About
Your dog has given you their whole life. Their best years, their silliest moments, their unconditional welcome at the door. Now the muzzle is turning gray, the naps are getting longer, and sometimes you catch them staring at a wall, or pacing at two in the morning, and you wonder: what is happening inside that beloved head? You are not imagining it. When researchers at the University of Sydney surveyed the owners of nearly 500 older dogs, they estimated that 14.2% had canine cognitive dysfunction, often called doggy dementia. Only 1.9% had ever been diagnosed. Most families simply never knew. Graceful Aging is a free, nine-lesson course about the part of senior dog care that most guides leave out: the mind, the heart and the meaning of these final chapters together. Every lesson is grounded in real veterinary research, explained in plain English, and filled with simple things you can do this week. What you will learn: • The 6 quiet DISHAA signs of canine dementia, and why catching them early matters • Why old dogs lose their nights, what sundowning is, and the calm daily routine that helps • How to tell grumpiness from pain, and the simple pause test that lets your dog say yes or no to your touch • Science-backed brain games for old dogs, arranged as an easy 8-rung ladder you can start tonight • Why sniff walks and good company may matter more to your dog's health than money • How to build a joy list, a good-days calendar and a bucket list that makes every day count • The HHHHHMM quality-of-life scale used by veterinarians, explained step by step • What really happens at goodbye, how to prepare children, and how your other pets may grieve • How to cope with grief, why it can hurt so much, and how love continues after loss Who this course is for: This course is for anyone who shares their life with an older dog, whether your friend is just starting to slow down, living with dementia, or nearing the end of a long and well-loved life. It is also for anyone who has already said goodbye and is looking for understanding and a place to remember. What you will walk away with: A clear understanding of your senior dog's changing mind. Practical tools you can use every day. Calm, honest answers to the hardest questions. And the confidence that, whatever comes, you will meet it with love and without regret. This course focuses on the mind and the heart. For the physical side of aging, including health checks, mobility, nutrition and medications, see our companion program on senior dog care. Nothing here replaces your veterinarian, who should always guide diagnosis and treatment. The years you have left together are precious. Let's make them graceful.
You can also join this program via the mobile app. Go to the app