Smiley, a beautiful golden retriever born without eyes, has found his purpose in life: to help people. The cheerful therapy dog often visits schools and hospitals in the small town of Stouffville where he always finds new ways to brighten everyone’s day.

Joanne George rescued Smiley when he was just 1 or 2 years old from a puppy mill and helped him to overcome all obstacles. She didn’t want the dog to solely depend on her, so George let him explore his surroundings on his own. Actually, he had a little help from a dear friend, a deaf Great Dane named Tyler.

Here’s what Joanne said about this wonderful friendship:

“He was very scared, [the dogs] had never been out of that barn. Tyler was so bouncy and crazy and happy go lucky and [Smiley] turned into the same dog. He came out from underneath the tables where he was always hiding.”

She immediately knew Smiley would be an amazing therapy dog and quickly realized he truly makes people happy.

“There was this man Teddy, [he had] no speech, no communication at all. The staff] had never seen Teddy smile before. [Teddy] smiled when Smiley got into his vision.”

George said after caring for Smiley for almost a decade, she has learned a lot about how to care for blind dogs.

“Somebody through St. John’s Ambulance is wanting to adopt a dog that’s blind. I told her all those things don’t be his eyes, don’t run his life, don’t’ keep him in a bubble.”