Golden retriever born without eyes becomes therapy dog for the mentally ill and disabled

Smiley is a beautiful golden retriever that has been blind since birth, but that does not stop him from doing AMAZING things and living his life to the fullest!

This little ray of sunshine currently works as a therapy dog, helping the mentally ill and disabled every week.

Photographer Stacey Morrison did a heartwarming photoshoot with Smiley and the photos went viral on the internet.

Morrison described the photo session saying: “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.”

Smiley’s proud owner is a professional dog trainer named Joanne, she explained: “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.”

Joanne explained how she found Smiley in a puppy mill, and how her heart melted when she saw the little goldie: “He was so sweet! He was born without eyes, and had his eyes sewn shut to stop his infections, but he is still one of the cutes puppies I ever saw!”

Being so adorable and loving, his blindness did not stop Joanne from adopting him! He even works now as a licensed therapy dog for the mentally ill and disabled, and is doing some amazing work every week! Some of his patients never smile except for when they are getting a visit from Smiley – which totally explains where he got his name from the first place!

“Smiley likes to introduce himself to everyone. How could you not fall in love with this face?” said Joanne.