The Happy Little Hero

As Roger Caras, an animal rights activist, once wrote in “A Celebration of Dogs,” “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” This sentiment certainly captures how Ed Jackiewicz felt about his pup, Smooch.

When Ed’s daughter first expressed her desire for a dog, her mother was skeptical. After being turned down a few times, it took watching the 2009 comedy, “Hotel for Dogs,” for Ed’s daughter to persuade her. She was set on getting a dog named “Smooch” but there were still a few more hurdles to clear. Ed set conditions that the dog had to be house-trained, the right size, and adopted from a shelter. They lived in Los Angeles at the time, and by sheer chance, when they visited the Chatsworth Animal Shelter, they found the perfect match: a skittish yet friendly 25-pound mixed breed named Smooch. Ed recalls, “He was a little hyper, but my wife started calling us, saying, ‘I think our dog is deaf.’ So, we tried everything — calling his name, banging pots — and sure enough, he was deaf.”

However, this didn’t hinder their connection with Smooch, even after they moved to Bend. He was great on long car rides and very friendly with people. Ed noted, “He was pretty unique in the world of dogs… since he was deaf, he really loved physical contact. He would jump up on strangers’ laps if they gave him the chance, and he sort of became known around town. He was always smiling and very distinctive looking… That’s sort of the punchline of the story: his superpower was making everyone happy.” Since Smooch couldn’t hear, Ed also didn’t have to worry about him fearing fireworks, loud sirens, or other dogs barking. He mused, “He had a very peaceful life.” There was one moment Ed now recalls fondly when Smooch did get into trouble, “We came home one time to find he had gotten into the laundry detergent, so he was coated, and we had to wash him over and over to get it all out.” And during the COVID pandemic, when Ed worked from home, they became inseparable. Smooch would always be in Ed’s office or sitting on his lap throughout the day. Ed remarked, “He had a great personality and was the perfect companion.” He continued, “When my wife would come home, he would keep looking for me. Since he was deaf, he would be searching around the house even when I was there.” Smooch experienced few problems as he aged, and he passed peacefully in their arms after 15 wonderful years.

Dealing with heartache, Ed took some advice from a friend to write a letter to his dog. He found it very therapeutic, “Since you have so many thoughts and emotions” As he reflected on their time together, he realized that it could make for a good children’s story. Initially, he didn’t have an illustrator, but through a teacher he knew from his substitute work, he met Maris Findling, a local student interested in collaborating on the book. Ed made it clear from the start that he intended to make it a passion project rather than a money-making venture. After sending Maris a collection of photos, it took her about a month to create around 20 drawings for the book. Once they agreed to split any profits 50/50, he published it through BookBaby, a self-publishing company, and managed to sell a few hundred copies. He stated, “It was a good form of closure, but it also keeps him alive.”

Ed recommends the experience, saying, “It helps. When they go, don’t focus on what you lost; focus on what you had. Everything is short; life is short, so you have to savor the moment. I feel very fortunate and happy that I had that much time with him… he was an incredible dog.”

This article appears in Central Oregon Pets Spring 2026.