Under The Fur

In this episode of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa sits down with new graduate vet Sasha to talk honestly about what the first year in practice really feels like.

From suddenly being responsible for cases and difficult decisions to managing exhaustion, mistakes, client relationships and life outside the clinic, Sasha shares the realities of making the jump from vet student to practising vet.

They also talk about mentorship, team support, emotional resilience and Sasha’s growing passion for orthopaedics, surgery and sport.

In this episode of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa is reunited with her best friend Jenny after eight years apart for a deeply personal conversation about friendship, veterinary medicine and the choices that shape our lives.

Jenny shares her journey from university and general practice to becoming an internal medicine specialist, opening up about finding her place in the profession, the emotional realities of veterinary work and how her perspective on difficult cases has changed over time.

Between career reflections, university memories and plenty of laughter, Vanessa and Jenny also talk honestly about distance, missed moments and the kind of friendship that survives different countries, different careers and years apart.

In this episode of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa sits down with Kelly to talk about the extraordinary journey that took her from working as a crime analyst with the Met Police to guiding safaris in South Africa.

Kelly shares what it was really like to leave city life behind, train as a field guide, work around wild animals and experience everything from elephant charges to the complicated realities of wildlife conservation.

Now back in the UK and building a career in dog behaviour, she reflects on how life in the African bush changed the way she understands animals, risk and the relationship between humans and the natural world.

In this episode of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa sits down with Helen to talk about the reality of living with, training and understanding dogs with very different personalities and needs.

Helen shares the story of Ellie, a cocker spaniel with complex behavioural challenges, and the emotional journey of managing aggression, medication, training, mental stimulation and difficult decisions around rehoming.

Together, they explore why behaviour is never one-size-fits-all, how scent work and enrichment can transform a dog’s life, and why patience, support and understanding are so important when caring for a dog who needs more.

In this episode of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa takes a slightly different turn and sits down with Ify, a friend who does not work in the veterinary industry, does not own pets, and has a very honest relationship with animals: mostly fear, suspicion and strong personal boundaries.

From growing up in Nigeria, where animals often had a job rather than a place on the sofa, to childhood dog fears, kangaroo encounters, off-lead dog chaos and the confusing world of British pet culture, Ify brings a hilarious and refreshingly honest outsider perspective.

Together, Vanessa and Ify explore fear, culture, pet ownership, animal behaviour and why not everyone automatically wants a dog licking their face.

In this episode of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa sits down with veterinary ophthalmologist Dr. John Burgess to explore the world of animal eye care.

From dry eye and glaucoma to breed-related eye problems and advanced surgeries like corneal and conjunctival grafts, Dr. Burgess explains what pet owners and vets need to know when eye problems appear.

Together, they discuss the importance of acting quickly, making specialist care more accessible, and how innovation, collaboration and early diagnosis can help protect pets’ sight.

In this episode of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa sits down with Lindsay to talk about her journey rescuing Ned, a high-energy dog with a complex past and an even more complicated medical history.

From his background as a drug detection dog trained in prison to major surgery, recovery, physiotherapy and behaviour work, Lindsay shares what it really takes to support a rescue dog through pain, training and healing.

Together, they explore the power of trust, consistency and veterinary care, and how one dog can completely change your life.

In this episode of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa sits down with Sophie to share her powerful journey through mental health challenges, cancer treatment and advocacy within the veterinary profession.

Sophie opens up about resilience, support networks, suicide prevention and the moments that shaped her decision to keep going.

Together, they discuss why mental health needs to be spoken about more openly in vet med, and why real change requires not just individual strength, but better systems, stronger communities and more compassionate support.

In this episode of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa sits down with Dr. Caroline Allen to talk about veterinary ethics, animal welfare, second opinions and what truly compassionate care looks like.

Drawing on her extensive experience in veterinary medicine, Caroline discusses the importance of specialisation, multidisciplinary care, animal behaviour, welfare science and supporting owners through difficult decisions.

Together, they explore the challenges facing the profession, from client trust and breed-specific issues to euthanasia and end-of-life care, asking what it really means to put the animal’s quality of life first.

In this episode of Under the Fur, Dr. Vanessa sits down with Chris White, Operations and Development Director of the Veterinary Management Group, to talk about leadership, culture and retention in veterinary medicine.

Chris shares his insights on what makes a good veterinary leader, why self-awareness matters, and how practices can better support their teams in a changing profession.

Together, they discuss generational shifts, workplace wellbeing, professional development and why leadership in vet med is not just about managing people, but understanding what keeps them motivated, valued and connected to their purpose.