Cruse Dog Park, Springfield-Greene County Park Board

07/10/2025

💧🐶 Hydration Tips for Happy, Healthy Dogs! 🐾☀️
Keeping your pup hydrated is especially important during the warmer months. Here are 4 simple ways to help your dog stay cool and refreshed:

Fresh Water Always Available
Make sure your dog always has access to clean, cool water—indoors and outdoors. Change it at least once a day!

Bring Water on Walks
Use a portable dog water bottle or collapsible bowl when you're out and about, especially in hot weather or during exercise.

Add Water-Rich Treats
Offer hydrating snacks like ice cubes, dog-safe fruits (like watermelon), or frozen treats made with low-sodium broth.

Know the Signs of Dehydration
Watch for signs like dry gums, lethargy, sunken eyes, or loss of skin elasticity. If you notice any of these, contact your vet!

💦 A well-hydrated dog is a happy dog—especially during the dog days of summer! 🐕🌞

07/04/2025

07/02/2025

🐾 Tip for Pet Parents! 🐾
With the 4th of July around the corner, now’s the time to prep your furry friends for a safe and stress-free holiday. Fireworks may be fun for us, but for pets? Not so much. 🎆😣

Here are some must-have essentials to help keep tails wagging and whiskers calm:

🦺 Thunder Shirts or snug wraps – like a hug for your pet to ease anxiety
🏡 Keep pets indoors – even if they’re usually outside, it’s safer inside during fireworks
🪟 Close curtains/blinds – this helps muffle loud noises and hide flashing lights
🧘 Calming supplements or vet-approved remedies – to help take the edge off

A little planning now can make all the difference later. Let’s protect their peace and keep them safe this 4th! 💙❤️

Do you have a calming routine or product that works for your pet? Share it below! 👇

07/01/2025

🐾 National ID Your Pet Day | July 1st 🐾
Let’s talk about one of the most important ways to keep your furry family members safe—proper ID!

Did you know that July 4th is the #1 day of the year for lost pets in the U.S.? Fireworks and celebrations can cause even the calmest pets to panic and run. Sadly, many don’t make it back home… but it doesn’t have to be that way.

💡 That’s why National ID Your Pet Day (July 1st) is the purr-fect reminder to:
✔️ Double-check your pet’s collar and ID tag
✔️ Make sure your contact info is up to date
✔️ Get your pet microchipped (or check that it’s registered!)

We've heard pawsome stories of pets being reunited days, weeks—even years later, all thanks to a simple ID tag or microchip. 🐶🐱

06/28/2025

🐾 Happy to some of Cruse Dog Parks very own! Cocoa, Rollo and newest rescue sibling Tucker!

Let’s not forget the wild card of the crew — Odin, the honorary Rottie sibling and certified heartbreaker 🐾💥

Check out our second Cruse members!

06/28/2025

🐾 Huge thanks to everyone who came out to see us this morning before the rain rolled in! We loved getting to connect with all of you.

🐶A special shoutout to one of our newest sponsors, Hounds Town Springfield South - The Ozarks for joining us and meeting our amazing members! 💙

06/28/2025

🐾 : Kingston Oppa 🐾
Also known as: Wiggle Butt Extraordinaire 💃

His journey started with a simple rehoming post shared by a coworker—and his irresistible face sealed the deal. From 3 months old to now, he’s been Mom’s best buddy and backyard shadow.

06/28/2025

06/26/2025

🐾 Animal Rights Awareness 🐾

This week is all about giving a voice to the voiceless. 🐶🐱🐰🐮 Whether companion animals, wildlife, or farm animals, every creature deserves respect, compassion, and protection.

🔹 Why it matters:
Animal Rights Awareness Week reminds us to reflect on how animals are treated in our communities and across the globe—and to advocate for humane treatment, responsible ownership, and ethical choices.

🔹 What you can do:
✅ Adopt—don’t shop
✅ Report abuse or neglect
✅ Support cruelty-free products
✅ Educate others on responsible pet care
✅ Volunteer at or donate to your local shelter
✅ Encourage spay & neuter efforts
✅ Speak up when you see injustice

Animals can’t stand up for themselves—but we can stand up for them. 💙 Together, we can create a kinder world for all living beings.

06/25/2025

Rottweiler Edition 🐾
Rottweilers are an incredible breed—loyal, intelligent, and endlessly devoted to their humans. But like all breeds, they come with unique needs and responsibilities that every potential owner should fully understand before bringing one home. Here's why:

🔹 Temperament:
Rottweilers are known for their confident, calm, and courageous nature. They're natural protectors who form deep bonds with their families. While this makes them incredible companions, it also means they need firm, respectful leadership and early socialization to learn when to guard and when to just be the lovable goof they truly are.

🔹 Training:
This breed is highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them excellent learners—but only if training is consistent and positive. Without proper boundaries and mental stimulation, a bored Rottie can become stubborn or destructive. Early obedience training, ongoing socialization, and clear expectations are absolutely key.

🔹 Exercise Needs:
Rottweilers are working dogs by nature, bred for endurance and strength. They need daily physical activity and mental challenges to stay balanced and healthy. Long walks, playtime at the park, puzzle toys, and even advanced training sessions or canine sports are great outlets. A tired Rottweiler is a happy one!

🔹 Misunderstood? Absolutely.
Rottweilers are often judged by their appearance or reputation—but in truth, a well-trained and properly socialized Rottie is affectionate, silly, and a total lovebug. They adore being part of the family and thrive when included in daily life. Like any dog, behavior is shaped more by the owner’s commitment and care than by the breed alone.

💡 Bottom line: Rottweilers aren’t for everyone—but for the right owner, they’re an unforgettable, loving, and loyal companion. Do your research, commit to training, and you’ll gain a best friend with a heart as big as their bark. 🐶💪

06/22/2025

🖤🐾 Breed Spotlight: Rottweiler 🐾🖤
Loyal. Strong. Loving. Meet the powerhouse with a heart of gold—the Rottweiler!

Originally bred to drive cattle and pull carts, today’s Rotties are devoted family protectors and total cuddle bugs (just don’t tell them they’re not lap dogs!). 💪💤

06/21/2025

🐾🎉 Cruse Dog Park Member Shoutout: LEGEND the Great Dane! 🎉🐾

Say hello to the one, the only... Legend! 🦴 At 3 years old, this handsome hunk has been living up to his name since Mary Anne brought him home at just 4.5 months old from a breeder in Harrison, AR.

With his tall frame and lovable energy, Legend is the definition of a gentle giant who lives for playdates and lounge life.