The Whole Pack

In this episode of The Whole Pack, Melissa and Sunny dive into money mindset in the holistic pet space and why so many practitioners struggle to charge what they’re worth.They explore how undercharging, overgiving, and scarcity thinking lead to burnout, and why helping animals and making money are not opposites.This conversation covers:* the real reason caregivers undervalue their work* how pricing impacts your energy, clients, and sustainability* why financial stability is essential to helping more animals* and how to shift from scarcity into a more supportive mindsetIf you’ve ever felt guilty charging for your work, this episode will challenge that and offer a different way forward.Timestamps02:26 Undercharging + Overdelivering05:11 Value of Your Work09:35 Boundaries + Overgiving13:01 Burnout + Financial Stress15:17 Sustainable Pricing21:31 Shifting Into Service24:20 Client Alignment30:10 Rethinking MoneyDisclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian or a qualified professional regarding your animal’s health.If you enjoyed this conversation, consider subscribing to The Whole Pack on Substack or wherever you listen to podcasts.Follow The Whole Pack: Instagram: @thewholepack_Facebook: @thewholepackYouTube: @thewholepackConnect with the hosts:Melissa Sherman – Calming Creek Website: calmingcreek.comInstagram: @calmingcreekhealingSunny Gandara – Nacho Average Dog Health CoachWebsite: nachoaveragedoghealthcoach.comInstagram: @nachoaveragedoghealthcoach This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewholepack.substack.com

In this episode of The Whole Pack, Melissa and Sunny dive into imposter syndrome - how it shows up in the holistic pet space and why it doesn’t magically disappear with more experience.From second-guessing yourself during sessions to feeling like you’re not qualified enough, they unpack the common patterns many practitioners face, especially in work that requires intuition, emotional presence, and trust.They explore how imposter syndrome is often rooted in fear, perfectionism, and the pressure to prove yourself, and why it can lead to over-preparing, undercharging, and holding yourself back from opportunities.00:33 What Imposter Syndrome Feels Like01:34 Why It Shows Up (Even With Experience)03:05 Women, Confidence + Conditioning08:30 Perfectionism as Procrastination12:00 Letting Go of Comparison13:30 Tools to Move Through Fear21:00 Finding Your People24:00 What We Wish We Knew27:00 Intuitive Work + TrustDisclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian or a qualified professional regarding your animal’s health.If you enjoyed this conversation, consider subscribing to The Whole Pack on Substack or wherever you listen to podcasts.Follow The Whole Pack:Instagram: @thewholepack_Facebook: @thewholepackYouTube: @thewholepackConnect with the hosts:Melissa Sherman – Calming CreekWebsite: calmingcreek.comInstagram: @calmingcreekhealingSunny Gandara – Nacho Average Dog Health CoachWebsite: nachoaveragedoghealthcoach.comInstagram: @nachoaveragedoghealthcoach This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewholepack.substack.com

