Tails of Truth: The Truth about Veterinary Medicine

Tell Us What You Think

📖 Summary

In this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and JoJo dive into Colorado’s Proposition 129, which introduces the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA)—also called mid-level practitioners. They unpack what this new role means for veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and pet parents, and share concerns about the adequacy of training, increased liability, and corporate influence in veterinary medicine. With real talk and candid reflections, they emphasize why pet parents must ask more questions than ever about who is providing care for their animals. This conversation highlights both the challenges and the unknowns ahead as Colorado becomes the testing ground for a controversial shift in veterinary care.

Learn more about the VPA program launching at CSU here. 

📌 Key Takeaways

• Proposition 129 introduces mid-level practitioners (VPAs) into veterinary care in Colorado.
• VPAs will have significantly less training than veterinarians but may still perform surgeries.
• Veterinary nurses fear being sidelined, further straining an already burned-out workforce.
• Corporate veterinary practices may benefit more than small, independent clinics.
• Pet parents must advocate for their animals by asking who is overseeing their pet’s care.
• Liability concerns for veterinarians will likely increase with VPAs practicing under their licenses.
• The curriculum raises red flags with heavy online coursework and limited hands-on training.
• The veterinary profession is already in crisis, and this law does not address root problems.
• Other states may use Colorado as a case study before adopting (or rejecting) similar laws.
• The future of veterinary care may look drastically different as these roles are implemented.

🎧 Sound Bites

“No one’s happy about it.” ~Dr. Angie~

“I don’t want someone else to spay a dog or a cat under my license. I’m so uncomfortable with that.” ~Dr. Angie~

“As a veterinary nurse, I feel underutilized in my role. And this makes it worse.” ~JoJo~

“Instead of elevating veterinary nurses, this just left them behind.” ~Dr. Angie~

“Maybe it will benefit rural clinics… but right now, I’m concerned for pet parents.” ~JoJo~

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Tell Us What You Think

✏️ Summary

In this unplanned, unscripted episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and JoJo ditch the veterinary agenda (sort of...there's still quite a bit of veterinary talk) and just… chat. From surprise pet stories to what’s happening in their personal lives, this one’s full of laughter, tangents, and those “oh my gosh, same” moments.

You’ll hear about what’s been going on in their lives, what’s unfolding in the business, and a few comical detours along the way. You’ll also hear a few behind-the-scenes confessions and the kind of everyday moments that don’t usually make it into polished veterinary content.

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re sitting in on the breakroom conversation at your vet’s office, this is the episode to queue up. Whether you’re here for the veterinary talk, the laughs, or just to feel like you’re part of the conversation, this episode is a cozy one. Grab your coffee or matcha and join us. 

✅ Key Takeaways 

• Dr. Angie is genuinely happy at Boulder's Natural Animal — aligned values and a team she trusts, which shows how practice culture matters for clinician well-being.
• JoJo’s role has evolved from hands-on nursing to e-commerce + management, giving her more flexibility
• Foxtail injuries can become an urgent, expensive ordeal — JoJo’s Bodhi needed sedation and extraction
• Website/e-commerce matters  — their old site (WooCommerce/WordPress) was clunky; migrating to Shopify is an investment in accessibility and better client experience.
• Corporate clinic expansion (e.g., Chewy) is real and visible — Gen Z brand trust and integrated online/offline services make corporate clinics attractive; there’s room for both corporate and independent models if independents emphasize relationship and client-centered care.
• Market pivots toward affordability are happening (Blue Pearl example reducing prices) — some systems are adjusting pricing to regain accessibility.
• Government communications around animal health felt political — Dr Angie and JoJo were unsettled by messaging about avian influenza and the lack of clear, consistent data.
• Student borrowing limits may worsen the veterinary shortage — less borrowing capacity could make veterinary school inaccessible for some and reduce diversity in the profession.
• Small, unscripted conversations matter — hearing the humanity of the veterinary team builds trust and shows the complexity of decisions veterinarians make

🔊 Sound Bites

“And it's reasonable and I love all the people there so much.” — Dr. Angie

“Love this for you. And I think our clients are really happy too.” — JoJo

“I just feel like I hit the jackpot in terms of roles.” — JoJo

“It's gonna be like a $3,000 ordeal by the time it's done.” — JoJo

“It's clunky and we're sorry and we're making it better.” — Dr. Angie

“That's a shift in corporate veterinary medicine, in my opinion.” — Dr. Angie

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Tell Us What You Think

✅ Summary

In this heartfelt and information-packed episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie Krause and co-host JoJo respond to listener questions on everything from vet visit anxiety to separation anxiety, colitis, and navigating alternative veterinary treatments. They explore the challenges of managing anxious dogs, especially those who require chemical restraint, and discuss how holistic and pharmaceutical interventions can coexist. The episode closes with a candid discussion about vaccine hesitancy, integrative care access, and how pet parents can confidently advocate for their animal companions.

