My name is Joan Smeland, I live in Milford, Ct. I am a CT. State Licensed Massage Therapist and a Wellness Coach. I am very passionate about helping people gain a better quality of life through Massage Therapy and Wellness. I have been a practicing Massage Therapist since 1995 and I never feel like I am working. In my life I have always been involved with some form of fitness, whether High School Athletics or Coaching. When I coached High School Softball at Emmett O'Brien Technical, one phrase I used constantly was "One More Step"(SM). It became part of my coaching, taking "One More Step" (SM)to catch the ball, to run out a hit, to be confident enough to swing at a pitch. I continue to use it now daily in my Wellness Coaching. Life is about taking "One More Step(SM)" to reach your goals. To take "One More Step(SM)" to be healthy in body, mind and spirit. As I have gotten older and through some back issues walking has become a very important aspect to my daily life and fitness routine. Walking is very therapeutic and meditative, through walking the mind is able to become quiet and peaceful. Through walking lots of ideas and goals come into play. Walking is one of the easiest ways to get in shape. I rescued my current walking partner from a shelter in 2007, a black lab mix which I named Buddy. Together Buddy & I have logged many miles around town. I thought why not walk all the streets in Milford all 970+ of them and Make a Difference. Bringing awareness to Wellness- Mostly Mental Health Issues, like depression, anxiety, stress, etc. Depression affects many, many people in this world. Stress is a daily challenge for many. Anxiety is present in the worry. Finding ways to be healthy can be challenging, we all say that we will do things later but what if later doesn't happen. Health is the greatest Wealth. Without health what do you have?
Now we are going to take on Milford again in 2019, many things have changed in the landscape of Milford and some new developments and streets. Along the way I adopted another lab mix Dash at 8 weeks in 2015 now there are two walking partners with me! The goal will be to raise more awareness and funds and grow programs that help with Mental illness and Suicide Awareness & Prevention. Suicide touches many, I have personally lost a loved one who made the choice to die by suicide. Stay tuned, Buddy, Dash and I will be walking Milford and Paws Across Milford is in effect again!! Paws for Donations and more! CJ's Charity Challenge in July, Walk Milford Challenge on September 8, 2019!
Now we are going to take on Milford again in 2019, many things have changed in the landscape of Milford and some new developments and streets. Along the way I adopted another lab mix Dash at 8 weeks in 2015 now there are two walking partners with me! The goal will be to raise more awareness and funds and grow programs that help with Mental illness and Suicide Awareness & Prevention. Suicide touches many, I have personally lost a loved one who made the choice to die by suicide. Stay tuned, Buddy, Dash and I will be walking Milford and Paws Across Milford is in effect again!! Paws for Donations and more! CJ's Charity Challenge in July, Walk Milford Challenge on September 8, 2019!
The Boys
The Board of Directors
Buddy Smeland, Walker Extraordinaire not sure about his first six months of life or how he ended up in the Stratford Animal Shelter in 2007. In March 2007, Buddy was adopted, he was on medication for Parvo, but excited for his new adventure. Buddy majors in curiosity, kisses and meeting people. Kindness in meeting new puppies and walking. Buddy has helped coach softball, by running with the girls for conditioning. Buddy has traveled, walked in hurricanes, blizzards and all of the City of Milford. Helping to take photos and see the changes. Buddy wanted to help more to raise awareness and much needed funds for Mental Illness & Suicide Prevention, Walks with Buddy, Inc was established. Creating Out-of -the-box walks and challenges are the way. Walking the Entire City of Milford as a community is his big focus right now!
Buddy lives in Milford with his mom, brother Dash, half-brother Lucky and grandparents. He allows for shirts and ties, capes and more. Look for him on Social Media and walking somewhere in Milford. Buddy passed away June 25, 2020, he was an amazing spirit and continues to live on. The last few days were visits by loved ones, friends and his final day made is ride around the coastline, To the Emmett O'Brien Field, Stopped at Beth-el Homeless shelter and was surrounded by his mom and grandma in his final moments. My heart is still broken but we continue the work to raise awareness for Mental Health & Suicide Prevention "One More Step"(SM) "Moments DO Matter" "Bringing Awareness to Wellness" 
Laura A. Moriarty, earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting in 1995. With 30+ years’ experience in a multitude of Finance & Accounting positions, Billing & Audit, Supplier Management, and Human Resources she has a unique perspective. Having worked in Operations as well as Accounting and H.R., she has handled everything from client contracts and pricing analysis to supplier negotiations and employee benefits. She is currently the Bookkeeper at Nordex, Inc. in Brookfield, CT and also handles their Human Resource needs.
Laura enjoys cooking, drawing, painting, and gardening often saying it's her "therapy". She and her husband, John, have been married for 30 years and live in the Litchfield Hills with their son, Patrick. The family enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. |
Dash Smeland, Walker Guardian, was born to pregnant rescue mom named Georgia in November 2014 here in Milford. One of eight puppies, the litter was named after the reindeer's, Dasher is his full name. Dash loves to play with his brother, they would run and wrestle for long periods of time. Dash has some anxiety and will be reserved when meeting you, but once he is sure he is a love bug. Dash does not miss anything, hears everything and lets you know. Dash is cautious, but loves to be with you on adventures. Dash has walked lots of Milford with Buddy and his mom. As they are walking again, Dash will be the long walker and help to accomplish the goal again. Dash helps to teach us about anxiety and learning to be understanding. It is okay to take something for the anxiety but the best medicine for him is love.
Dash lives in Milford with his mom, brother Buddy, half-brother Lucky and grandparents. He is learning to allow for the shirts, bandannas and Bow-Ties are his thing. Look for him to be walking somewhere in Milford as he is going to be the go-to walker when the walks are long. "One More Step"(SM) "Moments DO Matter" "Bringing Awareness to Wellness" 
Alice J. Schneider, treasurer, is the customer service representative and bookkeeper for Torno Lumber Company. A position she has held for 34 years. Having struggled with anxiety and depression myself for years, I have found this organization a perfect way to give back and help others all while helping myself. The foundation of walking is a healthy tool I use to help myself. I met Buddy when his Joan was the softball coach at my daughter’s high school. The energy and inspiration of believing in yourself is given to everyone they meet.
Alice enjoys walking, church, and being part of her three grown daughter’s lives. A widow for 8 years, she still resides in Ansonia with her pups, Tessie and Little. |
Walks with Buddy, Inc is a 501 (c) 3 non profit organization. Employer Identification #47-5593269
Contact information Email: [email protected] Phone 203-671-4525
Contact information Email: [email protected] Phone 203-671-4525
