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.

Get ready for a whirlwind tour through the high-stakes world of veterinary critical care with Dr. Elizabeth Gregory! Join us as she shares essential tips for pet owners, from recognizing emergencies and understanding common toxins to the absolute game-changer that is pet insurance. Dr. Gregory pulls back the curtain on what it takes to be a criticalist, revealing the dedication and resilience needed to save the sickest of the sick, including a truly incredible "back from the dead" story about a sock-eating puppy named Tucker! Plus, you won't want to miss the wild tale of a dog who got interestingly high and why honesty is always the best policy when your pet has gotten into something they shouldn't. Tune in for an episode packed with critical insights, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of heart!