'Smiley,' blind golden retriever, warms hearts as therapy dog

He may not be able to see it, but a blind golden retriever named Smiley is living up to his name by bringing smiles to the faces of patients and residents of a Canadian nursing home.

Smiley was born without eyes. Joanne George rescued him from a puppy mill when he was 1 or 2 years old. Now, George brings Smiley, as well as her deaf Great Dane Tyler, to schools and hospitals to brighten people's days.

George has witnessed Smiley's presence have an important impact.

"There was this man Teddy, no speech, no communication at all," George told ABC News of one memorable nursing home resident. "(The staff) had never seen Teddy smile before."



That is, until Smiley arrived.



The staff was amazed. "(Teddy) smiled when Smiley got into his vision," George said.

Learn more about Smily on ABC News.