A pair of dogs with upbeat attitudes, Buster and Zoe, eagerly await an exercise period each day that has become a ritual for them and their owner, Joyce Tarter.
“We come here every day,” said Tarter of Happy Tails, Iola’s popular dog park in the southwest part of town.
She turns the dogs loose in the large part of the park and then rides her bicycle around, with the dogs scurrying along just inside the fence. That permits them to exercise as they wish, without a leash to restrain their leaps and bounds.
Once outside the park, Tarter attaches the dogs’ leashes to her bike, and they all go merrily down the street, although she has to keep a hand on the brake to keep the rambunctious canines in check.
Tarter calls the dog park a wonderful asset for Iola. The park was created on ground vacated by the Flood of 2007 buy-out.
A nice day typically brings out dogs and owners in droves.
“Sunday there were at least 15 dogs here,” said Tarter.
She seldom misses a day of exercise for her pets, even venturing out a week ago when streets were icy.
“I was careful,” Tarter allowed.
For many years Tarter regularly walked for exercise, but more recently a bum leg has her spending time on her bicycle.
“I’m out every day,” Tarter said.
Buster is a cocker spaniel, and has been a member of the Tarter household on South Walnut Street since he was a pup. He comes from registered stock, but Tarter was able to take gratis ownership because of a little foot problem.
“Zoe also is a boy, even though he has a girl’s name,” Tarter said. “He’s a Japanese Chin and a rescued dog. Someone left him by the roadside about two years ago and a friend gave him to me.”
Both are four years old and have the playful nature of pups that likely is enhanced by Tarter’s affection and daily attention to their needs, including exercise.
AN AFTERNOON STROLL… OR ROLL – Woman and her dogs enjoy exercise routine
