“Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” That quote could not ring truer when it comes to Smile—the sweet rescue pup whose cheerful grin touched hearts long before anyone knew her full story. Her journey wasn’t easy, but through all the pain and hardship, she never stopped smiling. And that smile, bright and full of hope, changed her life forever.
Smile’s early life was anything but joyful. She was born into a hoarding situation in a cramped, overcrowded home alongside 23 other dogs. For years, she lived in chaos, without care, affection, or even basic medical treatment. Her owner became overwhelmed as the number of dogs grew out of control, and soon, illness spread throughout the house. The dogs were neglected, many of them suffering from sarcoptic mange, malnourishment, and stress. That’s when help arrived.
The At-Choo Foundation, an animal rescue organization based in Toluca Lake, California, stepped in to save the day. The team worked tirelessly to rescue all 24 dogs from the home. Sadly, several of the pups were in advanced stages of illness, and some of the females were pregnant. Smile was among the lucky ones—her mange had not spread across her entire body yet. Still, she was clearly in pain, both physically and emotionally, and to make matters even harder, she was also pregnant.
Her situation captured the attention of No Dog Left Behind (NDLB), a rescue group based in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Despite the long distance, the NDLB team felt an instant connection with Smile. Something about her resilient spirit and bright eyes made them feel that she was worth every mile. They didn’t hesitate. They arranged for Smile to be transported all the way to Minnesota to give her a real shot at a better life.
“She gives her smiles freely, but we hope to show Smile that humans are good enough to be actually deserving of her love,” the NDLB team shared on their Facebook page. Those words became a mission statement for everyone involved in Smile’s recovery.
Once Smile arrived in Minnesota, the rescue team was surprised by how small she was. At first glance, no one would’ve guessed she was pregnant. But within just two weeks, she went into labor—only to lose her entire litter. The emotional and physical trauma she had experienced took its toll, and her fragile body simply couldn’t support her pregnancy. Still, even after such a devastating loss, Smile never stopped smiling.
She didn’t just endure—she inspired. Quarantined due to her medical condition, Smile remained calm and peaceful, charming everyone around her. Her radiant grin and gentle presence helped lift the spirits of the entire NDLB staff during a difficult time.
Stephanie Easley, one of NDLB’s managers, was especially touched by Smile’s energy. “Through stressful moments, Smile has been a restoring balm for many of us,” she said. “She has a warm and comforting presence and she never hesitates to show her love. We are so honored to return that energy right back to Smile and show her how good life can truly be.”
Stephanie was so moved by Smile’s sweetness that she decided to foster her personally. She welcomed the little pup into her home, promising to care for her like family until she was healthy and ready to be adopted. From that moment on, Smile blossomed even more.
Every day, the two of them shared joyful routines—waking up with a smile, playing with a smile, and ending the day cuddled up with a smile. It was as if Smile knew, deep down, that she had finally found safety. She responded to baths, medicine, and healing treatments with patience and trust. It was clear to everyone around her: Smile was finally at peace.
As word about Smile spread, adoption applications came flooding in. But her caretakers knew she needed time to heal completely before being placed in a permanent home. They were patient. They waited. And then, the perfect family found her.
When the day finally came, Smile was ready. She had completed her treatment, was healthy, and her heart was open. NDLB announced the good news: “Smile joined a wonderful family and we are confident that she will live her best life with them.” Her journey had come full circle—from a crowded, broken home to a place filled with love, laughter, and the promise of a brighter future.
Today, Smile is living the life every dog deserves. She’s thriving with her new family, who adore her and cherish every moment with their sweet girl. Her days are now filled with joy, playtime, warm beds, and of course, her trademark grin.
If you’d like to follow Smile’s journey as she continues to spread happiness, you can find her on TikTok, where she now inspires thousands with every post. Her story is a reminder that no matter how difficult the past may be, there is always hope ahead. Sometimes, all it takes to change a life is a little love—and one beautiful, unstoppable smile.