In this episode of The Whole Pack, Melissa and Sunny explore compassion fatigue. The quiet, cumulative burnout that can happen when you’re constantly holding space for animals and the people who love them.Whether you’re a veterinarian, vet tech, rescue worker, pet health coach, or animal communicator, the emotional weight of this work can build over time, especially when self-care falls to the bottom of the list.They walk through the subtle, and not-so-subtle, signs of compassion fatigue, including irritability, impatience, avoidance, emotional numbness, physical exhaustion, negative self-talk, and imposter syndrome. They also unpack why it happens, how repeated exposure to stress and trauma, combined with the pressure to stay “professional,” can quietly disconnect you from yourself.A powerful story of a veterinarian moving from euthanasia directly into a puppy visit highlights the emotional whiplash many professionals experience and the importance of extending compassion not just to animals and clients, but to ourselves.This conversation offers grounded, practical ways to both prevent and recover from burnout, including setting boundaries, creating supportive routines, prioritizing rest and nutrition, and incorporating simple nervous system resets like movement, breath, sound, and time in nature. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, disconnected, or questioning your capacity, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone and there are ways to come back to yourself.01:42 Signs of Compassion Fatigue04:05 Shelter Trauma + Emotional Detachment05:38 Why It Happens + Self-Compassion09:13 From Loss to Puppy Visit (Real-Life Vet Story)12:38 Guilt + The Pressure of Being “On”13:36 Quick Resets + Supportive Self-Care17:55 Daily Routines to Prevent Burnout20:27 Community, Empathy + Shared Experience24:41 Boundaries, Rates + Resentment 27:47 Wrap Up Time Off and Listener Qs Enjoying the podcast? Follow, share, and leave a review, it helps more people find The Whole Pack and supports the work we’re doing. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian or a qualified professional regarding your animal’s health.Follow The Whole Pack:Instagram: @thewholepack_Facebook: @thewholepackYouTube: @thewholepackConnect with the hosts:Melissa Sherman – Calming CreekWebsite: calmingcreek.comInstagram: @calmingcreekhealingSunny Gandara – Nacho Average Dog Health CoachWebsite: nachoaveragedoghealthcoach.comInstagram: @nachoaveragedoghealthcoach This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewholepack.substack.com

In this episode of The Whole Pack, Melissa and Sunny explore the growing divide between conventional veterinary medicine and holistic pet care, and how pets and their guardians often end up caught in the middle.They unpack how social media, unvetted advice, and ego-driven messaging can amplify confusion, leaving pet parents overwhelmed and unsure who to trust. The conversation highlights key contributors to this divide, including industry influence in veterinary education, inconsistent standards in holistic certifications, and branding that positions practitioners as “anti-vet” or “anti-holistic.”Rather than choosing sides, Melissa and Sunny advocate for a more integrated approach. They emphasize the importance of diagnostics like blood work alongside nutrition, lifestyle, and holistic support, and encourage practitioners to stay within their scope while continuing to learn and collaborate.Sunny shares a real-life example of building a successful partnership with her veterinarian, Dr. Michelle, illustrating how coordinated care, clear communication, and mutual respect can lead to better outcomes, including the management of a complex IBD case.This episode is a call to shift out of competition and into collaboration. Whether you’re a veterinarian or a holistic practitioner, the invitation is simple: start conversations, build relationships, and focus on what truly matters, supporting the animal.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:* Why pets and their guardians often feel stuck between conflicting advice* The role of social media in spreading confusion and misinformation* How ego and “tribalism” impact pet care decisions* The gaps and strengths on both the veterinary and holistic sides* Why diagnostics and holistic support work best together* How to build trust and collaborate across disciplines* A real-world example of integrative care in action* Practical ways practitioners can begin working togetherEnjoyed this episode? We’d love your support. Follow, share, and leave a review to help more people find The Whole Pack.01:47 Social Media Misinformation03:09 Why The Divide Exists05:22 Credentials And Collaboration13:39 Building Vet Partnerships18:22 Professional Collaboration Tips20:21 Beyond Vets Working Together23:42 Call To CollaborateDisclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian or a qualified professional regarding your animal’s health.If you enjoyed this conversation, consider subscribing to The Whole Pack on Substack or wherever you listen to podcasts.Follow The Whole Pack:Instagram: @thewholepack_Facebook: @thewholepackYouTube: @thewholepackConnect with the hosts:Melissa Sherman – Calming CreekWebsite: calmingcreek.comInstagram: @calmingcreekhealingSunny Gandara – Nacho Average Dog Health CoachWebsite: nachoaveragedoghealthcoach.comInstagram: @nachoaveragedoghealthcoach This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewholepack.substack.com

