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.

From “Calling” to Care: A Deep Dive with Shandonwood’s Dr. Cheryl Sine

In the heart of Columbia, nestled off Millwood Avenue, Shandonwood Animal Clinic has become a staple for local pet owners—and even a few “celebrity” dogs. On the latest episode of Soda City Unleashed, we had the pleasure of chatting with Shandonwood’s own Dr. Cheryl Sine about the joys, challenges, and misconceptions of primary veterinary care.

A Journey Fueled by Problem Solving

Interestingly, Dr. Sine didn’t grow up with a house full of pets; her family was actually allergic! Instead, her path to veterinary medicine was paved by a love for math, science, and the classic stories of James Herriot. After graduating from the University of Georgia and practicing in Atlanta, she found her home in Columbia, where she has been treating patients for 16 years.

More Than Just Puppies and Kittens

One of the biggest myths Dr. Sine addressed is the idea that primary care vets only handle vaccines and checkups. “We do all branches of medicine. Eyes, ears, heart, ultrasounds… and we do the surgeries,” Dr. Sine explains. From managing chronic behavior issues to emergency “hit-by-car” cases, a day in the life of a primary care vet is anything but predictable.

The Power of Preventive Medicine: The Story of Rita

Dr. Sine shared the touching story of Margarita (or “Rita”), a Pitbull found as a “little skeleton” weighing only 37 pounds. Through simple preventative care—flea and heartworm medication—Rita transformed into a healthy, 80-pound dog who recently found her forever home. It’s a stark reminder that many life-threatening conditions are entirely preventable with routine care.

Why Your Vet Wants You to Have Pet Insurance

If Dr. Sine could give one piece of advice to every pet owner, it’s this: Get pet insurance. With the rising cost of specialized foods, medications, and advanced surgeries, Dr. Sine emphasizes that financial constraints should never be the deciding factor in a pet’s life.

Remove the Variable: Insurance allows owners and vets to make the best medical decisions without the “cost cloud” hanging over the conversation.

Predict the Unpredictable: Even “healthy” breeds can face unexpected issues, like the knee surgeries common in many active dogs.

A Community of Care

At the end of the day, Dr. Sine highlights how the Columbia veterinary community works together. Whether it’s collaborating with specialty centers like CVETS for cardiology or oncology, or simply calling a neighboring clinic to borrow a product, the goal is always the same: keeping Columbia’s “fur babies” happy and healthy.

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.