KWWL.com - News & Weather for Waterloo, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids & Iowa City, Iowa | Go Fetch Fitness helps pets and their owners get in shape

Go Fetch Fitness helps pets and their owners get in shape

When the leashes come out... tails start to wag. Three times a week a group of dogs and their owners meet at Taylor Veterinary Hospital in Cedar Falls for a nutrition and health seminar and a nice long walk.

"These guys have walked through rain and sun and wind and cold. We have had every dose of weather there is and the dogs have been phenomenal," said Dr. Elizabeth Bixby.

Partly for her own sake... Dr. Bixby wanted a fitness program for people and their pets. Lucrettia Stuber and her dog Stormy are glad they signed up for "Go Fetch Fitness."

"Your pet is your greatest exercise equipment you have and it's just a good way to get out, get your exercise and get your pet's exercise," said Stuber.

Stormy is well-known in class.

"He isn't a great walker, he's a d bulldog. Sometimes he goes all the way sometimes only a block, but at least we're getting out and exercising," said Stuber.

Stormy can be very stubborn. Taking a break to drink some water and often trying to rest before the walk is done. But Stuber knows Stormy needs to get in shape.

"Bulldogs don't live real long and if they're overweight it even shortens it more," she said.

While he may try to get out of walking, Stormy enjoys this time with his owner and the other dogs.

"He looks forward to it. When I drive in the parking lot, he's ready to get out," said Stuber.

Stormy isn't the only dog excited.

"I think maybe the second day, one of the gals said you know I was tried. I'd already swam or some other activity this morning, but my dog looked at me and I knew that my dog would be upset if we didn't come walk with everyone," said Dr. Bixby.

Dr. Bixby said some pounds are coming off, but the biggest change is a new, healthier lifestyle for both pet and owner.

--Danielle Wagner, Reporting.