Woody's Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary

06/15/2026

Everyone loves a puppy. They're cute, cuddly, fresh, and fun.

But eventually, puppies grow up, the newness wears off, and then you come to realize that having a dog is a responsibility.

Once you've already brought a dog into your home, that is NOT the time to ask yourself if you're really up for it or not.

When you bring a dog into your life, you will be responsible for the following:

* Proving a safe home
* Regular feedings
* Making sure he has clean water
* Socializing & training
* Routine health checkups/sick visits
* Grooming
* Play & exercising
* Cleaning up after him
* and most of all unconditionally loving for his lifetime

All of these responsibilities will happen every day and every year for the duration of your dog's life.

And in return, your dog will provide you with unwavering loyalty, unconditional love, companionship, pure joy, and a sense of purpose and dedication.

Dogs are truly a gift, but they are a lifetime responsibility. Even when they're old and gray, and having accidents in the house.

So please think long and hard before adding a dog to your life and really determine whether you are ready for that lifelong commitment.

Because you have a choice in what happens to them, and they don't.

06/14/2026

Sunday Morning Roll Double Feature 🎬

First up, Honey with her signature grass inspection technique.

Then Sashi stepped in and said, "Hold my ball, I've got this."

Same spot. Same enthusiasm. Zero dignity.

Just two happy dogs reminding us that sometimes the best part of life is finding the perfect patch of grass and rolling like nobody's watching.

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06/13/2026

Before you turn in tonight, please give this a read.If you want to extend your dog's life.

🥦 More fresh vegetables. Less cancer.

In a peer-reviewed study published in JAVMA, researchers at Purdue University found that dogs🐶 eating vegetables several times per week had dramatically lower rates of bladder cancer. The more vegetables🥦🥕 dogs ate, the lower their risk appeared to be, even though the vast majority of dogs in the study were eating predominantly dry kibble. The study remains one of the most influential and widely discussed pieces of research examining diet and cancer risk in dogs.

One of the most surprising findings was that vitamin supplements did not show the same protective association as whole vegetables.

Why does that matter?

Because nutrition is more than nutrients.💊

Whole foods contain thousands of naturally occurring compounds that work together in ways we still don’t fully understand. Fiber nourishes beneficial gut bacteria. Polyphenols help regulate inflammation. Carotenoids, flavonoids, glucosinolates, and other phytochemicals support detoxification, cellular repair, immune function, and healthy aging.

Many of these compounds are absent from synthetic vitamin premixes because they aren’t classified as essential nutrients, even though they may play important roles in long-term health.

Meeting minimum nutrient requirements may prevent deficiency. But thriving may require much more than simply adding isolated synthetic nutrients to an ultra-processed diet.

Real food delivers far more than what’s listed on a nutrition label.

06/12/2026

I finally did something I've been thinking about for a long time.

I started a Substack called Life Between Dog Walks.

For years, I've written about rescue, old dogs, and sanctuary life. This is different. It's a little more personal.

It's where I'll be writing about the farm, family, old dogs, home, the lessons life teaches us, and whatever else is on my mind that day.

My first essay is called Why I Started Writing Down the Things I Can't Seem to Leave Behind.

If you'd like to read it, I'll leave the link right here:
https://open.substack.com/pub/dawnmimnaugh/p/life-between-dog-walks?r=6ywnzv&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

06/11/2026

At Woody's Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary, we embrace the profound wisdom of the Golden Rule: treating others as we wish to be treated. This guiding principle shapes our interactions with every dog that steps through our doors, embracing a philosophy rooted in respect, kindness, and compassion. By considering the unique needs and personalities of each senior German Shepherd, we foster an environment where they can feel valued and cherished rather than discarded or forgotten.

Imagine a world where animals are not merely companions but respected members of the family; this is the ethos that propels our sanctuary forward. Every wagging tail and gentle nuzzle reminds us that love is universal. Through enrichment activities tailored to their abilities and quiet moments allowing them to simply exist in peace, we strive to elevate their golden years—the time when they deserve indulgence most.

06/10/2026

This past weekend was all about putting down roots.

We planted an orchard here and built a water catchment system to help keep the young trees thriving for years to come.

Of course, no project at the sanctuary happens without a committee of senior German Shepherd supervisors.

They wandered, inspected our work, offered moral support, and made sure everything was done to their standards.

It's one more step toward creating a beautiful, sustainable forever home for us and the dogs who call this place home.

Woody's Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary | Life With Old Dogs

06/09/2026

Woody's Place is more than just a sanctuary for older German Shepherds. It is a haven where these once-neglected and forgotten souls can rediscover the joys of life. For these majestic creatures, their golden years are spent in the care of Woody's Place, where they are surrounded by the love and attention that they so desperately deserve.

Although their time with us may be short, the impact that these beloved companions have on our lives is immeasurable. Their presence is eternally engraved in our hearts.

wpsgss.org

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06/09/2026

Life With Old Dogs Learning Moment

Today was a reminder that not every dog problem is actually a dog problem.

I was standing beside my van giving the dogs treats when Sasha suddenly started barking. A stranger had walked up behind me so closely that I didn't even know he was there until she alerted me. He then reached toward my vehicle without asking.

Thankfully, I stopped the situation before it went any further.

But it got me thinking: if Sasha had reacted differently and tried to bite him, how many people would have blamed the dog instead of asking why a stranger thought it was okay to walk up behind someone, invade their personal space, and reach into a vehicle uninvited?

Our dogs have boundaries too. Not every dog wants to be touched. Not every dog wants a stranger reaching into their space. And no one should assume they have the right to interact with someone else's dog without permission.

Today, Sasha reminded me that respect goes both ways.

06/08/2026

Older German Shepherds And Dental Issues. The Impact of Bad Teeth and Gums Goes Beyond The Mouth.

As our beloved German Shepherds age, it becomes increasingly important to pay attention to their dental health. While dental issues may seem like a minor concern compared to other age-related ailments, the impact of bad teeth and gums can extend far beyond just the mouth.

As knowledgeable dog owners, it is crucial for us to understand how neglected dental hygiene in older German Shepherds can lead to various health complications and affect their overall well-being. In this podcast, we will explore the significance of maintaining good oral health in these magnificent dogs and delve into the potential consequences that arise from ignoring their dental needs.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1771634/9926964-senior-german-shepherds-and-dental-issues-the-impact-of-bad-teeth-and-gums-goes-beyond-the-mouth.mp3?download=true

You can also check out the coinciding blog post here:
https://www.wpsgss.org/post/senior-german-shepherds-and-dental-issues-the-impact-of-bad-teeth-and-gums-goes-beyond-the-mouth

IG folks: links to the blog and podcast are in our profile.