Annie the Therapy Dog Brings Calm to Colorado Dental Patients

Step into the dental office on a typical morning in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and you might be greeted not by the whir of a drill, but by a wagging tail and a warm, furry presence. That’s Annie, a certified therapy dog who’s become the unofficial star of Dr. Lynelle Zabel’s practice.

Patients who would normally clutch the arm of the chair and stare at the ceiling—eyes wide, heart pounding—now look forward to a different kind of appointment. As soon as Annie spots a nervous face, she pads over, hops onto the chair, and settles beside the patient like a living, breathing blanket. The effect is almost immediate: shoulders relax, breathing steadies, and a tentative smile often appears.

Dr. Zabel admits she didn’t set out to become a “dog‑friendly” dentist, but the results spoke for themselves. “My overall sense of zen has improved dramatically,” she laughs, recalling how the office was once a hub of jittery chatter. “Now it’s more like a calm, supportive space.” She believes there’s an oral‑systemic link—reducing stress may actually improve dental outcomes.

Behind the scenes, Annie’s owner, Lisa Trabert, doubles as the lead dental assistant. She trained Annie herself and documents the pair’s daily routine, posting the videos on social media where they’ve racked up millions of views. The public can’t get enough of the adorable duo, and the buzz has even inspired Trabert to write and illustrate a children’s book starring Annie, hoping to teach kids about the benefits of animal‑assisted therapy.

Looking ahead, the practice isn’t stopping at one canine helper. Another dog, Frankie, is currently in training, set to join Annie in offering comfort to even more patients. It seems the future of dentistry in Colorado might involve more wagging tails than you’d expect.

So the next time you’re nervous about a cleaning or a cavity check, remember there’s a four‑legged friend ready to make the experience a little less scary. In a world where dental anxiety is common, Annie proves that sometimes the best medicine has a wet nose and a soft paw.