Doggy dentist

Yesterday I said good-bye to a little over $1200, my penance for neglecting my graying boxer's dental care for eleven years.

I had a dog, Lady, when I was a kid. I loved her more than people. She died of old age with all her teeth intact. Never did anyone suggest I brush her teeth or massage her gums with a washcloth. When the vet suggested a few years ago that I brush Homie's teeth and massage his gums, I drew back in distaste. Brush a dog's teeth? You gotta be nuts. People don't brush dogs' teeth! I never did.

Actually, turns out they do and I should'a.

Since he's old and has begun to go downhill a bit, the dermatologist who recommended the oral surgeon instead of my regular vet justified the added expense thus: expertise + laser = shorter time under general anesthesia + less bleeding + quicker recovery. Made sense to me. He did fine, feels great. He has a pain medication that (I'm told) tastes like honey. I confirm, it does smell like honey. He loves it and I'm jealous.

Now I can see his lower incisors, and my first thought upon seeing them was, "Omigod, he needs braces!"