Independent on Saturday

A ‘comfort blanket’ for scared patients

dental dog

Debbie Zaiger hates going to the dentist: “My level of anxiety at the dentist is really high – so much so that I need laughing gas just to get my teeth cleaned,” she said.

Last month, she learnt about Ollie.

When Zaiger, 61, showed up for her hygiene appointment in Minneapolis, USA, she reclined in the dentist’s chair and Ollie, a fluffy, 36kg English golden- doodle, hopped onto her lap and sprawled across her legs.

Zaiger said she was able to relax, this time without nitrous oxide.

“While my teeth were being cleaned,

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