Open wide

The star patient with a few of his goodies from the dentist

Boden had his first appointment at the dentist this week and he did SO awesome.  We went to a kid-dentist (not an actual child but a dentist that specializes in treating kids!) which I think made all the difference.  The hygienist explained all her tools first and then let him try them all out himself --he's a very tactile guy so getting his hands on everything made him happy.  He opened his mouth big and wide and his little tongue went wild while they were counting and cleaning his teeth.  The end result of the whole exam--a great experience, his first "A" on his tooth report card, and the dentist and hygenist told him he better brush.  The next day, he also got a card in the mail, addressed to him (he thought that was very cool) with stickers inside and a note from the dentist telling him he did a great job--he beamed as I read it to him.  It was all helpful reinforcement that he needs to brush his teeth which apparently is more well-received than when your own mother tells you we need to brush your teeth.  Whatever works!

Later, we took the dogs to a veterinarian appointment and I was hoping his stellar behavior would continue, but things got a bit out of control...but that's a-whole-nother story!