Waggleview with Maria Bloom, IT consultant and volunteer

The Dog Owner: Maria Bloom

 Maria is a highly skilled IT consultant with over 15 years of professional experience. Her expertise is in all phases of project life cycle, from conceptual design through implementation. Most recently she has worked with Vision Technologies, LLC where she has been Project Manager and a Business Analyst.

There is a special place in Maria’s heart for the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford. For two years she was Co-President, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) Friends. The Friends is a volunteer organization of the children’s hospital. This organization runs the CCMC Gift Shop, conducts an annual fundraiser, participates in Hartford outreach projects and funds various CCMC requests for programs, equipment and employee scholarships. As Co-President she insured the Friends’ activities fully supported the hospital’s needs. Maria continues to volunteer at CCMC and spends time with her husband and two grown children. She loves skiing, yoga, reading, and cooking.

Dog type and Name: Mom to Lucy, chocolate lab, 8 years old

Q: Why did you choose this dog?

Lucy was ‘chosen’ by my younger daughter Jennifer. She did a search after our first dog, Oliver, died at age 13. The kids REALLY wanted another dog but I resisted for a few years because I knew it was difficult to raise a puppy.

Q: Do you talk to your dog? If so, what do you talk about?

We talk about when we are going for a walk; it’s always, ‘in a few minutes’.

We talk about how are we doing today.

Also, if we see a dog on the other side of the road, I ask Lucy if it’s a friend of hers.

Q: If she could talk to you, what would she say?

Lucy would tell me that she is sometimes bored, or tired.

Or when we wake up, she is super excited.

Or, she would say, ‘why are you doing so many conference calls when you know we should be out walking?’ 

Q: If your dog had a job or career, what would she be doing?

She would be a playmate for kids about 6-9 years old. She’s pretty big and is as tall as a toddler, so they are sometimes nervous around her. But loves it when kids pay attention to her. She is also a great beach stick retriever. She will jump into any wave to retrieve her stick or ball.

 Q: What lesson in life has your dog taught you?

 Don’t forget to get outside in nature. I love being outside, especially with her, and so does she. I would rather go for a 5 mile walk / hike with her than working out at the gym.

Q: How does your dog inspire you?

Lucy inspires me to be happier. There are many things to be thankful for in my life and when I see that she is happy, then I am reminded to be grateful and happy.

Q: Where is your dog’s favorite place to go with you? 

Lucy loves going to the beach.

She also loves Gay City state park in Hebron. There are great trails in that park.

She loves Buttermilk Falls in Ludlow, near Okemo. There are trails and she likes to jump into the water. We go snowshoeing with her, and she will jump in the water even if it’s freezing.

Q: Who or what does your dog find the most interesting?

She is VERY friendly to anyone who comes into the house. She is not that friendly sometimes to very small dogs that are barking.

 

Q: What is the most annoying thing other dog owners do? 

Nothing. I love dog owners.

Q: What does being a responsible dog owner mean to you?

A responsible dog owner makes sure that his or her dog is well fed, and well cared for. This includes paying attention to your dog for more than a few minutes each day. In addition, most dogs need to be walked and exercised at least once a day. 

Q: Do you ever dress up your dog? If so, as what?

No!

Q: How has your dog changed your life?

I feel more empathy towards other animals now that I have a dog.

Q: Does your dog have a philosophy of life?

I’m not sure! If she does, it would probably be: hanging out around Mom, wherever she is, will insure that eventually I will get a treat or get a walk!

Q: I love my dog because she is beautiful, and always makes me smile. She is always happy to see me and I’m happy to see her.

Q: Have you ever made dog treats for your dog? If so, please share your recipe.

No I don’t make treats. I should, because I love to cook. But Lucy likes ANY type of vegetable or fruit (carrots, green beans, celery, zucchini scraps, apple cores), so those are usually her treats.

WAGGLEVIEW®: These interviews are focused on leaders in business, the arts, the community, or at home. My hope in doing this is to present remarkable and respected people in their community with their beloved pets. Who can resist reading about pets and what these people do? This is a platform for people to display their talents; their own business, a new book, a deeply loved passion for a charity or their own job. It also shows their love for their pet!

Thank you Maria  for taking the time to participate in the Waggleview®.

So, tell me…I love my dog because____________.

I would love for you to fill in the blank by commenting below. Tell us why you love your dog!

Please follow here at Lori Pelikan Strobel or on Facebook, and Instagram or subscribe, so you can learn about our next dog owner and her lovable pet.

To read another waggleview, click HERE for one with author Helene Tragos Stelian. She gives some advice to the pups who are going off to college.

If you’d like to read more articles by Lori, here’s her latest on The Importance of Play.