A recent photo has been circulating online, catching people off guard. At first glance, it looks like a dog has a strange growth on his stomach — almost like a second mouth.
But the image is much happier than it seems.
“So many people commented on that photo worrying,” dog owner Olena Kagui told The Dodo. “Then they realize there are two dogs.”
The “stomach mouth” is actually just the head of another dog resting on Smiley, a cheerful rescue pup. Smiley’s beaming face — once a symbol of despair — is now the center of joy in his family.
Smiley’s story began long before this viral moment.
In 2017, he was a downhearted dog at a New York City shelter, just days away from being euthanized.
That’s when Kagui and her husband stepped in.
Despite his fear and sadness, they took him home as a foster — and ultimately decided to adopt him permanently.
Since then, Smiley and his family moved to Hawaii, where they added two more rescue dogs and four cats to the household. Each new companion helped Smiley grow braver, happier, and more playful.
“[Our dog Keo] taught Smiley how to play without being scared,” Kagui said.
That lesson shows in the now-famous photo. Smiley grins brightly as Keo rests his head on him like a pillow, creating the optical illusion that first startled viewers.
At 13 years old, Smiley has slowed down a bit, but he still treasures every moment with his family. And it’s clear that his joy is returned in spades.
“I know it's a cliche, but the ‘he saved us instead of us saving him’ thing really is true,” Kagui said. “Both my husband and I have struggled with mental health; I have depression, and my husband has anxiety. But Smiley has brought us so much joy.”
What started as a sad, lonely shelter dog has transformed into a beloved companion whose heart is as big as his smile — and a reminder of how rescue pets can change lives in ways beyond measure.
