How Butler County dog owners are balancing exercise and social interaction
Melissa Campbell is a regular spectator at the Cranberry Township Rotary Dog Park, keeping a close eye on her 3-year-old dog, Fynn, a Gordon Setter with plenty of excess energy to burn.
As someone with more than 25 years of experience handling pets, the Cranberry Township resident is intimately familiar with what a healthy dog requires.
That includes an ample amount of exercise, which can carry a number of positive benefits for owners and their canines.
“The mental stimulation that a dog gets from being here (at the park), or walked or played with, is critical,” said Campbell, who operates Pet Companions, a dog-walking and pet-sitting business, with her daughter, Hannah. “Without that stimulation, dogs can become destructive and unruly.”
On any given weekend, dozens of locals — people and pups — stop by Cranberry’s premier sanctuary for dogs, which is split into two areas, one side for dogs weighing less than 30 pounds and the other for any pet above that weight.
Karla Robinson doesn’t mind the drive from Middlesex Township, knowing her 4-year-old Golden Retriever-Weimaraner mix, Chomps, thrives on the social buzz and playful interactions.
“This (park) is really the closest one for me, even though it’s a bit of a hike,” she said. “I love being able to bring him out here and socialize with the other dogs and burn off some energy. He’s so friendly, and he loves to play with everybody. So as much as he loves walks, I just think this is so much fun for him.”
On the other side of the park, Jennifer Capellman clutched her 9-year-old Yorkshire terrier, Fletch, while strolling around with her husband and watching their 9-year-old Shih Tzu, Smidge, roam around.
Speaking from her experience as a pet owner, she said there’s a clear correlation between the amount of exercise her dogs get and their daily mood.
“Smidge pouts a lot if he doesn’t get out and go for his walk,” Capellman said. “They get into more trouble at home and don’t sleep at night, which is another big reason for getting them out here.”
Campbell also noted that time spent at the park is a prime opportunity for owners to build new friendships, too.
“The advantage to the human is that (dogs) get you out and get you exercise, and also importantly — in this day and age — socialization,” she said. “I’ve met so many people through my dogs. It’s just amazing. Just coming to the dog park, you talk to people and it’s so social.”
Cranberry Township’s dog park is one of only a few fenced-in outdoor options for southern Butler County residents. Jackson Township and Cathi Erb, the owner of My Dog’s Care Center, are in the process of developing a new 2-acre dog park to the north. Provided there are no major setbacks, they are hopeful for a spring 2026 opening.
Enjoying the Cranberry park, Campbell lauded its multitude of unique features, including access to water, shady areas, toys and agility equipment.
“We are blessed here,” she said. “Your dog can go on a hike or walk through a neighborhood with you. There’s so many trails and so many places to go outdoors. Maybe you don’t have this (park), but the dog doesn’t know it. Just put them on a leash and go for a nice walk if you can.”
