Muskoka Authors Association is thrilled to welcome author, Joanne George, as our guest speaker on June 13. Joanne and her dog Smiley spent years visiting schools, group homes, hospitals, libraries, and organizations helping those with developmental and physical disabilities. After rescuing Smiley who was born without eyes from a puppy mill, Joanne soon realized the connection people had with him – especially school children. They spent years visiting classrooms talking to children about being born different, overcoming adversity, working hard to achieve your goals, anti-bullying, and giving back. Joanne wrote his story into a children’s book, Smiley, A Journey of Love, so that his life-lessons could be shared even after his passing. His inspiring story has been shared all over the world, and he became a social media sensation for all the right reasons.
Since Smiley’s passing in October 2017, Joanne and her family (Husband Darrin, and 9yr old son Shepherd) have rescued another dog born with the same condition as Smiley – his name is Sunny, and all indications are he will make a great therapy dog one day. They continue to share inspiration in their school visits and on social media and will certainly leave you with a smile.
Joanne and Sunny will share with you the impact Smiley had on so many, and ways children (and adults) connected to him. We all remember how it felt when we realized how different we were from the others. We may have been one of the students who needed extra help. Through her presentation you will see how blind dogs are able to help students become more non-judgemental and accepting and realize that it is not how fast you accomplish something, but the fact that in the end, you did succeed.
Location: Bracebridge United Church, 46 Dominion Street, Bracebridge, lower level. Enter by door on the southside driveway.
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm
Fee: MAA Members: Free, Non-Members: $20
For more information and to register, visit Eventbrite or visit MuskokaAuthors.ca and click on UPCOMING EVENTS or email David Bruce Patterson at davidbrucepatterson.maa@gmail.com