Finding Balance Between Natural and Conventional CareIn episode four of The Whole Pack, Sunny and Melissa define holistic as focusing on complete systems rather than only symptoms, then discuss how “holistic” is often mistaken for “all-natural” and becomes dogmatic. They contrast conventional Western medicine’s symptom-focused approach with holistic practice’s root-cause focus, using examples like chronic ear infections improved through diet changes and supplements, while acknowledging acute crises may require pharmaceuticals or antibiotics. They address fear of side effects, misuse of long-term drugs (e.g., NSAIDs, steroids), and cases where medication is necessary, such as hypothyroidism or antibiotic-resistant MRSP. They advocate an integrative approach, using the right tool for the right situation, supporting the body alongside medications, staying flexible with client constraints, and prioritizing the animal’s comfort and long-term health.00:00 Holistic Isn’t Holy00:42 What Holistic Means02:27 Natural vs Synthetic Debate03:55 Acute vs Chronic Care05:15 Western Medicine Limits07:44 Ear Infection Case Study10:00 Side Effects and Fear11:07 When Drugs Are Necessary13:13 Proper Drug Use16:33 Integrative Medicine Explained19:56 Talking to Extreme ClientsDisclaimer:This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian or a qualified professional regarding your animal’s health.If you enjoyed this conversation, consider subscribing to The Whole Pack on Substack or wherever you listen to podcasts.Follow The Whole Pack:Instagram: @thewholepack_Facebook: @thewholepackYouTube: @thewholepackConnect with the hosts:Melissa Sherman – Calming CreekWebsite: calmingcreek.comInstagram: @calmingcreekhealingSunny Gandara – Nacho Average Dog Health CoachWebsite: nachoaveragedoghealthcoach.comInstagram: @nachoaveragedoghealthcoach This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewholepack.substack.com

In episode three of The Whole Pack, holistic pet health practitioners Sunny Gandara and Melissa Sherman discuss “Disagreement with Grace” and why black-and-white thinking in pet health shuts down learning and overwhelms pet parents.Using vaccination, heartworm prevention, and nutrition as examples, they emphasize assessing each animal’s individual needs, staying curious, and meeting clients where they are without shaming or fearmongering.Sunny shares a “cautiously minimal” vaccination approach that supports core puppy vaccines, avoids automatic yearly revaccination, and favors titer testing where possible, while still helping clients who choose different paths by focusing on risk reduction and supportive care.They explore red flags for unhealthy disagreement, including emotional reactivity, refusal to listen, and personal attacks, and encourage intellectual humility, integrative thinking, and ongoing openness to new research.00:00 Welcome to The Whole Pack00:33 Episode Three Setup00:51 Why Nuance Matters02:20 Vaccines Without Dogma05:06 Supporting Client Choices09:15 Helping Parents Find Middle12:04 Nutrition on a Budget14:36 Stay Curious Stay Humble18:38 Healthy vs Unhealthy Disagree20:25 Listener Questions and TakeawaysDisclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian or a qualified professional regarding your animal’s health.If you enjoyed this conversation, consider subscribing to The Whole Pack on Substack or wherever you listen to podcasts.Follow The Whole Pack:Instagram: @thewholepack_Facebook: @thewholepackYouTube: @thewholepackConnect with the hosts:Melissa Sherman – Calming CreekWebsite: calmingcreek.comInstagram: @calmingcreekhealingSunny Gandara – Nacho Average Dog Health CoachWebsite: nachoaveragedoghealthcoach.comInstagram: @nachoaveragedoghealthcoach This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewholepack.substack.com

