The Deepest Kind of Love with Mandy Boutelle

Welcome to Beers & Biscuits - a Dogcast for the rest of us! In this conversation, Mandy Boutelle (The Leashed Mind Podcast and Woof Cultr Clothing) shares her experience of adopting a senior dog and the challenges she faced with his separation anxiety and cognitive dysfunction. The conversation highlights the lack of research and diagnosis for canine cognitive dysfunction and the need for more awareness and support for dog guardians dealing with this condition. This episode covers topics such as assessing quality of life and the challenges of caregiving and the effects on mental health. The conversation delves into the mental burden of caregiver burnout and the feelings of guilt and failure that can arise. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the aftermath of caregiving and the doubts and guilt that caregivers may experience. The conversation highlights the need to normalize emotions and the importance of seeking support during difficult times. The hosts also share their favorite smells and dog names, adding a lighthearted touch to the conversation - a reminder of the importance of finding levity in heavy subjects. Episode Takeaways Adopting a senior dog can be a rewarding experience, but it may come with challenges we aren't always prepared for Canine cognitive dysfunction, similar to human Alzheimer's disease, affects a significant percentage of senior dogs There is a lack of research and diagnosis for canine cognitive dysfunction, leading to difficulties in managing and treating the condition Recognizing the signs and symptoms of cognitive decline is crucial for early intervention and management It is important to have a supportive network of professionals, including veterinarians and behaviorists, who understand and can address the unique needs of dogs with CCDS Arm yourself with information and resources to better understand and address the needs of senior dogs The importance of finding joy in the positive aspects of caring for senior dogs and cherish the memories created with them Acknowledge the mental burden of caregiver burnout and prioritize self-care Mandy is the co-founder & designer of Woof Cultr, an online apparel company focused on celebrating humane training methods. When she isn't doing Woof Cultr work, Mandy continues to help R+ businesses tap into their true identity and connect with their audience in a meaningful way as the brand strategist for @digiwoof. Of course, as a true creative professional with ADHD, Mandy also hosts The Leashed Mind Podcast, by using her background as a dog pro and small business owner that didn't prioritize her own mental health within her businesses. We hope you enjoyed the conversation and please don’t forget to give your dog a biscuit from us. Until next time. Where you can find us:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @beers.biscuits⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thetimelessdog⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@peterpiper_pickel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Ideas, Questions, Comments – Email us: ⁠⁠[email protected]