When Ruggiero met Boo Boo, it was love at first sight. She had been going through a hard time after losing her father, and was left unable to put her grief into words. Then, she met her little furry friend.

“There was an instant connection,” she said. “It felt like he understood the sadness in my heart without me having to explain anything.”

From that point on, Ruggiero and Boo Boo relied on each other. 

Their meaningful connection grew deeper over time, eventually inspiring her to write "Healing Your Boo Boo," a children's book designed to help kids understand how to process their emotions in a gentle and approachable way.

Ruggeiro said wanted to avoid the overcomplication of children's already scattered feelings.

"I didn’t expect things to grow the way they have," said Ruggiero. "I realized I wanted to help others who felt the way I once did."

Ruggiero said her experiences shaped her desire to help others, leading her to study social work at Quinnipiac. Along the way, she began speaking publicly and later started working with Soul Friends, an organization focused on the bond between humans and animals.

Ruggiero saw how connection is healing. That sentiment becomes especially clear when she visits elementary schools.

Ruggiero shares Boo Boo’s story with children, and said their reactions are priceless. 

“They’re very open,” said Rugerrio. “They understand more than we think.” 

The response to her book has been overwhelmingly positive. Children have deeply connected with it in a special and meaningful way.

"I hope it helps kids talk about their feelings more openly and understand that it’s OK to feel sad, confused, or even angry," Ruggiero explained. “If it helps even one child feel understood, that’s enough.”

Ruggiero is continuing her work with a new children’s book, "Bunny Boo Boo," which has already received great reactions in early classroom readings.

Simultaneously, Ruggiero says she is expanding her horizons by working on books for older audiences, allowing her to dive deeper into her stories. 

Ruggiero has shown that healing doesn't have to look a certain way. Sometimes it comes through connection with loved ones, or meaningful conversations. Other times, it comes from a dog named Boo Boo who showed up right on time.