Pet Photography
Smiley the Golden Retriever by Happy Tails Pet Photography
The amazing story of how a blind dog born in a puppy mill became a therapy dog bringing joy to people all over the world.
Copy: Serena Faber Nelson & Stacey Morrison
Photography: Happy Tails Pet Photography
Pet lifestyle expert Serena Faber-Nelson is the founder of Pretty Fluffy. A contributor to Everyday with Rachael Ray, Modern Dog Magazine, Cesars Way and more; her modern, stylized take on DIY dog treats has seen her recipes viewed millions of times over.
Serena is the author of the go-to dog mom bible, Dog Mama, and the popular dog treat recipe book, Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.
The funny thing about featuring a dog called Smiley, is that you can’t stop smiling when you look at that beautiful face smiling back at you.
From a rough start in life, Smiley is a beacon of hope. He shows that all you need in life is an open heart and someone to love.
His gorgeous smile and spirit couldn’t be captured more perfectly by Happy Tails Pet Photography. From a shot where you can almost feel the suns rays being soaked up by his golden fur, to the joy that leaps off the screen as he frolics in the flowers, may this post keep you all smiling for days to come!
From Stacey:
Smiley. Saying this golden retriever’s name just makes you grin – it’s impossible not to.
Every dog I meet is special. Whether it’s their personality, history or relationship with their family, each pet I photograph inspires me. Smiley is all of that and so much more.
I call him a “heart dog” — when you meet him, even if it’s just for a moment or two, he changes you. Maybe this sounds corny to some, but Smiley’s presence is one of peace and unfettered joy. He is happy in a simple, straightforward way that we can all learn from. And his name is truly fitting — he smiles ALL the time, which makes everyone around him smile. It’s totally contagious and it just makes you feel good.
Smiley was born without eyes and spent his first few years in a puppy mill. His condition also gave him a few other quirks: he is smaller than your average golden, but he has really big teeth. His back legs are a little bowed. And he looks like a puppy — from his size, to his soft, fuzzy coat, you would never guess this boy is now 10 years old.
Despite his difficult beginnings, Smiley now has an amazing family, and is also a certified therapy dog who gives comfort to mentally ill and disabled patients every week. He loves to be in contact with people.
Smiley was a wonderful dog to photograph — he is so well behaved and low-key. In fact, a few times he would settle right in like he was going to take a nap. Of course it’s hard to tell if he’s actually sleeping … I think he enjoyed playing this game with me!
Shortly after rescuing him, at the age of two, mom Joanne had Smiley’s eyes sewn shut. He looks like he’s smiling so much that he’s squinting, which is so cute!
Smiley is completely in tune with Joanne. From the sound of her footsteps to the tone in her voice — her cues let him know if he is safe or if there is an obstacle in his way. He relies on her and trusts her completely. It is an amazing bond that they share.
You might be wondering how Smiley gets around. Well, he bumps into things a lot. But otherwise he gets along just fine. In fact, as he’s going about his doggy business — sniffing, listening, frolicking, nuzzling — it’s easy to forget that he has a disability.
Joanne doesn’t want people to treat him differently or think “poor Smiley.” She says 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. She is always close by, and she’s a dog trainer herself, so Smiley is always safe and very well loved.
About Happy Tails Pet Photography
Stacey Morrison of Happy Tails Pet Photography specializes in modern, lifestyle pet photography serving locations in southwestern Ontario, Canada. An on-location, natural-light photographer, Stacey’s goal is to capture beautiful, candid, personality-filled images of pets in their natural environment, whether it’s chasing their beloved ball, exploring a trail or park, or lounging on the couch.
Helping animals in need is part of the Happy Tails philosophy. Stacey volunteers her photography skills to several shelters and rescues, including the Burlington Humane Society, Canadian Dachshund Rescue, Ontario, and the Milton Animal Sanctuary. She is also a proud member of HeARTs Speak.
Find Happy Tails Pet Photography WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | EMAIL
Copy: Serena Faber Nelson & Stacey Morrison
Photography: Happy Tails Pet Photography
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Such a beautiful story, it touches my heart…So happy he was rescued…and he is totally smiling!
He is isn’t he! 🙂
my husband and I rescue golden retreivers. They are the most loving dogs ever!
They are, aren’t they? Well done on helping those that are in need x
What a precious pup pal. The resilience of animals amazes me constantly. Thanks for sharing his story. x
A pleasure. He seriously is an inspiration as are the people that have helped him get to where he is today.
Smiley is awesome!
I know – every shot makes me smile! x
I am so in love with Smiley and so happy he has a great family! I just want to hug him!
You and me both. He is so luck to have such amazing people in his life 🙂
And I would have to say that his family is equally blessed to have Smiley!!
Thanks so much for featuring Smiley – he is such a special dog and so deserving of the attention!
Thank you for the beautiful shots Stacey! Without your talents we would not be able to see his beautiful soul.
Smiley is such a special dog! Fantastic shots Stacey!
He sure is – the shoot was a combination of his lovely smile and Stacey’s amazing talent.
I definitely needed to read this post today – thanks for sharing Smiley 🙂
A pleasure!
Thanks for sharing the story that goes with the beautiful photos!
It was my pleasure to share Smiley’s story and Stacey’s beautiful work!
Such a very touchy story !! Smiley puts a smile on my face for sure ))
Wow, those are gorgeous pictures and it’s so nice to see that he has a happy, steady, loving home. Smiley looks like he is loving life!
Thanks Serena for giving the perfect platform for Smiley’s story to be shared. It is so touching and perfect to remind me of what is most important in life and love. Just what I needed 🙂
Such a beautiful story. It is amazing how some creatures can maintain an optimistic attitude even when faced with many obstacles. Glad to hear he is now part of a loving family who appreciate him.
He is such a sweetheart!! And a great heartwarming story about him and his mom!! That smile is priceless indeed!!
just saw this on Pinterest. What an incredible story of hope and inspiration. So many people take the woe is me attitude. They could learn a lot from this story.
B E A U T I F U L ! ! !
Lovely smiley,I rescued my third cocker spaniel,lucky, he too was over bred in a puppy mill n the man wanted to kill him because he was blind. He spent the next 17 mos in a shelter. He was adopted twice but was returned for fear aggression.
I was not told of luckys aggression but with patience n lots of love n help from kody, the rescue #3,he sits on lucky and holds him down n now he has been aggression free for 6 mos.I couldn’t imagine life without my sweet little boy,his love is boundless.
We are a full n happy family prince,my first born, chance, my first rescue just recently died of liver cancer, kody next who is emotionally behind due to neglect then lucky…believe it or not all kody wants is love kisses n belly rubs…how can anyone refuse that,especially when u get a big fat wet kiss in return. My life would be empty without them.we might struggle to find our purpose in life,why are we here, I know I did until I finally excepted the fact or realized that I am here for my dogs. If I only make life happy for one unhappy animal at a time i’ve fulfilled my purpose. I am blessed to beable to help a few more I wish I could do even more…
this made me cry. What a beautiful boy. I just love dogs!
-Ashley
http://www.constellationandcanine.com