Finley: Medical Scent Detection Dog

Meet Finley: A New Era in Patient Care

Transforming Oral Surgery Experiences Across Atlantic Canada

At Dr. Louis Bourget’s oral surgery practices in Gander, Dartmouth, and Truro, Finley represents a revolutionary approach to patient care. As a specially trained medical scent detection dog, he has the extraordinary ability to sense and respond to patient anxiety, making dental procedures more comfortable for everyone.

Finley, our beloved service dog, comes from the esteemed Mermaid Golden Retrievers in Pictou, Nova Scotia. Selected at just 42 days old, Finley hails from a distinguished lineage of champions with a remarkable pedigree, thanks to the dedication and expertise of breeder Pam Smith.

To learn more about Mermaid Golden Retrievers, visit their profile on Good Dog.

From Puppy to Pioneer

Early Promise

Selected at 47 days old for his exceptional temperament and abilities, Finley showed early signs of the extraordinary service dog he would become

Specialized Training

Under the guidance of renowned trainer Bill Grimmer, Finley began his journey to become Atlantic Canada's first medical scent detection dog for oral surgery

Joining Dr. Bourget's Practice

Now serving patients across Gander, Dartmouth, and Truro, Finley has transformed the surgical experience for countless individuals.

Understanding Medical Scent Detection

Working in collaboration with leading institutions like Medical Detection Dogs UK, our program represents the cutting edge of anxiety detection in medical settings. Finley’s ability to detect cortisol, the stress hormone, allows Dr. Bourget to provide truly personalized care.

Cortisol Detection

Finley can detect subtle changes in cortisol levels, helping identify anxious patients before procedures

Natural Anxiety Relief

Research shows that interaction with service dogs naturally lowers stress hormones and increases comfort

Improved Outcomes

Lower pre-operative anxiety leads to better surgical outcomes and faster recovery times.

“Finley was like a furry guardian angel, his presence washed away my worries and filled me with a sense of peace I haven't felt in years. He made my surgery so much easier to face." ”

Anonymous Patient

January 25, 2024

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"My 13-year-old son, was nervous about his wisdom teeth removal until Finley calmed him. He became happy and ready for surgery. Smiles replaced anxiety, Thank you, Finley!

Anonymous Patient

December 6, 2023

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What our customers said about our services

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Beyond Training

Pioneering Patient Care

Dr. Bourget and Finley’s work has been recognized by leading institutions and media outlets, including feature coverage in Atlantic Magazine and collaborative research with Medical Detection Dogs UK.

Procedures Supported

Infection Rate Impact

Locations Served

Hours of Training

Stay Connected with Finley

Follow Finley’s ongoing journey as he continues to transform patient experiences across Atlantic Canada. Sign up for updates on his work with Dr. Bourget and the latest developments in medical scent detection.

Finley's Gallery

Finley’s growth from puppyhood to his current role as a service dog.

Meet Finley: A New Era in Patient Care

Transforming Oral Surgery Experiences Across Atlantic Canada