Service Dogs Are All Smiles!

Non-profit Canine Companions for Independence Receives Equipment Donation from Dentalaire and Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry, Make Me Smile Committee

Dr. Phil Lin, Canine Companions Veterinarian, Daniel Strange, Dentalaire Equipment Technician, Ali Harris and Kim Whooley, Registered Veterinary Technicians

Dentalaire and the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry Outreach Committee recently donated needed dental equipment to national service dog provider Canine Companions for Independence.  The Foundation’s Board of Directors and the Outreach Committee’s Make Me Smile Committee along with Dentalaire’s President Ron Anderson, decided to make this generous donation to the non-profit, which provides expertly trained service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities, free of charge.

“I am grateful that Dentalaire and the Outreach Committee’s Make Me Smile Program through the Chair, Dr. Barry Rathfon, identified Canine Companions and the wonderful work the veterinary clinic does in support of good oral health of these exceptional dogs.  As a result, the Committee elected to donate equipment to enhance dental procedures!” says Carol Weldin, Canine Companions Northwest Region Board President, and Board Member of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry and Chair of their Outreach Committee.

The new equipment will ensure current and future service dogs have the healthiest teeth and gums possible:
•    The new Prestige Dental Station System will allow Canine Companions veterinarians to perform in-house dental procedures on service dogs.
•    A new Digital Dental Imaging System will identify problems with teeth that can’t be seen with the naked eye.
•    This will help Canine Companions ensure dental health for hundreds of their puppies and service dogs per year.

Daniel Strange, Dr. Phil Lin, Service Dog “Dutton V”, Ali Harris and Kim Whooley

Canine Companions veterinarian Dr. Phillip Lin says, “We’re grateful to receive this equipment, which will help us provide a higher standard of medical care for our dogs.  Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians and prompt treatment for tooth fractures and early treatment for gum disease is important for the long-term health and well-being of our dogs.”  With this equipment, Canine Companions will be able to ensure their service dogs have the healthiest teeth possible, right in their own veterinary clinic, reducing time and cost.

Daniel Strange, Dr. Phil Lin, Dutton V, Ali Harris and Kim Whooley

To learn more about Canine Companions and their expertly trained service dogs, visit www.cci.org/dogs