Old Dog, New Dog

Supporting Your Aging Best Friend and Welcoming a New One

By: Helen St. Pierre, Kathy Callahan

From two revered experts, a concise guide to caring for a beloved elder dog and gracefully introducing a new dog to the household while keeping the peace, establishing harmony, and allowing both dogs to flourish

It’s a natural impulse: 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 find:

• 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.

©2025 Kathy Callahan and Helen St. Pierre (P)2025 Recorded Books