One of Canada’s most lovable and well-known faces has sadly passed over the rainbow bridge.
Smiley, a b.l.i.n.d golden retriever who spent the majority of his 15 years as a therapy dog, died after a three-month battle with cancer.
Smiley’s owner, Joanne George, wrote on Instagram the day before she said goodbye to her friend, “It’s the only way to repay what he’s done for us all.” “We’ll let him go the next day.” He’s had his fill.”
According to Global News, Smiley had comforted senior citizens in nursing homes, children with autism, and patients of all ages at hospitals near his home in Stouffville, Ontario. His fans, on the other hand, come from all over the world.
Just ask his 200,000 Instagram followers.
George’s son, Shepard, will miss his “real-life stuffed animal” the most of all Smiley’s friends. Shepard visiting Smiley’s final resting place was one of the last photos George shared after her dog died.
“A boy and his dog must eventually part ways,” she wrote. “Shepherd understands that the pain he’s experiencing is the result of unconditional love for another. He, like me, has no regrets. The agony is worth everything he’s given us.”
Smiley’s can.cer diagnosis had been announced months before on George’s Facebook page.
“It’s not easy typing this… Smiley’s stomach had a mass/tum.our, and his liver had one,” she wrote. “The dog I thought would live forever isn’t with us for much longer.” We’re obviously stunned and heartbroken. This is difficult to comprehend because he has been so happy lately, with an extra spring in his step.”
Smiley was put to sleep at 12:30 p.m. on October 14, and a candlelight vigil was held in his honor.
Smiley’s life was celebrated in a video created by CBC Toronto, and it was well received by thousands of Smiley fans all over the world.
“With the passing of Smiley and so many people sending love and attention to this beautiful boy,” one commenter wrote, “it makes me believe that there are still some wonderful caring people in the world.”
Smiley, for example, would not want his friends to be sad. To read an inspiring res.cue story that will make you smile again, click the button below!
