What began as a routine care decision for our beloved dogs veered into irrevocable loss.

We raised our two adorable West Highland white terriers in a house of love, spoiling Duncan and Dooley beyond measure. Rather than serving them dog food, my wife prepared special meals every day chicken and rice or hamburger and noodles. Born from the same litter, they ate with us, slept with us and traveled with us. We raced to their rescue after skunk sprayings, possum gashes and a terrifying coyote attack. But like most pet owners, it never occurred to me to consider their dental care and I worked as a dentist for nearly 40 years.

When the dogs were 11 years old, Duncan developed a benign cyst on his shoulder, and needed it removed. Our vet recommended that she clean Duncans teeth while he was under for surgery, and, oh, why not bring Dooley in for a cleaning, too?

Sedation for canine dental care is a relatively common practice done to keep dogs still during the procedure and for the safety of the dental staff. Both dogs were anesthetized, but Dooley never woke up. My wife couldnt forgive herself for putting Dooley under anesthesia just to get his teeth cleaned, and we have never gotten over the loss. Our vet, traumatized as well, vowed to stop elective cleanings under general anesthesia.