True Colours

Every so often you come across a story, that makes you feel hopeful.  A tale that makes you realize that for all the horrible things going on in the world that there are still truly good and nice things to see and feel inspired by. My love of animals is no surprise to anybody who reads my blog or any of my social media accounts. I truly believe that they come into our lives to help and support us humans during difficult and averse situations we face , bringing us comfort.  This is the whole ethos behind The Black Dog Club 

Many years ago, probably when Duncan was a puppy, I first heard of "Smiley". 
Smiley was a golden retriever who was born with dwarfism and in addition was born blind. His eyes were sewn up to prevent infection. He spent is first two years of life in a puppy mill, living in awful conditions, until he was rescued by Joanne George, just before he was about to be put to sleep. He went on to find a forever home with Joanne and her family in her home on Ontario Canada. Joanne is a dog trainer. You can read more about her and her other dogs here. 

This is Smiley.. I am sure you can understand why Joanne and her family chose his name

Joanne found that Smiley really was quite a remarkable dog. He had a difficult start in life and at first  Joanne says she found things tough. After all he had been through she said that "He was nervous and had many anxieties abut coming into a home. He cowered at the sound of another dog eating and he had scars on his face and ears" This all told a tales of what it must have been like living with so many dogs in such awful conditions. Over time and with training Smiley became confident and happy. Joanne noticed that people were drawn to him and felt inspired by him. She realized that Smiley would make a great therapy dog and so his new journey began - he eventually became a St John's ambulance therapy dog - he had many friends and supported people with Autism and helped Children reading their books. He also visited many care homes to support the elderly. He was a shining light of hope to so many.

In August this year I read a post on Smiley's facebook page that made me really sad. Poor Smiley was diagnosed with Cancer and there was very little they could do for him in terms of treatment and he might not have long left with his family. I remember reading about him whilst on my way to Anglesey in September and just hoped that that perhaps, against the odds there would be a happier outcome.

Last Friday, I read an  update from Joanne, that he was quite poorly and they as a family  had reached a decision to let him go, rather than suffer any more pain.  I was absolutely devastated but what very clear to me was the love people felt all over the world for him and there was an outpouring of love on Instagram and Twitter for Smiley. On Saturday it felt like so many tears fell across the world as we all heard that Smiley was free from pain but sadly a lovely shining light was no longer with us.

As a tribute my first candle light on my Rainbow Bridge candle was for Smiley.

From a personal point, I have not enjoyed this week at all, I've been feeling out of sorts and a bit stressed which leads to my anxiety taking over . I found myself questioning why once again people can be so thoughtless and mean at times, but one thing that has kept me feeling hopeful,  was seeing the amount of people sending love to Smiley's family and sharing the stories of how he has helped so many people. Once again it is the love of an animal that gives so many people comfort. It also does good understand that for every mean person there are dozens of kind people like Joanne who rescued Smiley and gave him a happy home.

It is also amazing how dogs can adapt - we can learn so many lessons from them to help ourselves

For Dogs do not dwell in the past, they live only in this moment

Thank you Smiley for making so many people happy. Run free at the bridge xxx

You can support the work that dogs like Smiley do, by purchasing a special charity t shirt here which is in tribute to him