The sky was blue, the sun was shining and the fur babies were having the time of their lives as Parks and Recreation Department Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci officially dedicated the newly renovated Nutley dog park to Dr. Louis J. Crupi, DVM. Dr. Crupi is the owner of longtime township landmark, the Dog, Cat and Bird Clinic of Nutley. 

“Many times Dr. Crupi and I would  talk about things around town,” the Commissioner stated in his presentation speech, “and being the kind, generous soul that he is, Dr. Crupi would quietly say ‘You know the dog park is looking…a little tired.’ And I said, ‘Don’t worry Lou, we have it in the works and we’re going to fix it.’ So we did just that. I discussed it with my Parks Department, who actually designed the improvements, and we decided that there would be no more fitting honor than to name the upgraded park after Dr. Crupi. This is an honor that is long overdue.”

Dr. Crupi grew up in Lyndhurst,  graduated from Essex Catholic High School in 1972, earned his B.S. in Biology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Araneta University in 1982. Dr. Crupi established and built the Dog, Cat & Bird Clinic of Nutley in 1988.

“One of the most important characteristics a vet needs is empathy,” Commissioner Tucci added. “It’s  the foremost skill that is required because you have to have that love for animals. That’s something that can’t be taught.  Another is compassion. You need to be compassionate - not only with the animals you’re treating, but also the humans. Communication skills. 

“Dr. Crupi has a kind, quiet way about him that not only calms our animals but calms us as well. Problem solving. I think it is harder to be a vet than it is to be a regular M.D. only because the animals can’t tell you what’s wrong. You have to figure it out based on the symptoms they are showing. And lastly, decision making. When it comes to discussions about how to move forward, that’s not always easy because you have a love for the animals that are your family.   

“It is almost impossible to find a vet who has all of these characteristics. Thank God we have that in Dr. Crupi. I am proud to announce that in recognition of the kind, caring and compassionate service Dr. Crupi provides to our township, we are pleased to dedicate the The Louis J. Crupi DVM dog park in his honor.”

“I’m humbled by the recognition,” stated Dr. Crupi.  “I’m not one to seek out these types of things; I’m so honored to be recognized. I’m just thrilled we can have a beautiful place for all of our pets right here in Nutley.

“Even though I grew up in Lyndhurst, I consider myself as being from Nutley,” the longtime resident said. “It makes me so proud to know something like this was erected in my honor…it’s just very humbling.” 

The Louis J. Crupi DVM Dog Park is located at Reinheimer Park on Bloomfield Avenue in Nutley.