Comfort dog helps ease patients' worries at dentist's office

(WTXF) - Dentist visits aren't always the most pleasant, but lucky for patients at a dentist's office in Illinois, one pooch is making their time in the chair a little less stressful.

JoJo the Golden Retriever works at Pediatric Dentistry of Northbrook in Illinois. According to the practice's website, JoJo's job includes helping to ease patients' anxiety and keep them calm during their appointments.

The dog is a trained comfort dog, and has been visiting the dentistry once a month.

"A lot of the patients who normally were very apprehensive about even walking in the door now look forward to their appointments," Veronica Renteria, clinic staffer, told the Dodo. "The moment you walk in, you feel very relaxed. There she is, waiting for you to pet her."

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Patients who request JoJo's presence have the pleasure of the pooch sitting in on their appointment. They can pet her as she sits calmly or lies with the child.

"Her paw is always available to hold," Lynne Ryan, dental assistant and one of the JoJo's handlers, told BuzzFeed. "One girl was having her teeth extracted and she just stroked JoJo's ears the whole time."

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However, the staff takes precautions to make sure that all of JoJo's encounters are pleasant.

"We try not to surprise other children with her and keep her in a separate room. We understand some children are afraid of dogs and others have allergies," Dr. Tom Resnick told The Huffington Post. "Since JoJo only interacts with children who want her it has been nearly 100 percent successful."

Aside from her dentist visits, JoJo visits nursing homes and centers for people with disabilities, according to Buzzfeed. ABC News reports that she also comforted students at Sandy Hook Elementary School following the 2012 tragedy.