🔖 Course + Discount Code

🎓 Want to learn more about holistic parasite prevention, vaccines, or GI health?
Dr. Angie's recorded courses are available now.
Use code: TRUTHTAILS or TRUTHTALES to get a free course.
👉 boulderholisticvet.com

 🎯 Key Takeaways 

• Chemical restraint can provide safe and smooth visits for anxious dogs.
• Separation anxiety is diffcult, especially in pandemic-era puppies. Medications can help calm the nervous system and support training success.
• Colitis and chronic diarrhea most often require deeper diagnostics.
• Dogs who growl or bark are telling us they’re scared — and that’s something to respect, not suppress.
• Alternative therapies are valid but often dismissed due to lack of vet training.
• Vaccine protocols should be tailored and discussed 
• Holistic medicine is gaining traction, with herbs like Yunnan Baiyao now found in mainstream hospitals.
• Telehealth consultations give pet parents access to integrative care no matter where they live.

 🔊 Sound Bites

 "Let your dog growl. Please. That's how they keep us safe." – Dr. Angie 

" We're asking dogs to do hard things, and it's okay to support them with medication." - Dr. Angie 

"I owe so many clinics cookies and bagels and apologies." -JoJo

"Stack your care. Do all the things while they're sedated. Get it all done." - JoJo

"It's not all quackery, but some of it is.I help people figure out the difference."      Dr. Angie

"You have a right to advocate for what you want for your pet." - JoJo

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Tell Us What You Think

✏️ Podcast Summary

In this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie breaks down everything you thought you knew about heartworm prevention and invites you to rethink the one-size-fits-all approach many clinics follow. She and JoJo explore common veterinary practices around annual testing, year-round prevention, and how geography, travel, and climate play a bigger role than most pet parents realize.

They also tackle the realities of holistic care: what it means to balance low-toxicity living with real disease prevention, why heartworm treatment is more dangerous than prevention, and how to empower pet parents with information — not pressure.

Plus, Dr. Angie shares a free resource to help you navigate parasite prevention with more confidence. Visit boulderholisticvet.com and use code TRUTHTAILS to access her Parasite Prevention course for free.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Testing isn’t always necessary to dispense prevention. In low-risk areas, annual testing may not make sense.
• Access to prevention should be simple. Withholding medication due to skipped testing can be counterproductive.
• Prevention is safer than treatment. The heartworm treatment protocol is highly toxic; prevention is a micro-dose of ivermectin.
• Seasonal prevention can be appropriate. In places like Boulder, Colorado, heartworm risk is seasonal due to mosquito activity.
• Pet travel matters. If your pet leaves your local area, even briefly, prevention should be timed to cover that exposure window.
• Heartworm affects cats, too. Though less common, cats can still get heartworm.
• “Natural” doesn’t mean skipping prevention. A holistic approach still includes smart, low-risk prevention strategies.
• Understanding transmission helps. Mosquitoes are the only vector — if they’re not present, the risk drops significantly.

🔊 Sound Bites

“Just give it to them. Like if you want to prevent this disease.” — Dr. Angie
“Just do it. Just do it. I don’t want it to be your dog.” — Dr. Angie
“Prevention is a holistic approach to heartworm.” — JoJo
“It’s one of the least toxic things we do — it’s just ivermectin.” — Dr. Angie
“We’re not saying don’t test. We’re saying don’t withhold care.” — Dr. Angie
 

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Tell Us What You Think

✏️ Episode Summary

In this laid-back, laughter-filled episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and veterinary nurse, JoJo, let you eavesdrop on one of their most candid chats yet — the real talk about what they love and what secretly grosses them out in vet medicine. From eyeball stories to the oddly satisfying world of pus (yes, really!), they spill the truth about daily icks, unexpected joys, and the moments that test their boundaries. It’s the kind of unfiltered back-and-forth that reminds you vet life is as much about people as it is about pets — and a lot about staying real. Grab your tea and laugh along as they prove it’s possible to take your work seriously without taking yourself too seriously. 

