Today I picked up the three dogs I had taken in to the Whitefield vet clinic yesterday for regularly scheduled dentals -- blind Widget, blind Madison and Dexter T. Dickens. Long-time blog readers may recall that Dexter had needed emergency oral surgery in California in late 2008 before we could bring him out to the ranch, and among the many teeth he had removed then was his upper right canine. He had more teeth removed during his dental last year in Montana. And two more teeth are gone as a result of his latest dental here, including his upper left canine. (He's now left teeth behind in three states -- literally from coast to coast -- perhaps the first dog with that distinction. Hmm.)
Since he first arrived, he had sported an endearing "snaggle-toothed" look on one side of his mouth -- you can see it in the photos on that original blog post -- but now he's got a double snaggle-tooth expression. So it's twice as endearing!
I was going to use a different headline for this post, but then I looked again at the photo we took this afternoon and realized he really did look like a little old fella who'd misplaced his dentures!
No kidding...Is that dog really has no teeth at all? How pity..
Posted by: Mesa Family Dentist | February 08, 2011 at 08:23 PM
I love to see updates about Dexter! This is probably a little bit of an over share- but when he had his first surgery with us in California the vet sent his teeth home with me. My dog ate them the next day. Apparently they were just irresistable! Thank you for taking such great care of this guy- He has truly landed in Doggie heaven on earth!
Posted by: Ashley | August 02, 2010 at 03:04 PM
Poor old Dexter, he so reminds me of my old dog who was constantly leaving his teeth all over the place, till he ended up with a face only his mother could love.
This is a really friendly blog and to anyone that takes care of wounded animals deserves a pat on the back.
Posted by: Barry | July 24, 2010 at 10:42 PM
I love this picture. And since my little guy, Renaldo, is not far behind Mr. Dexter, I always enjoy seeing stuff about him.
Posted by: Adele in the Bronx | July 24, 2010 at 09:31 AM
Dexter, you are one handsome boy with or without those teeth! Love your cute face!
Posted by: Nina | July 22, 2010 at 09:39 PM
Oh, sweet Dexter, you are so hugable. I hope you work this sad, pity-me look to the max. Teeth or no teeth you are adorable. (better no teeth if they were going bad, bad teeth can be really, really unhealthy for you!). Hugs to you sweetie. Anne
Posted by: Anne in Florida | July 22, 2010 at 01:02 PM
This has got to be one of the cutest pictures ever!
It seems like all the animals are having a smooth transition to NH. Would love to hear from your perspective how they are all doing. Has it been smooth for everyone?
Posted by: Chloe | July 21, 2010 at 04:54 PM
Your animals make me smile.
Posted by: Sandy Shubert | July 21, 2010 at 02:38 PM
How cute! One of my cats has lost his two upper canine teeth and often has the very same expression!
Posted by: eekie | July 21, 2010 at 02:38 PM
Oh well, forget the teeth - my long cute ears, big eyes and sweet pointed little face make me too cute anyway! - so there. :)
Posted by: Angela | July 21, 2010 at 01:17 PM
Dexter, you are adorable and one lucky doggie.
Posted by: Tracy Ismert | July 21, 2010 at 01:15 PM
Wonderful that you keep up with the needed dental work. That could be really painful otherwise and bring on other health issues. The cuteness is a bonus- made me smile, :) Worth blowing up onto a larger screen view for sure.
Posted by: Margaret | July 21, 2010 at 12:57 PM
What a sweet, sweet face.
Posted by: Bonnie | July 21, 2010 at 12:26 PM
My three cats, Willow, Charlotte and Plum were part of 25 feral cats rescued from a NJ backyard. Turns out genetically most of those cats have bad gums & teeth so I know about getting dental work done on animals. Even though my girls lose teeth every time they go for dental cleanings (Plum is down to 3 canines) they feel so much better it's worth it. So, I know Dexter might look like a little old man but he must feel so much better with someone watching out for his chompers. Go Dexter! I think you're adorable!
Posted by: Peggy | July 21, 2010 at 11:58 AM
Dexter is such a cutie! I love that pic & the title of this is perfect!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | July 21, 2010 at 11:44 AM
What a sweet little guy!
Posted by: Dawn | July 21, 2010 at 11:22 AM
I heart Dexter T. Dickens. The minute I saw his picture my day got better!!
