Group determined to establish dog park has chin up despite recent setback

BELMONT — A few months ago, things were looking great for the Happy Tails Dog Park of the Lakes Region, the non-profit group seeking to create a place for people to bring their dogs for play and socialization. A land deal was in the works, with a buyer intending to start a business in Belmont and allow the dog park to exist on the same property.

Happy Tails had begun to work on a site plan to present to the town's Planning Board. Before that could happen, though, the business deal fell through and with it went a great opportunity. However, founding member Lisa Clutters said the group is taking the setback in stride and are gearing up for 2012.

The group that became the Happy Tails non-profit first gathered in 2008. "We're dog lovers, of course, animal lovers in general," said Clutters. The organizations has what she called a "dual-pronged" goal. The first is to establish a park where people can legally and safely bring their dogs. The second is to foster the community of local pet owners and provide education and opportunities for them to gather together.

Although the first goal has so far escaped them, Happy Tails has already begun pursuing the second. For example, the organization last month hosted its third gathering of "pet parents." The event was held at the New Hampshire Humane Society in Laconia and featured a seminar about dog behavior and training. About two dozen people attended. The group is planning to host another social event for the beginning of 2012.

Another plan for the new year is the foundation of a fundraising committee, Clutters said, noting that though the organization's board members are passionate and dedicated, they are also occupied by the full-time work. "For what we lack in a bank account, we make up with optimism," she said. If the committee can raise enough money, the organization would like to hire a employee to relieve the volunteer board members of the organization's administrative tasks. "It's not lack of passion or drive, it's time, that's our biggest thing," Clutters said.

Clutters asked anyone interested in volunteering for the cause to send an e-mail to mistyw@metrocast.net.

The organization's modest goals for next year are in pursuit of their primary objective, to establish a park for people and their dogs. Clutters said the organization is open to a location in any Lakes Region town.

Though the campaign has been pursued for three years without a park to show for the effort, Clutters said the Happy Tails spirits remain buoyant. "We have just been so blessed that we have received so much love and goodwill and support for the community, it's kept us going."

"In today's society, dogs are really the fifth family member," Clutters said. The pursuit of their goal is worth the years of toil, she explained, because, "There really is a need for a safe place or people to take their dogs. There's such a need that we've seen. It's akin to a child's playground."