Academics often enjoy discovery but rarely development. In this case-history, where a serious clinical problem of respiratory disease was identified within a kenneled dog population, I will follow both the steps and research required of us to unravel the causes, to identify novel pathogens, attract an industrial partner and to take the development to commercial products. Working at the interface of discovery and development demands a “skill-set” beyond purely academic expertise that both academics and industrial partners need to value. There are good opportunities for partnership between them but the cultures of academic ‘laisser faire’ and industrial ‘secrecy’ can create tension, estrangement and even divorce if not handled sympathetically! Academics must understand that timely delivery of research and Reports are critical for commercial accountability whereas industrial partners must appreciate that proper funding, often with full economic costing, and a trusting sharing of research data can develop a long-term and wonderful relationship; one almost made in heaven! Surely it can be highly cost effective for industry to cherry-pick research excellence from academia rather than in-house; the rub is often how academia funds the initial discovery?