Author and Smiley's "mom" Joanne George visited Good Vibes on Main in Newmarket on the weekend to sign her book that tells the tale of the winsome blind service dog who captured hearts in York Region and around the world.
Stouffville resident George wrote the book about "the little dog with such a huge purpose" following his October 2017 death, shared with his 300,000 followers on social media.
Some local shoppers braved Sunday's storm to meet George, who was accompanied by her new blind dog, Sunny, and to buy Smiley, A Journey of Love about "the blind service dog who teaches us to see with our hearts."
The golden retriever, who was born with a condition causing blindness, was rescued from a puppy mill in 2004 by George.
As a therapy dog with York Region's St. John Ambulance, Smiley earned international acclaim during the 12 years he spent bringing comfort and joy to people while visiting local hospitals, schools and care homes before vets found tumours on his liver and stomach in July 2017.
