In spite of grappling with dwarfism and various physical challenges, a remarkable golden retriever named Smiley entered the world blind. His early years were spent in a puppy mill nestled within a quiet Ontario town. It was an existence marked by adversity. Then, in 2004, a former veterinarian technician named Joanne George was entrusted with a somber task – to euthanize roughly 20 dogs from the puppy mill due to their dire medical conditions. Among them was Smiley, bearing scars and split ears.
Upon meeting Smiley, George could sense the enormity of his struggle to survive in his compromised state. However, the dismal conditions of the puppy mill only exacerbated his challenges. Rather than carrying out euthanasia, George resolved to find new homes for these dogs alongside another veterinarian. While all the other dogs found new families, Smiley’s blindness seemed to be a deterrent. Despite her relentless efforts, George encountered difficulties in securing a home for Smiley, possibly due to his disability. After persistent attempts, George reluctantly considered putting an end to her search.
But this was not the end of Smiley’s story.
The moment Joanne George contemplated adopting Smiley, she recounted, “I just thought—he’s mine.” With time, Smiley’s resilience and upbeat nature began to match his name; he exuded happiness in every encounter. Recognizing Smiley’s potential to spread positivity, George pursued certification for him as a therapy dog. She had always sensed that Smiley was no ordinary dog. From then on, Smiley’s presence graced hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and anywhere a dose of love and warmth was needed. Despite his disability, Smiley transformed into a beacon of hope and happiness, teaching the world to embrace the present.
Smiley’s fame soared, to the extent that he even had an audience with Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada. George shared, “People say they feel like a different person after meeting Smiley.”
Regrettably, Smiley’s journey reached its end at the age of 15, following a short battle with cancer. Yet, his infectious positivity remains a lasting legacy. Though he may have departed, his ability to evoke joy perseveres. Smiley, your gift of happiness continues to touch us all.
Glad to meet Smiley, the Ontario therapy dog who teaches kids about bullying & acceptance. My thanks to St. John Ambulance for the visit. pic.twitter.com/1Xvl9QudM0
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 1, 2016
