Most of us feel anxious about going to the dentist, especially when we need more than a simple cleaning. But at Corte Madera Family Dentistry, patients love every second of their time in the chair!
Meet Kismet, the newest member of the Corte Madera team. She may not be a dentist or even a hygienist, but she has an equally important job – cuddling patients!
The toothless Chihuahua belongs to Dr. Cameron Garrett and his wife, Debra, who work at the California dentist’s office together. While having a dog around is a bit unusual, they’ve found it works wonders at keeping patients calm and relaxed!
Since the pair brought the senior pup in as a dental therapy dog, almost every patient has requested her services, which include sitting on their lap and snuggling through exams, cleanings, and other dental work. And they aren’t the only ones who enjoy these sessions!
“When she is on a patient’s lap, she’s providing them comfort, but she’s also getting comfort,” Debra told Today. “It’s hard for me to describe how nice it is for me to be looking at her too, while I’m working. It’s just a win-win all the way around.”
Kismet isn’t the first dog to spread smiles throughout the office. Cameron and Debra adopted her from Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in July after losing their other dog, Karma.
Kismet shares a lot in common with Karma, who was toothless as well. The latter was also adopted through the same rescue, and spent nearly four years bringing joy to the Garretts’ patients before she passed away.
On top of comforting patients, Cameron and Debra hope that both Kismet and Karma show people that older dogs are just as deserving of a forever home as their younger counterparts – and just as adorable.
“Even knowing that they’re not going to be around forever, it just makes us not take them for granted, Debra said. “They are more precious. We enjoy the quality of life that we get with them.”
What a cute idea! We’d love to have a furry shoulder to lean on at the dentist, and we’re sure we aren’t alone.
Share with other dog lovers (and dentist haters) to makes them smile!
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