Did You Know? An All Things Partner Podcast.

Every pet owner knows the feeling: you turn your back for two minutes, and suddenly your dog has swallowed a sock, or your cat has taken an interest in a hair tie that’s now nowhere to be found. Gastrointestinal foreign bodies are one of the most common reasons pets end up in emergency surgery, and they can affect any animal, at any age, regardless of breed or background. From socks and toys to bones, string, and things you’d never expect, these obstructions can escalate quickly to a critical, time-sensitive crisis.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Partner’s emergency veterinarian, Dr. Alicia Sorum to unpack everything pet owners need to know about GI obstructions, including how they happen, how to spot the warning signs, what the diagnostic and treatment process actually looks like, and most importantly, how to protect your pets before an emergency ever begins.

Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or you’ve been through this before, this conversation will give you the knowledge to act fast and advocate for your pet when it matters most.

In this second part of our conversation, we discuss pet chemotherapy, quality of life, and end-of-life decisions with Partner’s board-certified veterinary oncologist Dr. Kyle Renaldo. Dr. Renaldo tackles some of the most human questions in this journey: How do you measure quality of life in a patient who can’t tell you how they’re feeling? What role do owners play at home, and what should they be watching for? And when treatment stops working, how do you navigate the hardest conversations of all, including the decision to say goodbye? We’ll also end on something we all need a little more of: hope.

Cancer doesn’t only affect people, it’s one of the leading causes of death in dogs and cats, and for millions of families each year, a veterinary cancer diagnosis turns their world upside down. In this 2-part series, Partner’s board-certified veterinary oncologist Dr. Kyle Renaldo joins us to demystify the entire journey. In this first part of our conversation, we’ll talk about what happens in that first appointment after a diagnosis, how oncologists decide whether chemotherapy is the right path, which cancers tend to respond best to treatment, and what families can realistically expect when it comes to side effects—both from chemotherapy and radiation. If you’re trying to understand your options and what lies ahead, this episode will give you a solid foundation.

You’ve probably heard about blood donation for humans, maybe you’ve even donated yourself. But did you know that our pets can be lifesavers, too? Today, we’re diving into a topic that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves, but one that’s vital to saving animal lives every single day: animal blood donor programs.In this episode, Dr. Pierre Charlebois discusses everything you need to know about animal blood donor programs. We’ll explore what these programs are, why they’re so critical for veterinary medicine, and how donated blood is used in emergencies and medical treatments. We’ll talk about which pets make good candidates, what the donation process actually looks like, and most importantly—how your pet could become a hero.If you’re curious about getting your pet involved or you simply want to understand more about animal blood donor programs, this episode is for you.

Today, we talk about this often-misdiagnosed condition with Partner Veterinary’s board-certified surgeon Dr. Dominic Valenzano, who focused his research in vet school and residency on elbow dysplasia. In this episode, he tells us what signs to look for, how it’s diagnosed, what surgery entails, and the what the road to recovery looks like. We’ll also learn what happens if elbow dysplasia goes left untreated.

Wondering why your pet was referred to a veterinary neurologist—or what they actually do? In this episode, Partner neurologist Dr. Ryan Gallagher breaks it down in a clear, approachable way.

He explains how neurological exams differ from routine checkups, what MRI and CT scans really involve, and when advanced imaging is (and isn’t) necessary. You’ll also learn whether seeing a specialist is still worthwhile if diagnostics aren’t in the budget—and what your pet experiences along the way.

Whether you’re trying to understand a recent referral or simply curious about this specialized field of veterinary medicine, you’re in the right place.

Picture this: You’re out for a morning hike with your dog, or your cat is exploring the backyard. Suddenly, your pet yelps, jumps back, and you notice something’s wrong. Could it be a snake bite? And if it is, do you know what to do?

All snake bites are medical emergencies. Whether venomous or not, every second counts, and the actions you take in those first few minutes can make all the difference. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Leah Simons, an emergency veterinarian in our Richmond location. Dr. Simons has treated numerous snake bite victims and tells us everything we need to know—from recognizing the signs of a venomous snake bite, to what we should never do, to why getting to an emergency vet like Partner is your pet’s best chance at survival.

So, whether you live in snake country or just want to be prepared, listen in. This conversation could be the one that saves your furry family member’s life.

Losing a pet is one of life’s most profound heartbreaks. In this episode, Dr. Melissa Miller, a Medical Oncologist for Partner’s Richmond Hospital and a Pet-Loss Grief Support Specialist, opens up about her own journey into grief counseling and walks us through the very real emotions pet owners navigate when saying goodbye to a beloved companion. She helps us understand why honoring our grief is crucial for healing and shares compassionate, practical guidance for moving through one of life’s most difficult experiences.

Whether you’re currently grieving a cherished pet or simply want to better understand the grief process that touches most pet owners’ lives, Dr. Miller’s insights offer both comfort and hope.

If you’re a pet owner, you’ve likely experienced a time when your pet has been sick. Perhaps you’ve questioned whether their illness is an emergency or not. In this episode, we chat about this topic with Dr. Miriah Wilson, the Lead ER Veterinarian in our Frederick hospital. Dr. Wilson discusses some of the more emergent needs that can’t wait vs. illnesses that might not be as dire as we expect.

In this episode we hear from Partner’s CEO and Co-Founder, Katie Brooks, who is also a Licensed Veterinary Technician and a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager. Katie talks about her path toward becoming an LVT and navigating the complexities of veterinary medicine. She also shares why she chose to create an emergency and specialty hospital where caregivers are empowered to take ownership of their role and responsibility, and where the phrase “We Can Help” truly means something to pet owners in need.

She often jokes; I built these hospitals for my oldest Labrador. “For me, the peace of mind that our team is there when needed has been so valuable to our family and the community. It’s the pets who help emotionally regulate the entire family—the health of the family rests on the health of the pets.”