✅ Key Takeaways

• Every Yuck has a Yum: Even the “ickiest” parts of vet work (like pus and anal glands) can be weirdly satisfying for the right person.
• Some tasks cross the line: Everyone has a boundary — for JoJo, it’s anythig eyeballs; for Dr. Angie, it’s removing them.
• Client honesty matters: When pet parents come prepared (or over-prepared thanks to Google), it can actually help — not hurt — the appointment.
• Communication beats perfection: It’s frustrating when you can’t find answers, but explaining why tests matter is part of good vet care.
• Vet care is never just clinical: The relationships can be a huge "yum”
• Balance over extremes: There’s room for holistic care and Western medicine — the goal is to choose what actually helps the animal.
• Sometimes you bend the rules: Even holistic-minded folks will reach for the heavy-duty preventatives when bugs invade.
• Consent & kindness matter: Using negative tools like shock collars is a hard yuck; building trust and respecting animals’ signals is a yum.

🔊 Sound Bites

“The very first yuck I can think of are eyeballs. I don't like anything to do with eyeballs. Like, none of it.” — JoJo

“Men that love their cats. So great. — Dr. Angie

“Don't yuck my yum.” — JoJo

“Never will I ever. No, I cannot have bugs. I cannot do it.” — JoJo

“Give me your vomiting cat and itchy dog and I'm gonna make it better.” — Dr. Angie

“Don't do tests that aren't going to change your plan.” — Dr. Angie

“Electric collars are a yuck.” — JoJo

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Tell Us What You Think

 📚 Summary

In this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and JoJo chat about simple ways to get more out of every vet visit. From jotting down your questions and knowing your pet’s vaccine needs, to saying “no thanks” when something doesn’t feel right — they share real, practical tips to help you feel more confident and keep your pet comfortable. Plus, they break down how good communication and a supportive vet team can make all the difference. Dr. Angie and JoJo offer practical advice to help every visit be more efficient, supportive, and aligned with your pet’s well-being. 

📌 Key Takeaways

• Come prepared: know what your pet needs and what you want.
• It’s okay to say “no” or “I’m not sure” during your visit.
• Understand your “vaccine personality” so you can make choices that fit your pet and your comfort level.
• Write down your questions ahead of time — and bring them with you.
• Always bring the primary caretaker to the appointment (or have them on the phone)
• How you transport your pet matters — think ahead about stress, sedation, and comfort.
• A good vet team supports you — there’s no place for pushy sales tactics.
• Take your time — you never have to make decisions on the spot unless it’s truly urgent.

 🎧 Sound Bites

• “It's okay to say no and I don't know.” — Dr. Angie 
• “Bring your pet and the poop.” — JoJo 
• “There should never be pressure to make that decision right then.” — JoJo 
• “We don’t do high-pressure sales in veterinary medicine.” — Dr. Angie 
• “How you get your pet to the vet matters.” — Dr. Angie

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Tell Us What You Think

Summary 

In this vulnerable Tails of Truth episode, Dr. Angie and JoJo open up about the mental health challenges in veterinary medicine and the hidden struggles of running a small, independent practice. They share raw stories of burnout, the relentless demands of caregiving, and the financial and emotional toll that few outside the profession truly see. Together, they unpack the pressures of balancing deep compassion for pets and their people with the harsh realities of small business ownership. They also offer practical ways pet parents can show kindness and support to veterinary professionals — simple gestures that can make a big difference in sustaining the humans behind the care. 

Key Takeaways

• Veterinary professionals are deeply compassionate — but compassion fatigue is real and often overlooked.
• Small practice ownership brings financial stress, constant pivots, and heavy administrative burdens.
• Many veterinarians feel forced to stretch themselves too thin to meet unrealistic client expectations.
• Veterinary nurses often work for wages lower than other service jobs, despite critical roles.
• A lack of boundaries and constant “on-call” demands can lead to burnout and breakdowns.
• Clients can support veterinary teams by respecting boundaries, paying for time, and shopping local.
• A simple thank you, card, or small act of appreciation can have a huge positive impact.
• Sustaining small vet practices requires community understanding — big-box retailers undercut them.
• Veterinary mental health must be part of the conversation for the sake of pets and people alike.

Sound Bites 

“It’s exhausting. And it’s more than just the medicine.” — Dr. Angie

“I trained people that I was always on.” — JoJo

“Veterinarians are just people. Nurses are just people. We have a breaking point too.” — Dr. Angie

“I promise you, many veterinary nurses make less than my kid at McDonald’s.” — JoJo

Please subscribe, comment, or leave a like.  We're so glad you're here! 

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Tell Us What You Think

Summary 

In this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and JoJo tackle the often confusing world of pet insurance — and they don’t always see eye to eye. Dr. Angie shares why she believes every pet owner should have insurance unless they have $10,000 ready to spend at any moment, while JoJo opens up about her skepticism around big insurance companies, hidden exclusions, and the extra burden on veterinary teams.

