In this episode of Rooted Tales by Rooted Owl, host Jeffrey Mendelson sits down with Dr. Nicole Leibman, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology)—veterinary oncologist and Chief Medical Officer of PAD—to explore how her personal journey of loss and compassion led to creating a new model of in-home veterinary nursing and hospice care.

Dr. Nicole shares how the heartbreaking loss of her childhood dog on Christmas day inspired her career in veterinary oncology and, ultimately, her mission to help pets and families face illness and end-of-life with dignity. Together, Jeffrey and Nicole dive into the realities of pet cancer, the myths around diagnostics, and how PAD is bridging critical gaps in modern veterinary care.

Through stories of post-surgical recoveries, families navigating tough decisions, and pets finding peace in their final days, this conversation reveals the power of empathy, innovation, and home-centered care.

Why Fine-Needle Aspirates Don’t Spread Cancer: Dr. Nicole debunks one of the most common and damaging myths in veterinary oncology.

The Role of PAD in Veterinary Care: How in-home nursing supports pets, relieves overburdened clinics, and gives families peace of mind.

Facing End-of-Life Decisions with Compassion: Why dignity in dying is one of the greatest gifts pet parents can give—and how PAD helps them through it.

The Power of Veterinary Technicians: PAD empowers nurses and technicians to practice at the top of their skill set, strengthening the entire care ecosystem.

COVID’s Lasting Impact on Veterinary Medicine: The pandemic revealed deep cracks in accessibility and burnout—PAD is one solution offering relief.

Exploring CBD and Telehealth in Oncology: Where alternative modalities fit today, and where more research is needed.

✅ Misdiagnosis myths can harm pets—education saves lives

✅ In-home nursing bridges the gap between clinics and families

✅ Veterinary technicians are the backbone of compassionate care

✅ Dignity in death is just as important as quality in life

✅ Innovation in vet med starts with empathy and real-world need

If you’ve ever faced a pet’s cancer diagnosis, struggled with end-of-life decisions, or wondered how veterinary medicine can better support families, this episode is essential listening. Dr. Nicole brings warmth, honesty, and forward-thinking solutions to some of the hardest moments pet parents face.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nicole-leibman

Know a pet parent, vet, or animal care professional?

Share this episode and help normalize safe, science-backed cannabis education in animal wellness.

In this episode of Rooted Tales by Rooted Owl, host Jeffrey Mendelson sits down with Dr. Trina Hazzah—integrative veterinarian, cannabis educator, and founder of Green Nile and the Veterinary Cannabis Society. Together, they unpack the evolving science, stigma, and incredible healing potential of cannabis in animal care.

Dr. Trina shares how her pivot from conventional veterinary oncology led her into the world of plant medicine, where she now helps pets—and their people—navigate cannabis safely and effectively. From formulating Rooted Owl’s CBD oil to advocating for national policy change, Dr. Trina’s mission is rooted in science, compassion, and responsible education.

Through real stories of anxious dogs transformed, chihuahuas finding peace, and rescues finally adopted, this episode makes one thing clear: cannabis, when used wisely, can be a powerful bridge to healing.

Why You Shouldn’t Just Walk Into a Dispensary:

Dr. Trina explains why human-grade cannabis products can be dangerous for pets—and why bartenders shouldn’t be giving veterinary advice.

The Science Behind Cannabis Formulation:

From terpenes to cannabinoids, Dr. Trina breaks down how she developed Rooted Owl’s CBD formula based on scientific research and holistic safety.

The Transformational Stories of Walter and Ruben:

Hear how two rescue dogs overcame anxiety and trauma through a combination of cannabis and compassionate care—and eventually no longer needed it.

The Birth of the Veterinary Cannabis Society:

Created out of frustration with legal gray areas and lack of education, Dr. Trina’s nonprofit offers unbiased resources, advocacy, and practitioner directories for vets and pet parents alike.

How Cannabis Can Be Used Preventatively:

Cannabis isn’t just for emergencies—Dr. Trina shares when and how it can help regulate inflammation, anxiety, and neurological imbalance before serious issues arise.

Balancing East and West in Pet Care:

From vaccines to nutrition to cannabis, Dr. Trina emphasizes the power of integrative medicine—where science meets soul, and prevention meets purpose.

✅ Cannabis is powerful—but must be used under expert guidance

✅ Anxiety, trauma, and pain can all be addressed holistically

✅ Healing is possible—even for pets with tough pasts

✅ Education is the bridge between fear and informed care

✅ The future of veterinary medicine includes balance, integration, and compassion

Listen Now:

If you’ve ever been curious about cannabis for pets—or want to hear from one of the most respected voices in the space—this episode is essential listening. Dr. Trina Hazzah brings humor, heart, and unmatched knowledge to a misunderstood field.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Connect with Dr. Trina Hazzah:

• Website: greennile.org
• Veterinary Cannabis Society: veterinarycannabissociety.org
• Instagram: @dr.trinahazzah
• Email: contact@greennile.org

Know a pet parent, vet, or animal care professional?

Share this episode and help normalize safe, science-backed cannabis education in animal wellness.

In this episode of Rooted Tales by Rooted Owl, host Jeffrey Mendelson sits down with Alex Varney, Vice President of Operations at Pinnacle Pets and founder of Considerably Bold. Together, they dive into the emotional toll of running a pet care facility, navigating client red flags, and the burnout that comes when your heart outpaces your limits.

Alex opens up about the realities behind the front desk—from managing anxious dogs and difficult owners to the impossible expectations placed on small teams. She shares a raw story of having to turn away a dog for safety reasons—only to be accused of lacking faith. That turning point led her to reimagine how she could stay in the industry without sacrificing her wellbeing.

What started as a conference talk submission became Considerably Bold, a budding community-driven initiative that helps pet care professionals avoid burnout, create healthier operations, and find purpose through support—not isolation.

From firm boundaries to heartfelt business, this conversation is for anyone who’s ever loved animals so much it hurt.

When Compassion Isn’t Enough:

Alex walks through a high-stakes situation where kindness toward an aggressive dog wasn’t enough—and why ethical care sometimes means saying “no.”

The Burnout Behind the Business:

Long hours, emotional labor, and leadership without support led Alex to a breaking point—and ultimately a new way forward.

Why Boundaries Are an Act of Care:

Saying no to unsafe clients or situations isn’t failure—it’s protection for staff, pets, and the integrity of care.

The Birth of Considerably Bold:

Alex shares how her burnout turned into a mission to help others thrive—through conference speaking, peer resources, and community connection.

Building Pet Care Community Beyond Facebook Groups:

From veterinarians to local treat makers, Alex explains how real-world partnerships keep her business resilient and community-first.

Helping Others Step Out of the Day-to-Day:

Alex shares why owners working every shift aren’t building a business—they’re building exhaustion. And how stepping back can mean moving forward.

✅ Pet care burnout is real—and often invisible

✅ Ethical care sometimes requires difficult conversations

✅ Saying no can be the most compassionate choice

✅ Community over competition is how the industry grows

✅ Small businesses thrive when supported by local partnerships

✅ You don’t have to run the business and be the business

Listen Now:

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to do it all—or want a more sustainable path in the pet care world—this episode offers honesty, hope, and practical insight. Alex Varney is here to say: you’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to be this hard.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Connect with Alex Varney:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alex-m-varney-72a02a70
• Email: alex@pinnaclets.com
• Website: https://pinnaclepets.com/

Know someone in the pet care industry?

Share this episode to help normalize healthy boundaries, emotional support, and peer...