Sit, Stay, Beg! Port Tampa Business Bakes Up Canine Rewards

Rex tells all his pals to call Yappy Tails Barkery when they want a birthday cake to remember.

Tarren, Port Tampa mom of four, and full time student with a full time job, somehow carved out enough time to start a business with her children. "I wanted them to learn about business and being entrepreneurs," she says. After brainstorming some ideas, they settled on home baked dog treats that the kids, aged 9,11,13, and 15, could sell at the Picnic Island Dog Beach as a "one time thing." But in April a full blown business was born.

With the enterprise growing a little more quickly than she expected, Tarren has found herself having to call in reinforcements occasionally as her two convection ovens fill with goodies for Treat of the Month club members, birthday party guests, and individual orders. She says "I've kind of deliberately slowed us down." Despite not taking credit cards, and using a comment form instead of shopping cart on the web site, Yappy Tails is gaining a loyal following. Tarren estimates 75% of Port Tampa residents own dogs and feels the business can thrive by focusing on SOG, though she will ship anywhere.

Yappy Tails Barkery remains dedicated to Port Tampa dogdom. Tarren plans to use the business, and her newsletter, to launch a campaign to improve the Picnic Island Dog Beach and sponsor Yappy Hours.