Being a dog is tough. If you were born with any abnormalities or born without a home, then it’s to the dog pound with you where you’ll most likely be terminated.
That was almost the case for Smiley, a golden-retriever who was born with dwarfism and had his eyelids sewn shut. He was only two when he was sentenced to death.
Thankfully, he was rescued by Joanne George, owner of Training the K9 Way, who steered him away from death’s door with bigger plans.
After spending time with Smiley, George noticed something about him. “People are drawn to him, so inspired by him.” She told CBS news.
She then decided to would train Smiley to be a therapy dog. It didn’t take long for Smiley to get his therapy dog certificate for the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program.
For the next 7 years, Smiley has brought a smile to countless faces to both the old and the young. George particularly likes to have him visit those with a mental or physical disability as they can connect with him easier.
His healing powers have astonished most people, especially when it came to one nursing home resident, Teddy.
According to a CBS news report, “One day, Smiley put his feet up in front of [Teddy] and he started smiling and making noise,” George said. “All of the nurses rushed into the room and said they’ve never seen him smile — never seen any kind of reaction.”
This dog has helped hundreds of lives during his time, and it’s all thanks to one human who helped his life one time.
