The Pawtism Project: Changing Lives One Doodle at a Time

At Smeraglia Farm, we believe in the power of love—love for God, for people, and for dogs. It is this love that has inspired one of the most rewarding programs we’ve ever embarked on: The Pawtism Project.

The Pawtism Project is a unique initiative where our specially trained Doodle Prep School dogs, many of whom are being groomed for service and therapy roles, visit local schools in Baldwin County, Alabama. These visits take place in elementary, middle, and high school special education classrooms. Our goal is simple yet profound: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with autism and other special needs.

The Healing Power of Doodles

For many children with autism, communication and social interaction can be difficult. Some are nonverbal, while others experience high levels of social anxiety. In a typical school setting, these children may struggle to connect with their peers. However, when we bring our Doodles into the classroom, something amazing happens. These gentle, affectionate dogs bridge the gap between students, creating an environment of inclusion and connection.

Teachers often tell us that our dogs have an incredible impact. Nonverbal children who rarely engage are suddenly opening up—not just with the dogs, but with our trainers and even their classmates. Our dogs offer a calm, non-judgmental presence that helps break down barriers, encouraging social interaction in ways that other methods cannot.

One of the most beautiful aspects of this project is watching how our dogs draw other students toward these special children. When we let the students walk the dogs through the halls or common areas, their classmates become curious and want to interact with the dogs, which leads to conversations and new friendships. Suddenly, children who were previously isolated are at the center of joyful interactions, sharing the experience of petting or walking the dog. It’s a remarkable transformation.

The Importance of Programs Like Pawtism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 36 children in the U.S. and can present challenges in communication, behavior, and social interaction. Programs that introduce therapy animals, such as dogs, have shown immense benefits in helping children with autism feel more comfortable in social settings. The simple act of petting a dog can lower stress levels and provide a sense of calm, making it easier for these children to engage with others.

The positive effects of animal-assisted therapy are well-documented, and we are thrilled to bring this benefit to schools across our county. Principals and teachers frequently reach out to us, eager to have the Pawtism Project in their classrooms because they see the joy it brings to the children. Not only do the students with special needs benefit from the companionship and interaction with our Doodles, but the entire school community is uplifted by the presence of these loving animals.

Our Mission in Action

At Smeraglia Farm, we are dedicated to making a difference. The Pawtism Project embodies our mission of loving God, loving people, and loving dogs. Every visit we make is a step toward building a more inclusive and compassionate community. We may not always talk about the behind-the-scenes work that our dogs do, but their impact is undeniable, and we feel it’s important to share these stories.

We are incredibly proud of the difference our dogs are making in the lives of these children, and we are grateful to the teachers and principals who have partnered with us. Together, we are changing lives, one paw at a time.

If you are interested in a dog of this nature for your classroom, your school, or even your home, please feel free to reach out to us. Every day during our temperament testing process, we are on the lookout for puppies that show the qualities needed to become exceptional service and therapy dogs. This is the heart of what we do at Smeraglia Farm. We don’t just breed dogs—we raise them and train them to make a real impact in the world. Service and therapy dogs are one of the greatest reasons why we do what we do. Reach out to us for more information, and we’d love to help you find the perfect match for your needs.