• Cover of Your Dog's Golden Years, A Manual for Senior Dog Care

    New senior dog care book is dedicated to The Grey Muzzle Organization

    Grey Muzzle Advisory Board member Jennifer Kachnic, CCMT, CRP, has announced the release of her new book, Your Dog's Golden Years, and dedicated the book to The Grey Muzzle Organization. 

    Ms. Kachnic, who is the owner of Canine Wellness, LLC in Colorado, assembled 20 canine experts from around the country to cover the stages of aging. They share therapies, treatments and simple techniques for the senior dog that embrace both veterinary and holistic practices. The physical aspects of aging are covered, including advice such as exactly which lab tests to ask your vet for. The book also dives deeply into the psychological aspects of caring for a senior dog, including dealing with anticipatory grief and loss. Doug Koktavy, best-selling author of The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer, and a certified counselor for the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, contributed a chapter on dealing with the loss of a pet.

    Contributors include several experts associated with The Grey Muzzle Organization. Dr. Fred Metzger of Metzger Animal Hospital, a Grey Muzzle Advisory Board member and adjunct professor at Penn State University, provided information on the importance of blood work for seniors. Dr. Brian Lapham of Southpoint Animal Hospital, and also an Advisory Board member, covers symptoms and prevention of the most common senior medical issues. Dr. Susan Lauten, Advisory Board Member and owner of Pet Nutrition Consulting, contributed senior nutrition and supplement guidelines. And Sherri Franklin, executive director of Muttville in San Francisco, wrote the chapter on the benefits of adopting a senior dog. Muttville has received Grey Muzzle grants for their "Seniors-for-Seniors" programs since 2008.

    The book includes many suggestions for bonding with your senior dog. Julie Dudley, Grey Muzzle's founder, provided the book's introduction and believes, "As you delve into this book, you will feel less of a burden from the natural aging process of your dog, and more of the joy of exploring this stage together." Ms. Dudley also believes the book embodies one of Grey Muzzle's most important valuesWe believe dogs are not a disposable commodity; rather, they depend on us to care for them through all stages of their lives.

    In addition to dedicating the book to The Grey Muzzle Organization, Ms. Katchnic will be donating a portion of the proceeds to Grey Muzzle and senior dog rescues around the country. She states, "No other book on dog care contains the accumulated knowledge and experience of this group who dedicate their lives to the betterment of senior dogs and their care."

    Book information

    Your Dog’s Golden Years – Manual for Senior Dog Care
    Including Natural Remedies and Complementary Options
    Jennifer Kachnic, CCMT, CRP
    ISBN: 9789-0-9847065-1-8
    Available through Amazon, local bookstores, and online retailers