From Pet Resort Pressure to Considerably Bold with Alex Varney

In this episode of Rooted Tales by Rooted Owl, host Jeffrey Mendelson sits down with Alex Varney, Vice President of Operations at Pinnacle Pets and founder of Considerably Bold. Together, they dive into the emotional toll of running a pet care facility, navigating client red flags, and the burnout that comes when your heart outpaces your limits.

Alex opens up about the realities behind the front desk—from managing anxious dogs and difficult owners to the impossible expectations placed on small teams. She shares a raw story of having to turn away a dog for safety reasons—only to be accused of lacking faith. That turning point led her to reimagine how she could stay in the industry without sacrificing her wellbeing.

What started as a conference talk submission became Considerably Bold, a budding community-driven initiative that helps pet care professionals avoid burnout, create healthier operations, and find purpose through support—not isolation.

From firm boundaries to heartfelt business, this conversation is for anyone who’s ever loved animals so much it hurt.

Key Lessons Covered in This Episode:

When Compassion Isn’t Enough:

Alex walks through a high-stakes situation where kindness toward an aggressive dog wasn’t enough—and why ethical care sometimes means saying “no.”

The Burnout Behind the Business:

Long hours, emotional labor, and leadership without support led Alex to a breaking point—and ultimately a new way forward.

Why Boundaries Are an Act of Care:

Saying no to unsafe clients or situations isn’t failure—it’s protection for staff, pets, and the integrity of care.

The Birth of Considerably Bold:

Alex shares how her burnout turned into a mission to help others thrive—through conference speaking, peer resources, and community connection.

Building Pet Care Community Beyond Facebook Groups:

From veterinarians to local treat makers, Alex explains how real-world partnerships keep her business resilient and community-first.

Helping Others Step Out of the Day-to-Day:

Alex shares why owners working every shift aren’t building a business—they’re building exhaustion. And how stepping back can mean moving forward.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Pet care burnout is real—and often invisible

✅ Ethical care sometimes requires difficult conversations

✅ Saying no can be the most compassionate choice

✅ Community over competition is how the industry grows

✅ Small businesses thrive when supported by local partnerships

✅ You don’t have to run the business and be the business

Listen Now:

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to do it all—or want a more sustainable path in the pet care world—this episode offers honesty, hope, and practical insight. Alex Varney is here to say: you’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to be this hard.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Connect with Alex Varney:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alex-m-varney-72a02a70
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://pinnaclepets.com/

Know someone in the pet care industry?

Share this episode to help normalize healthy boundaries, emotional support, and peer mentorship in a space where burnout runs deep—and passion runs even deeper.