ORIGIN: Internet (CreepyPastas)
The Smiling Dog legend is most remembered with the infamous image known as "Smile.jpg."
It is a disturbing tale that originated from the dark corners of internet folklore, particularly around the early 2000s on online forums like Creepypasta.
Although it lacks a specific geographic origin, it is deeply rooted in the growing culture of digital horror stories in the United States.
The legend revolves around a cursed image file called Smile.jpg, which is an image of a nightmarish dog-like creature with a human-like grin filled with sharp teeth.
Its eyes are said to be glowing with an unknown light even though the background is said to be in a dull lighted room, or sometimes, a dark basement.
Those who view the image allegedly suffer from severe psychological torment—nightmares, anxiety, hallucinations, and an overwhelming sense of dread.
Victims claim the dog appears in their dreams, whispering the phrase, "Spread the word."
Those who refuse to share the image are said to have been driven to madness or even suicide.
The most infamous tale involves a woman named Mary, who reportedly received the image in the 1990s and was later found dead under mysterious circumstances with her face frozen in a twisted smile.