Dog Park In Nutley Opens With Salute To Beloved Local Veterinarian

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley’s newest dog park is open, and it bears a tribute to a longtime “township landmark,” officials say: the owner-veterinarian of the Dog, Cat and Bird Clinic of Nutley.

Last weekend, a grand opening dedication for the Louis J. Crupi DVM Dog Park took place at Reinheimer Park, 40 Bloomfield Avenue.

Crupi – who owns the Dog, Cat and Bird Clinic of Nutley – has become a familiar face to many local pet owners over the past few decades from his practice at 324 Passaic Avenue.

After growing up in Lyndhurst, Crupi graduated from Essex Catholic High School in 1972, earned a degree in biology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Araneta University in 1982. He established and built the Dog, Cat & Bird Clinic of Nutley in 1988.

Crupi said he was humbled by the recognition.

“I’m not one to seek out these types of things – I’m so honored to be recognized,” he said. “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 added. “It makes me so proud to know something like this was erected in my honor … it’s just very humbling.”

The longtime vet has found a supporter in Parks and Recreation Department Commissioner Mauro Tucci, who was on hand at the opening ceremony.

In a speech, Tucci recalled how Crupi and he would sometimes talk about town affairs.

“And being the kind, generous soul that he is, Dr. Crupi would quietly say ‘You know the dog park is looking … a little tired,’” Tucci said.

The commissioner’s reply? “Don’t worry Lou, we have it in the works and we’re going to fix it.”

After the town parks department designed the improvements, they decided that it would be a fitting and “long overdue” honor to name the new dog park after Crupi.

“One of the most important characteristics a vet needs is empathy,” Tucci said. “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 crucial skill for a veterinarian? Compassion, Tucci said.

“You need to be compassionate – not only with the animals you’re treating, but also the humans,” he said, praising Crupi’s communication skills.

Noting that Crupi also displays other key characteristics of a good vet – “problem solving” and “decision making” – Tucci said it’s almost impossible to find a place where they all come together in the same package.

“Thank God we have that in Dr. Crupi,” he said.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Belleville-Nutley Facebook page.