For years, I’ve walked the very path you’re on — the endless devotion to animals, the sleepless nights, the heartache of loss, the weight of responsibility, and at times, the overwhelming feeling of burnout. As the founder and primary caretaker of Woody’s Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary, a trauma-informed grief counselor, and a lifelong animal advocate, I’ve seen both the incredible rewards and the heavy emotional cost that come with rescue work.

This course was born from my own experiences — not only from caring for countless senior dogs, but also from navigating the emotional ups and downs that so often go unspoken in our world of animal rescue and caregiving. I know what it feels like to give everything you have, to feel stretched too thin, and to quietly wonder if you can keep going.

You are not alone.

My hope is that this course gives you the tools, support, and gentle guidance you need to protect your own well-being while continuing to do the work you love. You deserve care and healing, too.

In addition to my hands-on experience, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University and certifications in both Trauma-Informed Therapy and Grief Counseling. These credentials, combined with my personal journey, allow me to offer not only compassion but also evidence-based tools and strategies to support your healing.

- Dawn Mimnaugh