Canine was born on Thanksgiving Day, 2019, in Salt Lake City, Utah—arguably the best holiday for a dog destined to become a professional people-pleaser. Eight weeks later, Dr. Post and her husband Blake brought him home, unknowingly adopting not just a puppy, but their future co-worker, morale officer, and part-time plate cleaner. He’s an Aussiedoodle with a striking merle coat and mesmerizing blue-and-green speckled eyes that seem to say, “Yes, I’ll take that treat now.”

From the moment he joined the family, Canine’s training was no small task. Blake took the lead on extensive obedience training, while Dr. Post and the Pebble team handled his “in-office” education—starting the very week he moved in. By the time most puppies were still mastering the art of not eating the couch, Canine had already learned how to greet patients, comfort nervous kiddos, and graciously accept compliments about his fur. His daily visits to the clinic are not just routine—they’re part of his self-appointed job description, which he takes more seriously than most interns.[x]

Though he once “aspired” to be a dishwasher (a career inspired by his plate-licking prowess), Canine is more than satisfied with his choice to enter pediatric dentistry. He treats every patient—human and otherwise—like family, offering gentle companionship and the occasional paw shake. His biggest fan is his little sister, Addilyn, with whom he shares countless games of tag, tug-of-war, and “let’s see how many times I can steal your toy before you notice.” While sibling life isn’t always perfect, Canine’s wagging tail and tolerant smile never falter.

When he’s off the clock, Canine is an adventurer and a nap enthusiast in equal measure. He enjoys long walks, runs with Dr. Post, swimming, hiking, and any activity that offers the chance to chase squirrels. At home, you’ll find him surrounded by toys, snoozing after a good game of fetch, or stationed strategically under the high chair—just in case gravity decides to bless him with snacks. He’s also a Central Oregon regular, where snow play and mountain hikes are high on his list of hobbies.

While his education may not have been “formal” in the academic sense, Canine is a certified Good Boy™ with a skill set that would impress any dog trainer. His repertoire includes sit, stay (once holding it for an astonishing 40 minutes), roll over, shake, lie down, and beg. He understands more human words than you’d expect—particularly oops, which he knows means “incoming floor snack,” and I’m all done, which signals his plate-cleaning services are needed.

Canine’s love for patients is genuine, but he does have one request: if you get a quarter from the prize machine at the end of your appointment, consider using it to buy him a beef jerky treat. He swears it makes him a better dentist’s assistant (and we don’t have the heart to disagree). Whether he’s working his magic in the waiting room or sneaking in a quick nap between “appointments,” Canine remains a constant source of smiles, calm energy, and just the right amount of mischief.

At Pebble Pediatric Dentistry, we believe a visit to the dentist should be something to look forward to—and with Canine on the team, it’s hard not to leave happier than you came in