GREENE COUNTY
The K9 Angels will once again be joining Lake Oconee Dentistry and Lake Oconee Oral Surgery for Stars, Stripes & Smiles on Friday, June 23. Stars, Stripes & Smiles is an annual free day of dentistry for active and retired military, as well as law enforcement, firefighters, DNR and EMS personnel. Attendees will receive their choice of a free cleaning, filling, or extraction that day.
“The dental office isn’t everyone’s favorite place,” said Dr. David Bradley, Lake Oconee Dentistry co-owner. “Last year, we thought it would be fun to invite some therapy dogs to help put people at ease. It was so well received; we are excited to have the K9 Angels join us again.”
This year, celebrity dog Oliver, a 180-pound Newfoundland (and his owner Sabrina Sweeney) will be joining the K9 Angels at the office. Oliver is featured in Jeep’s popular “Going on a Bear Hunt” commercial. He has also been featured on ABC’s Nightline and has been in two movies currently awaiting release.
“Oliver is a water rescue dog and a therapy dog,” said K9 Angel co-founder Ginny Spurlock. “He’s soft, fluffy, and a gentle giant. We’re excited to have him with us this year.”
K9 Angels were created in 2012 by lake area residents Ginny Spurlock and Tanya Kingsley. The group has 45 trained, registered, and insured dogs serving Greene, Putnam, Baldwin, Jasper, and Clarke counties.
The K9 Angels make regular visits to a variety of hospitals and assisted-living facilities in the area, as well as Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville and the University of Georgia in Athens. Dogs also visit local elementary schools as part of a dog-assisted reading program for children who experience difficulties with reading or need emotional support.
“We are so excited to once again be a part of this year’s free day of dentistry,” said Spurlock. “We take our mission very seriously and are looking forward to sharing our animals as a way to honor our veterans and hometown heroes and spread some joy.”
If you are a veteran or hometown hero and are interested in receiving free dental treatment on June 23, please call the office at 706-453-1333 for an appointment time. You do not have to be a patient to receive treatment. Lake Oconee Dentistry is located off Highway 44 in Greensboro, between the Publix parking lot and the movie theater.
Drs. David and Patti Bradley opened Lake Oconee Dentistry in 1998. In addition to providing standard preventive maintenance exams and professional cleanings, Lake Oconee Dentistry offers short-term orthodontics, cosmetic enhancements, dental implant placement and restoration, teeth whitening, and oral appliances for snoring and sleep apnea.