Soda City Unleashed

In this episode of Soda City Unleashed, host Emily White sits down with Alexis Hoffman, the Director of Human Resources at CVETS, to recognize May Mental Health Awareness Month. Veterinary medicine is a high-intensity, emotionally demanding field where burnout and compassion fatigue often go hand-in-hand. Alexis shares her journey from Waffle House management to third-generation HR professional and discusses why it is critical for leadership to create a "psychologically safe" environment for veterinary staff.Soda City Unleashed is brought to you by CVETS. Learn more at cvets.net.988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988.Not One More Vet (NOMV): Support specifically for the veterinary community.Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Check your benefits package for free counseling sessions.

Owning a pet brings immeasurable joy, but is your wallet prepared for the unexpected? In this episode of Soda City Unleashed, Emily White sits down with Cathy James from Care Credit to pull back the curtain on veterinary financing.Whether it's a routine wellness check or a late-night emergency room visit, the "sticker shock" of modern veterinary medicine can be a major barrier to care. Cathy shares why financial planning should start the moment you adopt, how to navigate "taboo" money conversations with your vet team, and how specialized health and wellness financing can offer peace of mind when your pet needs it most.

What really happens behind the sliding glass doors of an emergency animal hospital when the rest of the city is asleep? In this episode of Soda City Unleashed, host Emily White sits down with Raven Angulo, a dedicated veterinary assistant at CVETS and Army veteran who has traded the traditional 9-to-5 for the fast-paced world of overnight emergency medicine.Raven pulls back the curtain on the "skeleton crew" experience, from managing high-stakes cases to the essential teamwork and pranks that keep the staff alert at 3:00 a.m. She also shares touching insights into how her military background helps her connect with stressed pet owners and why "putting eyes on a patient" is the most critical part of the job. Tune in for a look at the grit, humor, and heart required to advocate for our furry friends in the middle of the night.Soda City Unleashed is brought to you by CVETS; learn more at cvets.net.

What does it truly mean to be a primary care veterinarian? In this episode of Soda City Unleashed, host Emily White sits down with Dr. Cheryl Sine from Shandonwood Animal Clinic. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Sine shares her journey from a pet-free childhood to becoming a leading voice for pet health in Columbia, SC.We dive into the emotional bonds formed through lifelong patient care, the heartwarming recovery story of "Skinny Girl Margarita," and why Dr. Sine believes pet insurance is the single most important investment a pet owner can make. Whether you’re a new puppy parent or a seasoned cat lover, this episode offers a peek behind the curtain of full-service veterinary medicine.To learn more about Shandonwood Animal Clinic, please visit their website at https://www.shandonwood.com/Soda City Unleashed is brought to you by CVETS, learn more at cvets.net.

Come with us inside the incredible world of Danny & Ron's Rescue! We are honored to feature co-founders Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta, who together have found forever homes for nearly 15,000 dogs. Their unique model allows all dogs to live in their home, a great environment for abused animals and former puppy mill dogs.They share the humble beginnings of the rescue, which was founded out of a lifelong love for animals and fueled by their retirement money until Hurricane Katrina changed everything.To learn more about Danny & Ron's and their mission, please visit their website at https://dannyronsrescue.org/Soda City Unleashed is brought to you by CVETS, learn more at cvets.net.

This week, we were honored to host a very special guest from the Columbia Police Department (CPD) K-9 Unit: Lance Corporal Rares Ungureanu and his K9 partner, a three-and-a-half-year-old German Shepherd named Hutch. Their conversation offered a rare glimpse into the intense training, deep bond, and critical work that Columbia’s police dogs perform every day.

