The week's good news: September 10, 2020

It wasn't all bad!

A dentist chair.
(Image credit: Sevaljevic/iStock)

1. Kismet, a toothless Chihuahua, provides comfort to patients who fear the dentist

Dentistry is a family affair for Kismet, a toothless Chihuahua, and her new owners. Dr. Cameron Garrett, a dentist, and his wife, Debra Garrett, a dental hygienist, adopted Kismet in August, and the 13-year-old is now serving as a dental therapy dog at their Northern California practice. Dr. Garrett told Today studies show people who "sit and pet animals have lower blood pressure, and that's what it's all about." The Garretts estimate that about 98 percent of patients ask to have Kismet on their laps, and kids especially enjoy easing their anxiety by petting Kismet during procedures. While Kismet is providing support to patients, "she's also getting comfort," Debra Garrett 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."

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Catherine Garcia, The Week US

Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.