Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Farley.
Hi Tracy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began as a conventional medicine veterinary technician with aspirations of being a veterinarian in the ’90’s. When I bought my first German Shepherd dog, Heidi, I did all the typical conventional recommendations – early spay, vaccines on “schedule” etc. At only 3 years old Heidi injured an ACL and I took her to a specialist for surgery. That surgeon returned my dog to me in the most pain I had ever seen a dog in for my entire career and she said something to me that stopped me in my tracks and changed my life. She said (after the fact) “she only had a 10% tear and it had already started to HEAL.” If you can imagine the horror and confusion I felt at that moment that my dog was in SO much pain and had a surgery for something that was healing! I immediately started researching how this could happen because I was told by every veterinarian that ACL’s did not heal, they had to be surgically repaired. In my search, I found out about the causes of most tendon injuries, poor health and the effects of early desexing, processed diets and the over use of vaccines in pets. I quit my veterinary job and focused on changing everything about my dogs care at that time. I dove into raw food diets, natural flea and tick prevention and what over vaccination effects are. Heidi eventually recovered but always had arthritis in that leg and later had other health issues in addition. As luck would have it, a veterinarian that I had once worked with contacted me about assisting her with the first and only holistic house call practice in East TN and I jumped on the chance to learn more. This opportunity inspired me to do more and teach others about Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, raw feeding and limiting all chemicals in and on our pets for the betterment of their health. I later became a veterinary sales rep where I was able to learn for some of the top DVM’s in the US regarding all means of holistic pet care. For almost 20 years I dreamt of opening up a center to educate and bring the best of diets, herbs and therapy to my home town area of the Upper Cumberland. I finally saw that dream become a reality in 2020 and it has exceeded my expectations with the support from the community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting this business has not been the most difficult thing I have done in my career but it has not been without challenges.
I think the biggest challenge has been how to handle the fast growth of the small location but also that I am not able to employee someone else full time. There is SO much information in my head and I want to share it with customers but its just not possible to train someone what has taken me 25 years to learn correctly. This means I had to adjust store hours to be able to give myself the chance to do household chores, care for my pack of German Shepherds and get some much needed rest occasionally. One thing I am addiment about is that when you come to IAS to learn about pet health or diets, you talk directly to me. This requires a lot of patients from my customers on occasion and stamina on my part. This also means few if any vacation days or sick time. Most customers are very understanding if they have to wait a bit but the in house consults are free. All I ask is that they continue to support my little shop and spread the word.
As you know, we’re big fans of Integrative Animal Solutions. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
IAS is a pet health and wellness shop located in Sparta TN. I (Tracy) am a former veterinary technician trained in canine nutrition using a Tradition Chinese Medicine emphasis. IAS is not a scaled down “big box” store or boutique. I offer only fresh, whole foods for both prepared meals and DIY options for dogs and cats. No processed food here! IAS has a full line of many of the best herbal formulas as well as whole food treats. What is very unique about my shop is the options for therapy or treatment rentals. You can find us hosting a holistic veterinarian, an animal chiropractor and a doggie dentist on a regular basis. We also offer cold laser rental, ozone rental, a self serve micro bubble bath and pEMF therapy. IAS fills in the gaps for full body treatment after a diagnosis by the veterinarian but keeps the owner in control of options.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
That I never stop researching, learning and growing! I am continuously looking for the next best thing to bring to IAS. I am fortunate to be able to join many of the webinars and opportunities that are typically only given to holistic doctors. I search for more information and better treatments every chance I get.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iastn.com
- Facebook: Integrative Animal Solutions- IAS