The roar of the crowd, the sound of Sandstorm pulsing through the stadium speakers, and thesight of Sir Big Spur on the sidelines — it's a tradition that gets every Gamecock fan's heartpumping. But what happens when the stadium lights turn off? We went behind the scenes withthe official handlers, Van and Beth Clark, on their farm to learn what it's like to care for a livemascot.In this episode of Soda City Unleashed, the Clarks shared the surprising story of how theybecame the keepers of this feathered icon. They opened up about the dedication it takes toraise a gamecock with such a big personality and an even bigger fan base.Partners in Pride: A Community EffortCaring for a live mascot requires a team, and the Clarks couldn't do it without the support of thecommunity. CVETS is proud to be the official sponsor of Sir Big Spur, who supports keepingthis beautiful bird in peak condition. This partnership is a testament to the dedication ofeveryone involved in maintaining this beloved tradition.For fans who want to support Sir Big Spur and ensure this tradition continues for years tocome, you can contribute directly to the Live Mascot Fund. Your donations help provide the best possible care for the mascot, from his diet to his health.To learn more and support the Sir Big Spur live mascot fund, click here -->https://gamecocksonline.com/sir-big-spur/

When your pet needs medical care, the veterinarian often gets the credit. However, the truth is, a dedicated team of professionals works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure your pet's health and safety during their stay at the emergency vet. These unsung heroes are veterinary technicians, and their journey to licensure is one of passion, perseverance, and dedication.On this episode of "Soda City Unleashed," we spoke with Georgia Delts, a newly licensed vet tech at CVETS, about her journey and what it takes to succeed in this demanding field.Soda City Unleashed is brought to you by CVETS, learn more at https://cvets.net/.

Ever wonder how someone ends up in their dream career? Join us on Soda City Unleashed as we chat with Christian Carey, CETS' very own Training Coordinator! Christian shares his surprising path from studying chemical engineering and interning at a nuclear plant to finding his passion in veterinary medicine. Discover what it takes to train top-tier vet techs and assistants in a fast-paced emergency hospital, hear inspiring success stories of thriving team members, and get a peek behind the scenes of CVETS' unique, supportive culture. Plus, stick around for some paws-itively hilarious dad jokes!

In this episode of Soda City Unleashed, Emily White chats with Nikki Collins, a registered veterinary nurse from England and the team lead in the neurology department at CVETS. Nikki shares her unique journey from the UK to the US, detailing how she became a veterinary nurse and eventually a neurology specialist. She offers an insightful look into a typical day for a vet tech in a busy specialty hospital, from running MRIs and anesthesia to managing inpatient care and rehab. Nikki also discusses the rewarding aspects of her job, particularly seeing paralyzed pets walk again, and shares some "wild" and "weird" cases, including a ferret spinal surgery and a misdiagnosed "worms in the brain" incident that spread like wildfire. She emphasizes the diverse and critical roles vet techs play and the emotional resilience required to navigate the challenges of the profession. This episode highlights the dedication and multifaceted skills of veterinary technicians, offering a deeper appreciation for their vital contributions to pet health.

On this episode of Soda City Unleashed, Dr. Patti Lawler, a veterinary neurologist, shares vital advice for pet owners, emphasizing year-round flea and tick prevention, among other tips. She delves into the rewarding work of treating seizures and spinal issues, recounting success stories like saving a dog from a prolonged seizure. Dr. Lawler debunks misconceptions about veterinary neurology, highlighting that many complex conditions, including brain tumors, are treatable. She also shares a humorous anecdote about a dog "seeing ghosts," and a surprising case of neck pain caused, underscoring the unexpected challenges and triumphs in her field.

Join host Emily White and Dr. Collin Wolff, a board-certified veterinary surgeon, on this insightful episode of "Soda City Unleashed." Dr. Wolf, accompanied by his Chihuahua, Walter, shares his personal path to veterinary surgery, highlighting his deep commitment to animal welfare. He offers three crucial pieces of advice for pet owners, emphasizing the importance of preventative care and financial preparedness for unexpected medical needs.The conversation delves into some of the most common reasons pets require surgical intervention, from orthopedic issues to emergency trauma. Dr. Wolff illuminates the advanced surgical techniques available today and the vital role of specialized veterinary services. He also tackles misconceptions about veterinary surgery, showcasing how cutting-edge technology transforms animal healthcare.Dr. Wolff shares captivating stories from his career, including personal experiences and unusual cases that highlight the unpredictable nature of veterinary practice. This episode provides valuable insights, practical advice, and engaging anecdotes for pet owners looking to better understand and care for their animal companions.https://www.pawlicy.com/https://www.boykinspaniel.org/Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on Soda City Unleashed are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CVETS. While we love sharing stories and insights from the veterinary world, this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We always recommend consulting your primary veterinarian for any medical concerns regarding your pet.