Through her own journey of grief after the loss of her father, Ruggiero was inspired to write a children’s book about the role of her dog, Boo Boo, in her healing process.

“The book highlights connection, particularly with animals,” said Ruggiero. "It wasn’t until I bonded with Boo Boo that I realized the incredible healing power of animals. This book is a tribute to that bond and to the ways animals can help children make sense of their pain, feel safe again and find joy.”

The start of the writing process began in Ruggiero’s capstone course, taught by Professor of Social Work Maya Helene Doyle. Discovering that her personal story could have a significant impact on children, Ruggiero dedicated her capstone project to combining her passion for animal therapy and love for writing.

“It was both cathartic and challenging,” she said. “Writing 'Healing Your Boo Boo' brought up a lot of personal emotions, especially since it mirrors real experiences in my life. I wanted the story to be authentic but also accessible for children. Balancing that with clear messaging around grief, healing and resilience took time.”

As a student, the Master’s in Social Work program at Quinnipiac provided an encouraging and supportive environment for Ruggiero to bridge the connections between her personal experiences and career aspirations.

“It’s helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect,” said Ruggiero. “I came into the program passionate about mental health and the human-animal bond, and I’m gaining tools, confidence and a clearer vision of how to integrate that into real-world practice. It’s also helped me reflect on my own experiences and turn them into something meaningful and healing for others.”

Conducting research and interviewing her peers allowed her to enrich her experience with animal therapy both personally and academically.

“The MSW program helped me connect the dots between personal healing, storytelling and clinical practice,” said Ruggiero. “As a writer, it’s deepened my understanding of trauma-informed care and child development, which strengthened the way I approached the book. As a future social worker, it’s shown me how powerful nontraditional interventions, like animal-assisted therapy or therapeutic storytelling, can be in helping children process pain.”

Seeing her story with Boo Boo come to life on the page was “surreal,” said Ruggiero.

“Boo Boo has such a kind personality and gentle spirit, and to see that translated into a character who helps children heal — it made me emotional,” she said. “I’ve seen firsthand how Boo Boo interacts with kids who’ve experienced trauma and capturing that in a story felt really special. It felt like honoring our shared journey.”

Ruggiero and Boo Boo have had the opportunity to demonstrate the use of animal therapy and work with various children to help them cope with trauma and loss. 

“Boo Boo becomes a bridge between pain and healing. He models trust, connection and unconditional support,” said Ruggiero. “He senses when someone needs comfort and responds with calmness, patience and love. In sessions, kids are drawn to him because he’s safe and nonjudgmental. They open up, express themselves through art or storytelling, or simply sit quietly with him.”

Through her book, Ruggiero has become a powerful advocate for animal-assisted therapy, inspiring the social work community.

“I see it as a powerful complement to traditional therapy,” she said. “For kids who’ve experienced trauma or loss, animals can provide a sense of stability and comfort that’s hard to replicate in other ways. They help regulate nervous systems, foster empathy, and give children a safe relationship where they feel seen and accepted. Animals help children talk about hard things without pressure.”

For readers, Ruggiero hopes that her book provides comfort, hope and healing to children and their parents.

“I hope readers come away knowing that healing is possible and that they’re not alone,” said Ruggiero. “Loss and trauma can feel overwhelming, especially for children, but with the right support – whether that’s a pet, a caregiver, or a therapist – there is a path forward. I also hope it encourages conversations between kids and adults about big feelings and the importance of connection.”

As she wraps up her graduate education, Ruggiero is working on two adult novels – Break the Chains and Beyond the Lights – both of which feature Boo Boo as a recurring character. Break the Chains explores generational trauma and its impact on family relationships, whereas Beyond the Lights is a psychological thriller about a psychologist who steps in to investigate a celebrity murder case.

“I’m incredibly passionate about both projects, and my background in social work continues to shape the way I develop my characters and stories, adding emotional depth, authenticity and a trauma-informed lens,” said Ruggiero.