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 Pack
00:33 Episode Three Setup
00:51 Why Nuance Matters
02:20 Vaccines Without Dogma
05:06 Supporting Client Choices
09:15 Helping Parents Find Middle
12:04 Nutrition on a Budget
14:36 Stay Curious Stay Humble
18:38 Healthy vs Unhealthy Disagree
20:25 Listener Questions and Takeaways
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.
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Instagram: @thewholepack_
Facebook: @thewholepack
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Connect with the hosts:
Melissa Sherman – Calming Creek
Website: calmingcreek.com
Instagram: @calmingcreekhealing
Sunny Gandara – Nacho Average Dog Health Coach
Website: nachoaveragedoghealthcoach.com
Instagram: @nachoaveragedoghealthcoach