In Episode 2, Sunny Gandara and Melissa Sherman discuss bioindividuality in holistic pet health and why one-size-fits-all protocols (even “natural” ones), can harm pets.They share examples of common blanket recommendations, including lifelong probiotics and switching all dogs to raw food, noting cases where probiotics worsened diarrhea and a senior dog with IBS improved only after moving from raw to gently cooked meals.They define holistic care as addressing the whole animal and root causes, considering nutrition, lifestyle, household and guardian energy, and TCVM constitutional patterns and food energetics.They emphasize listening to pet parents, tracking symptoms, staying flexible, and adjusting plans when something isn’t working, including stepping back to what was stable. They also support integrating conventional veterinary diagnostics and short-term medications when needed to prevent suffering, and preview episode three on disagreeing with grace.00:00 Welcome and Episode Setup00:59 Why Cookie Cutter Fails01:55 Probiotic Protocol Pitfalls03:07 Raw vs Cooked Reality05:05 What Holistic Care Means07:49 Bioindividuality Explained09:42 Listening and Holding Space11:01 Stay Flexible and Humble13:38 When Plans Aren’t Working15:44 Integrative Vet Partnership17:18 Discernment Not Social MediaDisclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian or a qualified professional regarding your animal’s health.If you enjoyed this conversation, consider subscribing to The Whole Pack on Substack or wherever you listen to podcasts.Follow The Whole Pack:Instagram: @thewholepack_Facebook: @thewholepackYouTube: @thewholepackConnect with the hosts:Melissa Sherman – Calming CreekWebsite: calmingcreek.comInstagram: @calmingcreekhealingSunny Gandara – Nacho Average Dog Health CoachWebsite: nachoaveragedoghealthcoach.comInstagram: @nachoaveragedoghealthcoach This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewholepack.substack.com

In the first episode of The Whole Pack podcast, holistic pet health practitioners Sunny Gandara and Melissa Sherman introduce their judgment-free space for challenging black-and-white thinking in pet care and supporting a truly integrative approach that can include western medicine when needed.They share how polarization and confusion in the holistic pet health world inspired them to create a community focused on the individual animal rather than rigid “right vs. wrong” protocols.Sunny recounts her 20-year career as a chef and how losing her dog Nacho to hemangiosarcoma led her into canine nutrition, TCVM, herbalism, and developing her concert of “parallel nutrition” for humans and dogs.Melissa describes leaving a 20-year financial services career, finding Reiki for anxiety, and being shaped by experiences with her cat Jolie and dog Denny that expanded her work into nutrition, homeopathy, animal communication, and energy modalities.They preview episode two on bio-individuality and why cookie-cutter protocols can harm, and close with an educational disclaimer to consult veterinarians.00:00 Welcome to Whole Pack00:42 Why This Podcast Exists02:23 Sunny’s Chef Roots03:43 Nacho’s Wake Up Call04:53 Training and Parallel Nutrition06:46 From Overwhelm to Results08:10 What Keeps Sunny Going10:03 Melissa’s Wall Street Past11:15 Reiki and Energy Work12:58 Jolie and Denny Lessons15:56 Leaping Into Full Time18:37 What’s NextDisclaimer:This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian or a qualified professional regarding your animal’s health.If you enjoyed this conversation, consider subscribing to The Whole Pack on Substack or wherever you listen to podcasts.Follow The Whole Pack:Instagram: @thewholepack_Facebook: @thewholepackYouTube: @thewholepackConnect with the hosts:Melissa Sherman – Calming CreekWebsite: calmingcreek.comInstagram: @calmingcreekhealingSunny Gandara – Nacho Average Dog Health CoachWebsite: nachoaveragedoghealthcoach.comInstagram: @nachoaveragedoghealthcoach This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewholepack.substack.com

Sunny Gandara and Melissa Sherman introduce The Whole Pack, a new podcast launching March 17, created as a judgment-free space for holistic pet and animal professionals to have open, respectful conversations that move beyond black-and-white thinking.They discuss how competition, scarcity mindset, and social media fanatics can lead to bullying and ego-driven conflict that ultimately harms the animals they aim to help. Emphasizing mind-body-spirit foundations, they invite diverse viewpoints, including disagreement, and highlight that different protocols can help different animals with the same diagnosis.The hosts also underscore collaboration, finding your voice, and supporting quieter practitioners so the community can share resources, experiences, and success stories. Listeners are encouraged to follow on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe wherever they get podcasts, and suggest future topics.00:00 Welcome to The Whole Pack00:40 Podcast Launch and Mission01:03 Why Nuance Matters03:30 Scarcity and Bullying Culture04:16 Back to Holistic Basics05:25 Finding Your Voice Together07:16 Collaboration and Community08:24 Launch Date and How to Join08:52 Final Thanks and Share This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewholepack.substack.com