Meet Bracket: A Therapy Dog Bringing Smiles to an Orthodontist’s Office

Meet Bracket: A Therapy Dog Bringing Smiles to an Orthodontist’s Office

At Cavachons by Design, every puppy placement is special and intentional — each one has their own story. Today, we’d like to share Bracket’s.

Carrying On a Legacy of Comfort

For 14 wonderful years, Smiley, another Cavachon, faithfully served as a therapy companion in Dr. Jack Fisher’s orthodontic office. Smiley wasn’t just a friendly presence — she was a certified emotional support dog who had passed a rigorous 13-task test with flying colors. Patients adored her, and she became an irreplaceable part of the office family.

But when the time came for Smiley to retire, there was an important decision to make: who could possibly fill her shoes? The next therapy pup needed the perfect temperament, heart, and intuition. That’s where we stepped in. After raising and knowing our Cavachon puppies inside and out for almost 25 years, I carefully chose the right girl — one with the sensitivity, charm, and calm spirit needed for such an important role.

From Our Home to Her New Calling

This past summer, Dr. Fisher and his friend flew into our local private airport to meet the newest Fisher family member. They flew home and the moment Bracket met the Fisher grandchildren, she was smitten — and they were just as quickly won over by her affectionate, loving nature.

Her name? Well, that’s a story too. Dr. Fisher decided to call her Bracket — a playful nod to her new role in an orthodontist’s office. (My husband Kevin lobbied for “Flossy,” but by then Bracket already had her very own custom office chair, so the name was here to stay. And really, could there be a more perfect fit for an orthodontist therapy dog?)

A Heartfelt Update From a Family Friend

Not long after Bracket arrived in her new home, I received a touching message from Helen, Mrs. Fisher’s old college roommate. (Isn’t it wonderful that lifelong friends still stay in touch after all these years)? Helen had come to visit and, being a true dog person herself, wanted me to know just how beautifully Bracket was settling in.

Helen had raised yellow Labrador Retriever puppies in her home before, so she understood what it took to raise a well-adjusted dog. She shared that Bracket had slept through the night in her kennel without a single whimper — something that didn’t surprise me, since at Cavachons by Design we pre-train our Cavachon puppies to sleep independently before they ever leave for their new families.

Helen went on to say she could tell how much love, time, and training we had invested in Bracket’s early care. The Fisher family, she assured me, was absolutely thrilled with their new Cavachon therapy puppy. She finished by thanking me for giving Bracket such a strong start in life and for the care we pour into every one of our puppies. It was one of those affirmations that warms the heart and reminds me why we do what we do.

Bracket at Work

It didn’t take long for Bracket to embrace her new routine. Today, she greets up to 70 orthodontic patients a day, spreading comfort, calm, and unconditional love. Many request that she sit on their lap during treatment — and she’s more than happy to oblige, sometimes snuggling with as many as 20 patients in a single day.

Of course, therapy work can be tiring for even the happiest Cavachon. When she needs a break, Bracket curls up in her custom-made chair for a well-deserved nap before returning to greet more patients.

A Natural Born Therapy Dog

Dr. Fisher shares that his patients are absolutely delighted with Bracket’s presence. Her cheerful greetings, gentle snuggles, and ability to “read the room” make her a natural therapy dog. She hasn’t just stepped into Smiley’s role — she’s made it her own.

At Cavachons by Design, we believe that great dogs don’t just happen — they’re nurtured, guided, and placed with intention. Bracket’s story is a perfect example of how the right Cavachon puppy, in the right home, can change countless lives for the better.

✨ From Smiley’s legacy to Bracket’s new beginning, this orthodontist’s office continues to prove that sometimes the best medicine really is a wagging tail and a warm heart.