Dominique Gruber had built everything she wanted: a mixed-animal veterinary practice in rural Montana co-owned with her husband, three kids, a team she loved, and a community that depended on her. Then everything shifted — not because of a decision she made, but because of a loss she didn't choose. What followed wasn't a planned pivot. It was survival, and then slowly, something unexpected: a clarity about what actually matters that she couldn't have found any other way.

In This Episode, host Sarah Jeanneault and Dominique unpack:

• How Dominique managed three simultaneous identities in the aftermath of loss — grieving mom, business owner keeping her team afloat, and solo decision-maker figuring out her financial limits — and how she learned to prioritize the most important three decisions and let everything else fall away
• Why she chose to accept help for the first time in her life, even though her instinct had always been to prove she didn't need it, and what finally made vulnerability feel like strength instead of weakness
• The decision to stop overthinking and let her gut lead: how she went from running late-night projections on every scenario to asking "what would a day feel like a year from now?" — and getting an immediate, visceral answer
• How Dominique sold the practice, moved her three kids from Montana back to Canada, chose Victoria on a feeling (having visited only twice), and describes it as the best decision she has ever made
• Her current chapter — "Grace and Space" — and the framework she now uses: identify what you're truly holding, give yourself permission to let the rest drop, and add back only what you can genuinely handle
• The role of somatic therapy in helping her recognize joy in her body in real time

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Life Is Short

00:37 - Meet Dominique

03:04 - Vet Career Origins

03:52 - Tragedy And Priorities

07:31 - Three Identities To Manage

12:14 - Growth Through Grief

14:15 - Stop Overthinking Decisions

18:31 - Redefining Success

22:16 - Somatic Joy Practices

25:04 - Future Goals And Balance

30:50 - Grace And Space

32:47 - Gut Check Debrief

44:28 - Closing and Final Takeaways

Dominique Gruber is a veterinary professional and mother of three who co-owned and operated a mixed-animal practice in rural Montana alongside her late husband for a decade, leading teams, supporting clients and patients, and building a meaningful life rooted in service and community. After his unexpected passing, she navigated grief, single parenthood, and the sale of their practice simultaneously — before relocating her family from Montana to Victoria, BC, a city she had visited only twice before choosing it entirely on instinct. She now works in veterinary consulting and safety leadership, and is building a life rooted in presence, boundaries, and what she calls grace and space — the practice of holding what truly matters and letting everything else go.

Connect with Dominique Gruber:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominique-gruber-4a296386/

Connect with Us!

http://www.whytotheway.com

Email: [email protected]

Instagram - Why To The Way

YouTube - Why To The Way

LinkedIn - Why To The Way

LinkedIn - Sarah Jeanneault

LinkedIn - Twisted Spur Media

This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd.

Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during Why To The Way Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sarah Jeanneault, Twisted Spur Media Ltd. and/or her affiliates. Sarah Jeanneault, Why To The Way Podcast, and Twisted Spur Media Ltd. are not responsible for and do not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.