““A Heartfelt Story from Our Smeraglia Family ””

Hello, dear friends,

Today I want to step away from the sales, the business updates, and the usual chatter to share something deeply meaningful — something that reminds us why we do what we do.

We often celebrate the beauty and charm of our Smeraglia Doodles — their soft curls, their bright eyes, their gentle, loyal spirits. But every now and then, we receive a story from one of you that humbles us, touches our hearts, and reminds us that what we create here is not just dogs… it’s life-changing, sometimes even life-saving, companionship.

This story came to us recently from a client who has asked to remain anonymous — but her words are too beautiful not to share. Please read her testimony below, and let it remind you of the quiet miracles that happen every day because of these extraordinary dogs.

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🐾 A Message from One of Our Clients

Hello, Smeraglia family,

My name is (anonymous), and this is my story.

I grew up feeling unwanted. As a little girl, I saw that I wasn’t like my siblings — they were smart, they were stars, and I felt like the ‘stupid one.’ My identity became my failures.

As a teenager, I faced darkness I can’t even put into words — witnessing things no child should see. By 17, I had started hurting myself.

At 22, I married the most amazing man — someone who loved me unconditionally. But his love terrified me. How could I be worthy of it? I believed my children deserved a better mom, and I tried to leave them many times because I thought they’d be better off without me.

Then, three years ago, another blow: I developed a serious physical illness. My mental health plummeted. I was hiding self-harm, living with daily thoughts of suicide, and constantly feeling like a burden. My husband’s love only made me feel guiltier — how could he love someone like me?

The most dangerous moments were in the car. If my husband was driving, I had urges to throw myself out. If I was alone, I thought about driving into a truck or off a bridge.

One day, after a particularly bad self-harm episode, I knew I had to get help. But healing wasn’t easy.

Then, one ordinary day, I stumbled across a Smeraglia video on Facebook — tiny, playful puppies tumbling across my screen. I didn’t like animals, and with my OCD, I hated the idea of touching things. But something stirred inside me. For the first time in a long time, I wanted to reach out and hold something.

I watched more videos. I started dreaming. And slowly, I realized: maybe what was missing in my healing was a dog — a companion to help me when I was alone, to interrupt the spirals of harmful thoughts.

In March 2024, my daughter and I set out on a 1,400-mile road trip to pick up our extra-small Schnoodle puppy from Smeraglia.

And oh, what a difference she has made.

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🌟 The Healing Power of a Dog

Today, my mental health is stronger. I am no longer hurting myself. I am no longer thinking about ending my life.

My little Schnoodle goes everywhere with me. She rides in my lap when I drive, helping me stay grounded in moments when old urges might resurface. Around the house, she pokes me with her tiny nose, interrupting dark thoughts and pulling me back into the present. She has gently trained me into new, life-saving habits.

Most importantly, she has given me back moments of laughter, light, and joy with my family. She has reminded me that I am not a burden — I am loved, and I am healing.

I give thanks to my heavenly Father for never leaving me, for blessing me with a husband who loves me, and for leading me to Smeraglia. Thank you, Smeraglia family, for opening my eyes to the incredible healing power of a dog — and for giving me precious memories with my daughter and new joy in my home.

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💛 A Message from Me, Sherri

As I read this letter, I was moved to tears.

We are not just breeding puppies. We are planting seeds of healing. We are bringing light into dark places. We are building bridges where loneliness once stood.

Every time we hand over a Smeraglia puppy, we are giving a family so much more than “just a dog.” We are giving them love, hope, companionship, and sometimes even a lifeline.

To my amazing team, thank you for the love and care you pour into every puppy, every client, and every interaction. To our Smeraglia families, thank you for sharing your hearts and your homes with our Doodles.

We are in the business of miracles — and I am so grateful to be walking this journey with all of you.

With love and gratitude,
Sherri Smeraglia
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