dog Is a Must Read for Pet Owners

Alexandria, VA – “Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really.” This popular saying, attributed to novelist Agnes Sligh Trumbull, is one that dog owners know only too well.

Our canine companions bring unconditional love and joy into our lives. Of course, they inevitably age. The typical lifespan of a dog is 8 to 15 years, but no one wants to think about that. There’s an overwhelming desire to circumvent this hard fact of life: “We’ll just get another puppy who will keep the old dog younger!”

It’s the perfect solution, right? Straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. The sage old dog teaches the puppy life’s lessons, and the frisky puppy keeps the old dog young and playful. Well, the truth is, it depends. It can be absolutely wonderful, if the timing and conditions are right.

Dog owners first need to consider the health and temperament of their senior dog, and more so their own bandwidth in handling potential challenges. These include declining mobility, illness, medication, and incontinence issues. All of which can feel like a lot, even if you’re NOT dealing with a puppy at the same time.

In Old Dog, New Dog, authors Kathy Callahan and Helen St. Pierre explain the basic facts of caring for dogs in their first and last phases of life, in simple, loving terms. They also provide fantastic tips on adding a new puppy or even a young adult dog to your senior dog. Both authors are certified professional dog trainers and family dog mediators.

Callahan’s specialty is raising puppies (www.puppypicks.com), bridging the gap from Planet Dog to Planet Human. St. Pierre’s expertise is the oldies. She runs a senior animal sanctuary (www.olddogsgotohelen.com) and is certified as a companion doula and euthanasia professional.

The authors first met at Kim Brophey’s Family Dog Mediation conference a few years ago, astonished at the similarities in their respective presentations, puppy care and senior care. One constant in caring for dogs at the very beginning and the very end is lots of poop and pee on hand. St. Pierre jokes, “We like to say we’re number 1 in the number 2 business.”

The lessons imparted in Old Dog, New Dog are universal to any dog owner. Chapter 1, Supporting Your Senior, takes a long look at all the variables that can occur as your dog ages. The authors guide you through some helpful evaluations, based on your observations of your dear old friend.

Callahan advises, “Look for changes in your dog’s behavior – what’s different? Are the changes that are happening to her body affecting her joy, her purpose?” Is your dog changing his eating or drinking habits? Does she still chase after squirrels? Is there cognitive decline that’s causing anxiety? Start to log your observations and discuss your findings with your vet.

In fact, developing a close relationship with your vet is crucial as your dog ages. Pay attention to nutrition and bloodwork. There are plenty of medicines the doctor can prescribe to alleviate some of the pain that comes with old age.

In chapter 5, Savoring the Sunset, the authors hold your hand as you walk with your senior through her final days to a good death. Yes, this subject can be difficult to discuss, but Callahan and St. Pierre pull readers along, treating this issue with respect, reverence, and reality.

So, although our sweet dogs don’t live forever, we can make the most of their precious time with us. Old Dog, New Dog is an incredible resource full of helpful advice, actionable tips, and personal encouragement in caring for your beloved dog at every age.

Kathy Callahan and Helen St. Pierre are certified professional dog trainers and family dog mediators. Learn more about Callahan’s puppy training business in Alexandria, VA, as well as her previous books,  at www.puppypicks.com. For St. Pierre’s businesses, visit www.olddogsgotohelen.com and https://nomonkeybusinessdogtraining.com/

Penny’s Story

We adopted Penny when she was 3 years old, and we all quickly fell madly in love. We enjoyed 12 years with this sweet soul who enriched our family and taught us all a few lessons about patience, loyalty, and the importance of finding a warm spot to enjoy the sun.

As Penny aged, her legs weakened and the vet prescribed some pain meds, which helped a lot. Just as the authors advise in Old Dog, New Dog, we placed rugs down on our slippery floors and got a few more beds for her, as the couch and our beds were too high. She eventually developed the doggie version of Parkinson’s disease. Her hearing waned, she experienced a little dementia, and then the coughing started. An x-ray revealed probable lung cancer; that was when we knew it was time.

We turned to Lap of Love (https://www.lapoflove.com/) for in-home euthanasia, and I highly recommend this humane, compassionate, loving service that is also mentioned in the book. From the phone reps to Dr. Danielle Lewis, the hospice vet who gently guided Penny and us over her final threshold, we felt comforted and supported in seeing through this very difficult but necessary decision for our beloved family member.

Penny was surrounded by all five of us petting and caressing her. We gave her hugs and love and cheese. After receiving the sedative, Penny slowly fell asleep on her own bed, in her own home, with her own family. May we all have as peaceful an exit.

After reading Old Dog, New Dog, I found solace in looking at old photos of our sweet Penny. I’m so grateful for the time we enjoyed together.