Very Important Pet Parent Spotlight
Aline Lopes & Moby
What brought you to Florida?
Although I have lived in a few states, I consider Florida to be my home away from home and my favorite place. I am a project manager working remotely from home or other cities and I’m so glad to count on 9 to 5 Pets to care for my boy when I need to go out of town for work or vacation.
Have you always had pets?
Not as a kid. I wasn’t allowed. Only as an adult.
Please introduce us to your Fur Family. How did you meet and become FURever companions?
Moby, 13, he’s a mix of some sort, but I like to call him a “Southern Pit-Boxer.”
Moby and I met after I saw an ad looking for possible adopters of 3 puppies that were being fostered after being found on a box by the side of a road. When I reached out to the folks fostering them, Moby’s brothers already had several applicants interested in them, while Moby – the littlest guy of all – had no applicants. So he was mine and it was meant to be. Once he reached 3 months old he moved in with me and we have been together since.
What do you love most about your pets?
He’s been with me through thick and since, moves across the country and back, and many life changes. He’s been there, happy, resilient and goofy through it all.
As far as quirks go, Moby is a weirdo through and through and I like it. He’s way too smart, very attuned to the moods around him and very expressive. I have always had the habit of having conversations with him, which probably sounds nuts… but you know what’s crazier? He sits there and listens. Haha! Anyway, I think that habit has made it for him to be a dog that “wants to chat back” – it’s weird and it’s so much fun!
How has 9 to 5 Pets made your life easier?
Just being able to rely on the team and also feel reassurance that my pet will have the best care while I’m away. I think Moby likely enjoys the surplus of treats he gets – I’m sure he tricks the team into giving him more than the usual. That’s his classic move.
What are your favorite activities you share with your pets?
I love our walks and cherish those. Moby is of advanced age, so his activities are a little milder than when he was younger. But he and I snuggle a lot too and he’s a very sweet, kind of needy dog.
Share a fond memory with your pets:
Traveling cross country, from one coast to another twice, through two different moves. Just him and I and our things. Our greatest adventures so far!
What life lessons have you learned from your Fur Family?
I tend to be very type A and have a hard time slowing down and relaxing. Moby grounds me. He is my Divine reminder to stop and enjoy not only our time together, but also the time with everyone I love, for it is limited and to be valued while I have it.
If you had to wear a T-Shirt with one word on it for a year, what word would you choose?
Smile
If you could instantly become an expert in something what would it be?
Public Speaking
What is the best gift anyone has ever given to you?
The best gift anyone gives is their time and attention. I appreciate quality time over anything else.