The Past
When Rovan first came into my life, he was a bundle of energy - a mixed-breed rescue with wild eyes and boundless enthusiasm. I didn't know much about dog care beyond the basics: food, water, walks. His teeth weren't something I thought about.
He loved playing fetch with anything he could find - sticks, rocks, tennis balls. I'd laugh watching him chase objects with reckless abandon, never considering the damage he was doing. Each throw seemed like pure joy. Each catch, a moment of connection.
Veterinarians would mention dental care during check-ups, but I'd nod and promptly forget. 'He's healthy,' I'd tell myself. 'What could go wrong?'
The Turning Point
Years passed. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, Rovan's teeth began to wear down. What started as minor wear became significant damage. His once-bright eyes now showed pain when he tried to chew his favorite toys.
The day our veterinarian explained the extensive dental damage was gut-wrenching. Years of neglect, of thoughtless play, had consequences. Expensive procedures were now risky due to his age, and some damage was simply irreversible.
Looking Back Now
I carry guilt about those years. Not because I didn't love him - I loved him fiercely - but because love isn't just about affection. It's about careful, informed care.
Rovan taught me that prevention matters more than treatment. That small, consistent actions protect those we love far more effectively than grand gestures.
The Lesson
Prevention isn't glamorous. It's daily, sometimes boring work. But it's how we truly show love - through attention to detail, through understanding the long-term consequences of our choices.
Now, when I see other dog owners, I share Rovan's story. Not as a lecture, but as a gentle reminder that our companions depend on our wisdom.