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Remembering Smiley: A dog who overcame challenges to bring us happiness, a tribute to the resilience and joy animals bring into our lives

Sadly, Canada laments the death of one of its most cherished and happy celebrities. Following a brave three-month cancer fight, Smiley, the blind golden retriever used as a therapy dog, has crossed the rainbow bridge spreading happiness.

The loving owner of Smiley, Joanne George, posted on Instagram the day before his death, “It’s the only way to return all he’s done for us all. Tomorrow we shall let him go. She’s had enough.

We honour Smiley, a dog who surmounted great obstacles to become a lighthouse of happiness for all who knew him, in a sincere respect for the tenacity and delight animals bring into our life. Smiley’s narrative of triumph over hardship emphasises the amazing ability of animals to inspire and elevate us by their relentless spirit and unbounded devotion.



Born without eyes and with a disease known as dwarfism, Golden Retriever Smiley felt as though his potential was being limited. Early on, his days were unclear since even simple chores presented difficulties. Still, Smiley’s actual character started to show quite soon. Joanne George, a kind and driven woman, rescued Smiley from a puppy mill; her life changed dramatically for the better. Joanne sensed his great spirit and saw past his handicap.

Smiley bloom under Joanne’s direction. Though blind, he rapidly adjusted to his surroundings and very easily traversed the world utilising his other senses. He was quite inspirational in his confident and joyous movement. Soon Smiley was a beloved person not only in his house but also in the larger society thanks to his brilliant personality and unwavering energy.



Smiley had impact much beyond his close circle. Visiting hospitals, colleges, and nursing homes, he became a registered therapy dog and his presence gave great comfort and happiness. Both patients and pupils discovered comfort in his cool head and contagious enthusiasm. Smiley was quite good at knowing when someone needed a little more love and acting without delay. For many, his visits turned become a highlight that brightens their days.

Smiley’s delight went beyond his mere physical presence. Joanne posted Smiley’s path with the world on social media, and his tale went viral very fast. His will for life and resiliency affected people from all around the world. Smiley came to represent conquering hardship, his narrative inspiring many people to get strength from within their own difficulties.



Though limited physically, Smiley’s existence was evidence of the power of love and optimism. His capacity to make people happy despite his personal hardships underlined the remarkable influence animals may have on human life. Smiley’s path tells us that the spirit and heart define happiness and perseverance rather than any one physical ability.

Remembering Smiley, we honour the great ways in which animals improve our quality of life. His narrative reminds us strongly of the resiliency everyone of us possesses and the happiness even in the most demanding situations may provide. Smiley’s legacy inspires us still since it shows how love, compassion, and a good attitude could go beyond any challenge. For everyone who had the honour of knowing him or hearing his story, he is still a bright example of the enjoyment and resiliency animals bring into our life.


From senior residents in nursing homes to autistic children and adults of all ages, Smiley comforted patients of many kinds in hospitals close to his Stouffville, Ontario, home. His influence was worldwide, shown by his 200,000 Instagram followers and admirers.

Among those who will sorely miss him is George’s son Shepard, who affectionately called Smiley his “real-life stuffed animal”. George lately posted a moving picture of Shepard visiting Smiley’s last resting place.

“A boy and his dog must part ways finally,” she said. He shares none of my regrets. The suffering is worth all Smiley offered us.

George had posted Smiley’s cancer diagnosis on Facebook months ago, showing astonishment and sadness at learning of tumours in his liver and stomach. Smiley had displayed amazing enjoyment and vigour despite his diagnosis, which made his deterioration more difficult to understand.

With a moving documentary, CBC Toronto paid tribute to Smiley’s life and connected powerfully with thousands of his fans around the globe.

“With Smiley’s passing and the outpouring of love and attention from so many people, it reaffirms my belief that there are still wonderful, loving people in this world,” one user said.

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