In this episode of Rooted Tales by Rooted Owl, host Jeffrey Mendelson sits down with Dr. Nicole Leibman, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology)—veterinary oncologist and Chief Medical Officer of PAD—to explore how her personal journey of loss and compassion led to creating a new model of in-home veterinary nursing and hospice care.

Dr. Nicole shares how the heartbreaking loss of her childhood dog on Christmas day inspired her career in veterinary oncology and, ultimately, her mission to help pets and families face illness and end-of-life with dignity. Together, Jeffrey and Nicole dive into the realities of pet cancer, the myths around diagnostics, and how PAD is bridging critical gaps in modern veterinary care.

Through stories of post-surgical recoveries, families navigating tough decisions, and pets finding peace in their final days, this conversation reveals the power of empathy, innovation, and home-centered care.

Key Lessons Covered in This Episode:

Why Fine-Needle Aspirates Don’t Spread Cancer: Dr. Nicole debunks one of the most common and damaging myths in veterinary oncology.

The Role of PAD in Veterinary Care: How in-home nursing supports pets, relieves overburdened clinics, and gives families peace of mind.

Facing End-of-Life Decisions with Compassion: Why dignity in dying is one of the greatest gifts pet parents can give—and how PAD helps them through it.

The Power of Veterinary Technicians: PAD empowers nurses and technicians to practice at the top of their skill set, strengthening the entire care ecosystem.

COVID’s Lasting Impact on Veterinary Medicine: The pandemic revealed deep cracks in accessibility and burnout—PAD is one solution offering relief.

Exploring CBD and Telehealth in Oncology: Where alternative modalities fit today, and where more research is needed.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Misdiagnosis myths can harm pets—education saves lives

✅ In-home nursing bridges the gap between clinics and families

✅ Veterinary technicians are the backbone of compassionate care

✅ Dignity in death is just as important as quality in life

✅ Innovation in vet med starts with empathy and real-world need

Listen Now:

If you’ve ever faced a pet’s cancer diagnosis, struggled with end-of-life decisions, or wondered how veterinary medicine can better support families, this episode is essential listening. Dr. Nicole brings warmth, honesty, and forward-thinking solutions to some of the hardest moments pet parents face.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Connect with Dr. Nicole Leibman & PAD:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nicole-leibman

Know a pet parent, vet, or animal care professional?

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