MEET KISMET, A DENTIST’S TOOTHLESS THERAPY DOG
Therapy pets can have a powerful impact on dental patients, especially if those patients have anxiety. “The studies are very clear: People who sit and pet animals have lower blood pressure, and that’s what it's all about,” Dr. Cameron Garrett told TODAY when the world found out about Kismet. Garrett’s dental practice employs the adorable 13-year-old Chihuahua rescue as a therapy animal that patients can hold and pet while they get dental work done. Kismet’s life has not been easy. The Muttville Senior Dog Rescue has invested thousands of dollars into Kismet’s health — they diagnosed her with heart disease, removed a cancerous tumor, treated a hernia, and removed all of her teeth due to periodontal disease. Yet, Kismet remains a very sweet dog. She never barks and loves back scratches and being held.
It’s especially amazing that the toothless Kismet found such a perfect new home with dental professionals! This past July, Cameron Garrett and his wife, Debra Garrett (a hygienist), adopted Kismet into their home as well as their dental practice. The serene dog has provided a special experience for patients who come for exams, cleanings, and even root canals. Of course, some patients are scared of dogs. In those cases, Kismet relaxes behind a closed gate. But over 98% of patients happily take Kismet on their laps while they undergo their dental procedure. Cameron Garrett told CNN, “Quite honestly, as a dentist, I’m as much a psychiatrist or psychologist as anything
else. Kismet has allowed us to have another tool in our toolbox.” They can even use the toothless pup’s story to teach patients about the effects of periodontal disease. Getting love from patients also helps Kismet. “She just wants to be with us,” Debra Garrett explained. The new owners suspect that she was abused in the past and is still recovering from that trauma. “When she is on a patient’s lap, she’s providing them comfort, but she’s also getting comfort. It’s hard for me to describe how nice it is for me to be looking at her while I’m working. It’s just a win-win all the way around.” Our hearts are officially melted. It’s only fitting for a pet hero to have heroic owners, too!
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS WHEREVER YOU ARE
Like many of you, I have experienced Christmas traditions in many different places: the Midwest, the East Coast, and Florida (the North that got cold). Here’s a little snippet from each regional experience. The Midwest: My grandparents lived in Iowa and Kansas, respectively. It was a treat to load ourselves into a chugging minivan and make the 14-to-18-hour trek from Ohio or Florida. On my grandparents’ farm in Iowa, my grandfather would build forts for us kids in the heaping snow. We always had a candle-lit service at home on Christmas Eve before we opened the presents. And you could see all the stars at night. My other grandmother lived in a town so small you could jog around it. My favorite part of visiting her was the freedom I had to wander around without any adult
supervision. And, of course, shooting my uncle’s guns! Florida: Christmas in Florida was really bizarre the first year: They had the island decorated to the hilt with Christmas lights, but people were still wearing shorts. Eventually, I got used to it and grew to love the Christmas light displays that still seemed out of place. I really loved the sand castle contest that happened on the beach — you wouldn’t believe what kinds of things people can craft from the white sand! The East Coast (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia): Christmas in D.C. is something I’ve experienced as an adult, and it’s truly a magical time. I love the Botanical Gardens and how beautifully they are decorated with trains and the sculpted shrub animals.
And let’s not forget the wooden carved replicas of the various D.C. landmarks: the Supreme Court Building, the Washington Monument, etc. Last year, I enjoyed a jazz concert there on Christmas Eve. No matter where you are from, we all have special Christmas traditions and memories. I hope that wherever you are, you are enjoying some, too! - Brooke Birkey
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