If you thought veterinary medicine was just about check-ups and vaccines, prepare to be amazed. Dr. Dunphy is a certified powerhouse in veterinary rehabilitation and integrated medicine, dedicated to helping pets live their happiest, healthiest lives, even when facing significant challenges.

Soda City Unleashed is brought to you by CVETS, learn more at cvets.net.

The roar of the crowd, the sound of Sandstorm pulsing through the stadium speakers, and the

sight of Sir Big Spur on the sidelines — it's a tradition that gets every Gamecock fan's heart

pumping. But what happens when the stadium lights turn off? We went behind the scenes with

the official handlers, Van and Beth Clark, on their farm to learn what it's like to care for a live

mascot.

In this episode of Soda City Unleashed, the Clarks shared the surprising story of how they

became the keepers of this feathered icon. They opened up about the dedication it takes to

raise a gamecock with such a big personality and an even bigger fan base.

Partners in Pride: A Community Effort

Caring for a live mascot requires a team, and the Clarks couldn't do it without the support of the

community. CVETS is proud to be the official sponsor of Sir Big Spur, who supports keeping

this beautiful bird in peak condition. This partnership is a testament to the dedication of

everyone involved in maintaining this beloved tradition.

For fans who want to support Sir Big Spur and ensure this tradition continues for years to

come, 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/

At Williams-Brice Stadium, there's a different kind of athlete on the field, one with four paws,

a wagging tail, and a nose for justice. In our first episode of "Off the Leash," we met with

Sgt. Mark Tevepaugh and his K9 partner, Poppy, from the University of South Carolina

Police Department (USC PD) to learn about their crucial role in keeping the community safe.

Sgt. Tevepaugh's journey to the K-9 unit started with a personal mission to give back to

the university that means so much to his family. After years as a patrol officer, he was drawn

to the unique bond he saw between K-9 handlers and their partners, and he decided he

wanted to be a part of it.

Learn more about USCPD here.

Soda City Unleashed is brought to you by CVETS, learn more at cvets.net.

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/.

Pets are more than just animals; they're cherished members of our families. We want to give them the best possible life, but what happens when unexpected accidents or illnesses strike? For many pet owners, a vet's bill for a sudden surgery can be a devastating financial blow. This is where pet insurance comes in.

On a recent episode of "Soda City Unleashed," we sat down with Derek Tyson from Trupanion™ Pet Insurance to clear up common myths and help pet parents navigate the world of pet insurance.

Learn more about Trupanion here.

Soda City Unleashed is brought to you by CVETS.

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!

This episode of Soda City Unleashed features Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, who offers an in-depth look into the invaluable work of the Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit. Sheriff Lott, with 50 years in law enforcement, emphasizes that these highly trained canines are not just dogs but "deputy sheriffs," providing essential services that humans cannot, from recovering bodies and detecting electronic devices to offering crisis intervention.

He shares poignant stories of K-9s saving lives, including two instances where dogs located individuals with dementia in critical condition during hot July weather, and the heroic tale of K-9 Coby, who took two bullets to save his handler's life, earning both Coby and Deputy Brian Hodge "Deputy of the Year" honors. Sheriff Lott also discusses the rigorous, continuous training these K-9s undergo, their unique bond with handlers, and how the community's overwhelming support, exemplified by events like the "Guardians of the Night K-9 5K," directly funds their care and equipment. He highlights the critical role of emergency veterinary care, particularly from CVETS, in keeping these four-legged heroes healthy and on the job, and sheds light on the emotional support offered by crisis intervention dogs, such as CJ, to deputies.

Sign up for Guardians of the Night K-9 5K here: https://www.rcsd.net/k95k/

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.