Posted by: Kristi Gross | July 21, 2010 at 11:16 AM
Like Ev, my first thought was, "Grampa"! What a cutie he is.
I've got a little guy like that, a miniature schnauzer rescued from a puppy mill. He has about 10 teeth left. I feed our dogs raw, so he gets a grind of raw meat and bones. He scarfs it down like a champ and looks around for more!
Posted by: Lynne Parker | July 21, 2010 at 10:37 AM
This photo is priceless. Just like Dexter!
Posted by: Lisa Taron (aka The Pet Book Lady) | July 21, 2010 at 10:23 AM
What a great shot! Dexter's adorable no matter how many teeth he has.
Posted by: boundforglory | July 21, 2010 at 09:58 AM
It is amazing to me how doxie's are cute no matter what... and you hit it on the head... this photo of Dexter is indeed endearing.
Barbara Techel
Posted by: Barbara Techel | July 21, 2010 at 09:42 AM
Dexter is my man so glad to see that sweet smile!
Posted by: gayle | July 21, 2010 at 08:35 AM
I took one look at that picture, got a big grin on my face and then just started chuckling. Dexter has to be one of the most adorable little dogs I have ever seen! That toothless grin on his face is just priceless :)
Posted by: Ann | July 21, 2010 at 03:30 AM
The picture of Dexter made my day! What a sweetheart. Hope the transition at the ranch is going well. We miss you guys dearly!
Posted by: Kate & Luke | July 20, 2010 at 11:47 PM
Dexter T. has a "permanent" smile! Simply adorable!The photo says...... Look at me, Look at me!! Reminds me of Widget and her "Wink"
Posted by: Doe George | July 20, 2010 at 11:44 PM
I love how animals can make me chuckle no matter how I'm feeling - just by being themselves! Thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: [email protected] | July 20, 2010 at 11:36 PM
He's still dog-gone cute!!!! Love you Dexter
Posted by: Diane Bowlin | July 20, 2010 at 10:52 PM
Steve: Dexter says "What goes around comes around". He has asked Alayne to post a picture of you when your toothless day comes. Revenge! :)
Posted by: Dee's Mom | July 20, 2010 at 10:20 PM
Sweet Dexter. You look adorable! And don't worry, cuz Mom and Daddy will mash up your food real good for you, honey.
Posted by: Penny Heinrich | July 20, 2010 at 09:31 PM
Poor guy!!! But for most old animals thats not too bad. My cat OJ has only his 4 canines left and all he eats are crunchies, you wouldn't think so with only 4 teeth left. So go to it Dexter. Love, Cheryl oxoxoxoxoxo
Posted by: Cheryl Pohl | July 20, 2010 at 09:20 PM
You hit the nail right on the head Steve....he looks exactly like a little old man with no teeth....adorable all the same!
Posted by: Marla | July 20, 2010 at 08:42 PM
You two are the best. There could easily be a hourly blog with all the antics and quirks. Thanks so much.
Posted by: lisa james | July 20, 2010 at 08:39 PM
Dexter is as handsome as ever!
My dog, Jack, had a root canal 6 years ago to save a molar. We were told at the time the root canal wouldn't last forever and he'd eventually lose that tooth. Little did we know he would end up with heart disease that prevents him from being anesthetized, and now we can't remove the tooth. It has resulted in a chronic sinus infection and he's on long-term antibiotics.
So the moral of my story is that it's a good thing Dexter lost those teeth and didn't get a bunch of root canals that could cause problems later! Besides, he's incredibly endearing... and you picked exactly the right title for this blog.
Posted by: Linda | July 20, 2010 at 08:24 PM
That is sooo CUTE!!!!!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | July 20, 2010 at 08:06 PM
Dexter T. has cute down pat!!!! I guess he was kind of embarrassed about smiling for the camera or was he? Poor Baby! Will you be switching him to canned food?
You can only do so much "gumming". Smooches, Dexter T.!!!
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | July 20, 2010 at 07:54 PM
Poor baby - it's not easy getting old and having bad teeth. But he's taking it in stride and looking as cute as ever. And that big nose of his contributes to his endearing look.
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | July 20, 2010 at 07:05 PM
Grampa Dexter is adorable, even without his chompers. Nice smile Dex.
Posted by: Ev | July 20, 2010 at 06:38 PM
Oh bless him.. that photo is just adorable!!
Posted by: Maree in NZ | July 20, 2010 at 06:30 PM