Sadly, one of the happiest and most beloved faces in Canada has passed the rainbow bridge. After a three-month battle with cancer, Smiley, a blind golden retriever who spent the most of his 15 years working as a therapy dog, was put to sleep.
The day before she said farewell to her friend, Smiley’s owner Joanne George said on Instagram, “It’s the only way to repay all he’s done for us all.” “We’ll release him tomorrow. He’s had it with it.
According to Global News, Smiley had consoled patients of all ages at the hospitals close to his home in Stouffville, Ontario, including elderly people in nursing homes, autistic youngsters, and patients of all ages. However, his supporters hail from all around the world.
Just ask his 200,000 Instagram followers.
Shepard, George’s son, will miss his “real-life stuffed animal” the most out of all of Smiley’s friends. Shepard visiting Smiley’s final burial site was one of the final pictures George shared after her dog passed away.
“A boy and his dog must part ways eventually,” she wrote. “Shepherd knows this pain he’s feeling is the result of loving another with all your heart. Like myself, he has no regrets. The pain is worth all he gave us.”
George had announced Smiley’s cancer diagnosis months prior on Facebook.
“Not easy to type this out … they found a mass/tumour on Smiley’s stomach and one on his liver,” she posted. “The dog who I thought would live forever doesn’t have much time left with us. We are obviously shocked and devastated. He has been so happy lately with extra pep in his step, so this is so hard to comprehend.”
CBC Toronto produced a film honoring the life of this remarkably kind dog, and thousands of Smiley admirers all across the world found it moving.
“With the passing of Smiley and so many people sending love and giving so much attention to this beautiful boy, it makes me believe that there are still some wonderful caring people in this world,” one commenter posted.
Smiley’s story touched hearts far and wide, as people from every corner of the globe followed his journey and the deep bond he shared with his family. His legacy is one of unconditional love, compassion, and service, a dog who devoted his life to healing others and, in turn, received an outpouring of love in his final days.
Joanne George’s words echoed the sentiment felt by many who had come to know Smiley through social media and news outlets: “It’s the only way to repay all he’s done for us all.” Smiley, a dog born with blindness, had never let his disability stop him from becoming a source of light and comfort for others. His resilience and unwavering spirit were evident in every hospital visit, where he brought joy and solace to those who needed it most. Whether it was a child with autism in need of a comforting presence or an elderly patient in a nursing home looking for companionship, Smiley always rose to the occasion, offering his love without hesitation.
His role as a therapy dog was far more than just a job—it was his calling. His innate ability to sense the emotions of those around him made him an ideal companion for people who were struggling, lonely, or in pain. Smiley didn’t just provide physical comfort; he offered emotional healing, his warm presence a reminder that even in the darkest times, love could shine through.
The outpouring of grief and love from his 200,000 Instagram followers was a testament to the profound impact he had on the lives of so many. People from all walks of life shared their stories of how Smiley had touched their hearts, whether through his comforting visits to hospitals or simply by providing a sense of joy through his social media posts. His story was a reminder of the deep connection between humans and animals, and how that bond can heal and transform lives.
For Joanne George and her family, saying goodbye to Smiley was one of the hardest things they had ever done. She had shared his journey with the world, from his triumphs to his struggles, and now, with a heavy heart, she was sharing his final moments. Smiley had been a part of their family for so many years—his presence was woven into the fabric of their daily lives, and his absence would be deeply felt.
George’s son, Shepard, who had grown up alongside Smiley, expressed how much he would miss his “real-life stuffed animal.” The bond between them was a unique one, built on years of companionship and mutual love. Shepard’s heartfelt farewell to Smiley captured the bittersweetness of losing such a beloved friend. As George wrote, “A boy and his dog must part ways eventually.” This profound truth is one that resonates with anyone who has experienced the love of a pet and the inevitable heartache that comes with their passing.
Smiley’s battle with cancer was a difficult chapter in his life, but even in his final days, he continued to bring comfort to his family. Joanne had shared the news of his diagnosis months earlier, writing about the shock and devastation of learning that the dog who had been so full of life and energy was now facing the end of his journey. “The dog who I thought would live forever doesn’t have much time left with us,” she had written, her words filled with the raw pain of a mother preparing to say goodbye to her child. Smiley had always been a source of joy and strength for her, and now, she had to find the strength to let him go.
Throughout his battle with cancer, Smiley remained a symbol of courage and love. His final days were filled with the care and attention he had given so many others throughout his life. George’s decision to let him go was made out of love and compassion, knowing that it was the kindest thing she could do for him after all he had given. “We’ll release him tomorrow. He’s had it with it,” she wrote, her words a poignant reminder that sometimes the greatest act of love is letting go.
As Smiley passed over the rainbow bridge, the outpouring of love from around the world was a testament to the legacy he left behind. Thousands of people who had never met him in person felt as though they had lost a friend. One commenter shared, “With the passing of Smiley and so many people sending love and giving so much attention to this beautiful boy, it makes me believe that there are still some wonderful caring people in this world.” Smiley’s story had become a symbol of hope, love, and the goodness that still exists in the world, reminding everyone that even in times of sorrow, there is beauty and kindness to be found.
In the days that followed, the George family took comfort in knowing that Smiley had lived a full and meaningful life. His legacy would live on in the countless lives he had touched, and the memories of his unwavering love and dedication to others would continue to inspire. As they laid Smiley to rest, they knew that he would always be with them, forever in their hearts.
Smiley’s passing was not just the loss of a therapy dog; it was the loss of a friend, a family member, and a symbol of love in its purest form. But as Joanne George so beautifully expressed, the pain of losing him was worth every moment they had shared. “The pain is worth all he gave us,” she wrote, a sentiment that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the deep, unconditional love of a pet.
As the world mourned the loss of this extraordinary dog, it also celebrated the incredible life he had lived. Smiley’s journey was one of love, service, and compassion, and it will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know his story. Though he may be gone, his spirit lives on, reminding us all of the power of kindness and the profound impact animals can have on our lives.
