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Old Dog, New Dog: Supporting Your Aging Best Friend and Welcoming a New One
From two revered experts, a concise guide to caring for a beloved senior dog and skillfully introducing a puppy to the household in a way that allows both dogs to flourish.
It’s a natural As dog owners watch their canine best friend age, they think about getting a puppy, hoping that the new pup will be influenced by the older dog while softening the inevitable loss. But is that the right step? Supporting an aging dog who’s declining while attending to the demands of a puppy presents unique challenges. Can both be done well at the same time?
In this first-of-its-kind guide, senior dog expert Helen St. Pierre and puppy expert Kathy Callahan have come together to help dog lovers answer this question and navigate the terrain with joy and compassion. Old Dog, New Dog is the singular resource that can guide people to good decisions and great care of dogs both young and old. Listeners will
critical points to consider when deciding whether it’s the right time to add a puppy
suggestions for how to best manage the most difficult aspects of a household with both a senior dog and a puppy
guidance on what changes to expect as time goes by
practical tips for assessing an older dog’s well-being and keeping them comfortable and safe
an overview of puppyhood basics—a glimpse into the realities of adding a puppy to the family
key considerations for the painful decision of when it’s time to say goodbye to an old friend
Designed to be listened to and digested quickly, this concise book guides listeners through a common but rarely covered scenario, empowering them to navigate it with confidence and grace.
It’s a natural As dog owners watch their canine best friend age, they think about getting a puppy, hoping that the new pup will be influenced by the older dog while softening the inevitable loss. But is that the right step? Supporting an aging dog who’s declining while attending to the demands of a puppy presents unique challenges. Can both be done well at the same time?
In this first-of-its-kind guide, senior dog expert Helen St. Pierre and puppy expert Kathy Callahan have come together to help dog lovers answer this question and navigate the terrain with joy and compassion. Old Dog, New Dog is the singular resource that can guide people to good decisions and great care of dogs both young and old. Listeners will
critical points to consider when deciding whether it’s the right time to add a puppy
suggestions for how to best manage the most difficult aspects of a household with both a senior dog and a puppy
guidance on what changes to expect as time goes by
practical tips for assessing an older dog’s well-being and keeping them comfortable and safe
an overview of puppyhood basics—a glimpse into the realities of adding a puppy to the family
key considerations for the painful decision of when it’s time to say goodbye to an old friend
Designed to be listened to and digested quickly, this concise book guides listeners through a common but rarely covered scenario, empowering them to navigate it with confidence and grace.
Audible Audio
Published June 24, 2025
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About the author
Kathy Callahan
10 books7 followersKathy Callahan specializes in puppies. She's certified as a dog trainer (CPDT-KA) and a family dog mediator (FDM), and her business (PupStart) is focused on puppyhood coaching. Kathy and her family have fostered more than 200 puppies in the past decade.
In addition to her two books, Kathy writes monthly on training and behavior for the Whole Dog Journal. The podcast Pick of the Litter is Kathy’s newest effort to help people and their dogs live more happily together.
Kathy lives in Alexandria, VA with her husband Tom. They’re technically empty-nesters now since their grown daughters have moved on, but the house is still very active thanks to the four family members who were foster-fails: Mojo the German Shepherd mix, George the Great Pyrenees mix, Kreacher the chow mix and Mr. Bojangles, the best cat in the world.
In addition to her two books, Kathy writes monthly on training and behavior for the Whole Dog Journal. The podcast Pick of the Litter is Kathy’s newest effort to help people and their dogs live more happily together.
Kathy lives in Alexandria, VA with her husband Tom. They’re technically empty-nesters now since their grown daughters have moved on, but the house is still very active thanks to the four family members who were foster-fails: Mojo the German Shepherd mix, George the Great Pyrenees mix, Kreacher the chow mix and Mr. Bojangles, the best cat in the world.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 2, 2025
Great book. I learned a lot about my new puppy and the aging process. It is a very thoughtful, beautiful book, filled with love and compassion.
Displaying 1 of 1 review