Born Without Eyes, Smiley The Golden Retriever Becomes Therapy Dog For Mentally Ill And Disabled
Despite having been blind from birth and raised in a puppy mill, Smiley the golden retriever doesn’t seem to have anything to be glum about. This perpetually happy adorable dog is so motivating, joyful, and loving that he works as a therapy dog as well, spreading his joy to mentally ill and disabled patients every week.
Stacey Morrison, the photographer behind this beautiful photo session with this smart doggo, had this to say about him; “he bumps into things a lot. And as I quickly learned, when he’s running towards you, he doesn’t know when to stop! But otherwise, he gets along just fine being a blind dog. In fact, as he’s going about his doggy business — sniffing, listening, frolicking, nuzzling — you forget that this cute dog has a disability.”
According to Morrison, Smiley’s owner, a professional dog trainer named Joanne, “ it’s important that he explores his surroundings on his own, using his own instincts, without people hovering over him or cringing every time he bumps into something.”
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Joanne found Smiley in a puppy mill
He was born without eyes, and had his eyes sewn shut to stop his infections
“He bumps into things a lot. And as I quickly learned, when he’s running towards you, he doesn’t know when to stop!”
Luckily, his blindness didn’t stop Joanne from adopting him!
Now he even works as a licensed therapy dog for mentally ill and disabled patients
“Smiley likes to introduce himself to everyone. How could you not fall in love with this face?”
Some of his patients never smile except for when Smiley visits
“As he’s going about his doggy business — sniffing, listening, frolicking, nuzzling — you forget that he has a disability”
“Smiley is completely in tune with Joanne. From the sound of her footsteps to the tone in her voice — her cues let him know if he is safe or if there is an obstacle in his way. ”
“It’s important that he explores his surroundings on his own without people cringing every time he bumps into something”
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i suggest attaching proximity sensor with a beeper to his collar, he will adapt quickly to the sound of the beeper
He's so cute! I needed to hear a story like this today it made me smile. I love the story and the pics! :) Thanks for sharing!
That's cool I have diabetes but there are things int the world that a worse but having a dog like that would be awesome
What a beautiful inspiration! I admire this dog so much. He is a saint in life. I wish I could touch him & tell him how much I respect him.
What a fantastic story and I even watered up some what reading about this outstanding dog..
Love you Smiley. You remind me of my beloved pet polo, who passed away last year. She was abandoned too by puppy mill. And her eyesight w
That is so sweet, my family we went to the shelter and we looked for dogs, and I picked the hairless and infected one.... its not weird...
How absolutely beautiful. xxx Thank you Smiley for brightening my day xxx
keep up the good work smiley.. God bless the people who helped him :)
What an amazing and adorable dog! I He's blind but that doesn't stop him from smiling and exploring the world around him. I love you Smiley!
Lovely. This article made me cry in the same time with a smile on my face. Amizing doggie! <3
i suggest attaching proximity sensor with a beeper to his collar, he will adapt quickly to the sound of the beeper
He's so cute! I needed to hear a story like this today it made me smile. I love the story and the pics! :) Thanks for sharing!
That's cool I have diabetes but there are things int the world that a worse but having a dog like that would be awesome
What a beautiful inspiration! I admire this dog so much. He is a saint in life. I wish I could touch him & tell him how much I respect him.
What a fantastic story and I even watered up some what reading about this outstanding dog..
Love you Smiley. You remind me of my beloved pet polo, who passed away last year. She was abandoned too by puppy mill. And her eyesight w
That is so sweet, my family we went to the shelter and we looked for dogs, and I picked the hairless and infected one.... its not weird...
How absolutely beautiful. xxx Thank you Smiley for brightening my day xxx
keep up the good work smiley.. God bless the people who helped him :)
What an amazing and adorable dog! I He's blind but that doesn't stop him from smiling and exploring the world around him. I love you Smiley!
Lovely. This article made me cry in the same time with a smile on my face. Amizing doggie! <3
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