Despite being in different camps, they find common ground on what really matters: pets deserve access to care before money becomes a barrier. From personal stories to the fine print that can catch pet parents off guard, this honest conversation is a must-listen for anyone trying to decide if insurance is the right move for their family pets.

Key Takeaways

 ✅ Emergency vet bills can easily reach $10,000 or more — insurance helps if you don’t have liquid funds.
 ✅ Many policies exclude “pre-existing conditions,” so start early.
 ✅ Insurance is best for unexpected, big costs — not routine care.
 ✅ Some breeds (Labs, Frenchies) benefit more than others.
 ✅ The vet industry feels the strain of insurance paperwork.
 ✅ Care Credit and similar financing can be predatory.
 ✅ Insurance companies are for-profit — skepticism is fair.
 ✅ Always read the fine print!
 ✅ Choosing the right plan means knowing your pet’s risk level and your risk tolerance

 🎙️ Soundbites 

• “If you don’t have $10,000 on hand, you need insurance.” — Dr. Angie
• “Insurance is a gamble. It really is about your personality.” — Dr. Angie
• “Care Credit is awful. It’s predatory.” — JoJo
• “I just paid for that paperwork. I’ll never see that money again.” — Dr. Angie
• “Insurance companies are designed to be profitable — that’s it.” - JoJo
• “I just feel so skeptical about the whole move toward insurance in veterinary medicine.”  - JoJo

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Tell Us What You Think

Summary 

In this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie Krause and JoJo dive into the emotionally charged and essential topic of veterinary emergencies. From real-life stories to practical advice, they explore what it means to be prepared when your pet needs help—fast.

They discuss the critical difference between urgent care and true emergencies, how to plan ahead, and why having pet insurance can make all the difference in the moment. You’ll also hear why Dr. Angie loves open-concept emergency clinics like VEG, where you don’t have to hand your pet off to strangers behind closed doors.

Whether you're dealing with vomiting at midnight, a sudden limp, or something much scarier, this episode offers clear advice to help you feel more grounded and ready when the unexpected happens.

Key Takeaways

• Preparation saves lives—know your local emergency and urgent care options before you need them.
• Not every crisis is an emergency—knowing the difference helps you act with confidence.
• Pet insurance can ease financial pressure and allow you to make the best decision for your animal.
• Open-concept clinics like VEG allow pet parents to stay with their animals, which can reduce trauma for everyone.
• Keep a cat carrier ready at home.
• If something seems off with your pet, trust your gut—it’s always okay to check.
• Calling ahead can help you avoid valuable time if a clinic can’t handle your situation.

Sound Bites

"Get pet insurance!"

"If in doubt, just go!"

"You don’t want to be Googling ‘emergency vet near me’ at midnight."

"This is so important—it’s not if, it’s when."

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Tell Us What You Think

Summary 

In this follow-up episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie Krause and JoJo continue their deep dive into kidney disease in cats, focusing on what comes next after a diagnosis. They explore the nuanced world of kidney diets, share when (and why) they recommend subcutaneous fluids, discuss phosphorus binders, and get real about quality of life and end-of-life decisions.

Dr. Angie shares her holistic perspective on diet timing, how to navigate treatment options that fit both your cat and your lifestyle, and why being gentle with yourself is part of the process. This is a grounded, compassionate guide for anyone walking the kidney disease journey with their cat.

🛒 Mentioned in this episode:

• RxRenal Beadlets
• HempRx Feline Drops
• RxBiotic
• UltraEFA
• Feline Kidney Bundle (10% discount)

 🎓 Free Kidney Disease Course with code TRUTHTAILS
📞 Schedule a video consultation with Dr. Angie

Key Takeaways

• Prescription kidney diets are often recommended too early—it's okay to question this.
• Cats are obligate carnivores; prolonged protein restriction can cause muscle loss.
• Start phosphorus and protein restriction around Stage 3, not earlier.
• Calories and hydration are more important than strict diets in late stages.
• Subcutaneous fluids can greatly improve how your cat feels—start gradually.
• Phosphorus binders are useful when dietary changes aren’t enough or aren’t tolerated.
• End-of-life planning is emotionally hard but offers space for peace and intention.
• Quality of life is often about eating, grooming, and being mobile.
• A CKD diagnosis is not the end—it often means years of life left with the right care.

Sound Bites 

“Do I really have to feed this food?”

“Feeding cats is like parenting—what control do you really have?”

“I’m not against anything that helps a cat feel better.”

“Hydration is king, but calories are too.”

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