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Famous therapy dog Smiley dies after 16 years
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When Joanne George adopted a golden retriever in 2004 named Smiley who was born without eyes, little did she know what the next 13 years had in store. What started out as rescue dog turned into a partnership that George couldn’t have imagined. Their time together came to an end Oct. 14 as Smiley was euthanized to spare him from the suffering of stomach and liver cancer. It was a very difficult decision for George. But as Smiley’s symptoms worsened in recent days she said she did what she thought was best. "I promised him and myself that I wouldn’t let him suffer," she said. "He lived 16 years. That’s pretty unbelievable." When George posted the news l See SMILEY, page 12
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Austin Liao, 20 months, sits next to Smiley, the blind therapy dog, on McHappy Day, held in support of Ronald McDonald House, at the McDonald’s location in the Stouffville Walmart.
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