India’s first Dental Assistance Therapy Dog, Wrigley changing the face of Pediatric Dentistry.
At HNM Dental Centre, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Dentistry is practiced with a Dif-fur-rence. Children walk in nervously, often clutching their parents’ hands—but are soon greeted by a soft golden furry friend with a wet nose and a wagging tail. That’s Wrigley, India’s first certified Dental Assistance Therapy Dog, and he’s changing the way young patients experience dentistry.
Wrigley works alongside Dr. Manasi Shimpi at HNM Dental Centre, where the duo practices Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI)—a structured and evidence-based therapeutic approach that integrates trained animals into healthcare settings.
What is Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI)?
Animal Assisted Interventions are planned interactions between a human and a trained animal, designed to achieve specific physical, emotional, cognitive, or social outcomes. In medical and dental settings, particularly with pediatric or special needs populations, AAI has shown remarkable results in reducing anxiety and creating a sense of safety.
“The science behind AAI is compelling,” says Dr. Shimpi, who is formally trained and certified in this field along with Wrigley. “Interacting with therapy animals stimulates the release of hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin—commonly known as the ‘happy hormones, and helps reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. These neurochemicals reduce stress, promote relaxation, and help children feel more secure and emotionally regulated.”
A Certified Duo with a Therapeutic Mission
Wrigley, a 2-year-9-month-old English Cocker Spaniel, isn’t just a friendly face. He has been carefully trained, temperament-tested, and certified by a Animal Angels Foundation,India, a globally recognized organization for therapy animals. Dr. Shimpi, as his handler, has also undergone rigorous education and passed qualification exams to ensure their work follows ethical, safe, and effective AAI protocols.
“This isn’t just about having a pet in the clinic,” Dr. Shimpi explains. “Every session is purposeful. Wrigley is always under my supervision, and his interactions are tailored to each child’s comfort and needs.”
A Calming Presence in the Dental Chair
At HNM Dental Centre, Wrigley’s role begins even before the dental treatment starts. Children can meet and play with him in the waiting area, often engaging in simple activities like playing with him, teaching him how to brush teeth, learning about good foods and bad foods, or watching him demonstrate the tricks he knows —small but meaningful actions that calm their nerves and add an element of amusement.
During treatment, Wrigley waits quietly beside the dental chair, providing a reassuring presence throughout the procedure. “We’ve seen children who were previously non-cooperative become more receptive simply because Wrigley is around,” says Dr. Shimpi. “He doesn’t distract them—he grounds them.”
After treatment, many children ask to spend a few more minutes with Wrigley, reinforcing a positive memory of the dental visit. The goal is to associate the clinic with comfort, not fear—and it’s working.
Beyond the Dental Clinic
Wrigley’s work doesn’t stop at HNM Dental Centre. As a certified therapy dog, he visits a wide range of spaces, including educational institutions, special needs centres, corporate offices, and even airports.
At educational centres, especially those catering to neurodivergent children, Wrigley participates in reading or storytelling sessions, helping children with speech and confidence-building.
At special needs facilities, his presence offers sensory grounding, reduces overstimulation, and enhances emotional regulation.
In corporate settings, Wrigley acts as a stress-relief companion during wellness events or mental health breaks, helping professionals decompress.
At the Delhi airport, he worked as part of a therapy dog initiative designed to calm anxious travelers—offering a moment of warmth in an otherwise high-stress environment.
Each visit is carefully scheduled and supervised, ensuring both safety and therapeutic impact.
Shifting the Narrative Around Healthcare and Healing
Dr. Shimpi’s work with Wrigley is not about marketing or novelty—it’s about advocacy. “We want people to understand the power of the human-animal bond,” she says. “This bond is ancient and instinctive, and when harnessed responsibly, it can be incredibly healing.”
She hopes to see more Indian healthcare institutions explore AAI as a legitimate complementary approach, especially in pediatric, mental health, and rehabilitation settings.
“Not every child needs a therapy dog, but for the ones who do, the difference is profound,” she adds.
As for Wrigley? He seems perfectly content doing what he does best—being present, being gentle, and reminding people, one wag at a time, that healing doesn’t always come from a syringe or a scalpel. Sometimes, it comes from a soft paw, a wet nose and a kind gaze.
As Seen On Zee News: See how therapy dogs are changing pediatric dentistry in India →
