When we talk about lifesaving services, we don't often throw dental services into the mix, but the truth is that so many pet owners don't understand how bad (and how painful) periodontal disease is for their furry family members. Today we're going into our dental services suite to take a look at this program and how we're helping pet owners relieve pain that they didn't even realize their pets had.

We're headed to a puppy mill rescue operation in Humansville, Missouri, with our friends from Bissell Pet Foundation, National Mill Dog Rescue, Wayside Waifs, and more. It takes a village to create make something of this size come together, and we're taking you behind the scenes.

Show notes:

We're headed out into the field with K-State Vet students as part of our partnership. They get experience in the field meeting pet owners where they are, and we get to expose the next generation of vets to our way of doing animal welfare.

Our partnership with Uplift takes us into the community to help the pets of folks struggling with homelessness. We talk about the program and the people who make it happen on this episode.

Also: we chat with Dr. Washington about fixing a diaphragmatic hernia.

Plus: yet another co-host? Yep, and we think she's a keeper!

Show links:

BBBBBBONUS ep! On our first bonus episode we're talking with Bryan Kortis of Neighborhood Cats about TNR, return-to-field, and what cities can do to encourage the care of feral and community cats.

For National Volunteer Week, we're looking at the one outreach program that's fully run by volunteers: our pet food pantry. Also, we chat with our chief vet about intestinal blockages.

Our urgent care program has been up and running for about a year, so we’re looking back at its beginnings and looking ahead to the future with our Chief Veterinarian Dr. Melia Washington and our Chief Operations Officer Kristin Roth. Plus: a new co-host?! It’s true, but will it last?

Where do retired service and working dogs go when they retire? Not always where you think. We talk with Bob Bryant of Mission K9 Rescue about the ins and outs of rescuing these pups and getting them a forever home to retire to.

Also we say a sad farewell to Cierra, who’s off to new adventures!

We love our partnership with K-State, not only because we’re always wanting to show off what we’re doing, but because it gives future veterinarians a way to experience what it’s like working in a high-volume environment and helps them find ways to help pets whose owners may not be able to afford the cost of treatment. We talk with Dr. Ron Orchard, the guardian angel of this partnership about how it works and what effect it’s having on their veterinary department.

There can never, ever be enough groups in this city working for the betterment of animal welfare. Today we’re talking to a group that’s new but whose roots in the animal welfare community go deep. We’re talking with Britton Hunter and Andrea Knobbe from Fix ’em KC.