Canine Cruisers meet to walk their dogs, socialize

All dogs need three things: Exercise, walks and mental stimulation, says Stacy Busch-Heisserer, owner of Busch Pet Products in Cape Girardeau. The same could be said for humans -- and that's why the Cape Canine Cruisers meet on Saturday mornings to socialize and walk their dogs as a group.

"Socialization is huge for dogs," says local dog trainer Betsy McCoy, who leads the group. "Lots of people think their dog is socialized if he's good with one or two other dogs. That's not socialization. Socialization is being with many sizes, shapes and smells of other dogs."

The Cape Canine Cruisers meet at 9 a.m. at Busch Pet Products, 1720 Kingsway Drive, Suite 105, and walk together on the Cape Recreation Trail and nearby areas.

"It's unstructured, so you can go as far as you want," says McCoy. "Some go all the way down the trail, and others go for a quarter mile and turn around to come back."

The group, which started in the spring, has had anywhere from 10 to 30 dogs each week, but will walk regardless of the size of the group. The only rules are that each dog must be on a leash at all times, and they must be up to date on all shots, says Busch-Heisserer. Walkers are also asked to bring water and plastic baggies. It's free to walk, and no sign-up is required.

"It's a fun thing for people with dogs to do," says McCoy. "We've had everything from Chihuahuas to Yorkies to Great Danes. We have mothers and kids with puppies and retired couples with their dogs."

According to McCoy, most misbehavior in dogs is due to a lack of exercise. Too many dogs get "thrown away" because their owners don't have the time or patience to work with them, or they can't afford to hire a dog trainer. As the group walks, McCoy offers free advice on everything from training a new puppy to teaching an energetic dog not to pull on the leash.

Busch-Heisserer says the group will be adding milestones and awards, and she's also purchased a scale for her store so walkers can weigh their dogs after each walk. Both she and McCoy emphasize that only your veterinarian can determine the ideal weight and plan for your dog, but Busch-Heisserer can help you keep track of the weight.

The Cape Canine Cruisers end their walk with a water break at Busch Pet Products.

"It's a social thing. A place like Stacy's becomes a gathering place for dog lovers," says McCoy.

As the pets and people get to know each other, McCoy hopes they will branch off into smaller groups that will meet for additional walks throughout the week.

"How important it is to walk with your dog -- it's a bonding experience for them, and for the owner, too," she says. "There is nothing that bonds a dog and owner more than walking."

Editor's note: The Cape Canine Cruisers currently meet at 9 a.m. on Saturdays for the summer, but may switch back to 10 a.m. when the weather cools off. In case of inclement weather, call the store at 573-335-4076 or visit www.facebook.com/buschpetproducts to find out if the group is still meeting.

Dog park to open in Cape this fall

A public dog park, long anticipated in Cape Girardeau, will open by this fall inside Kiwanis Park.

The Kiwanis BARK Park will be at the top of a hill near the Perryville Road entrance of Kiwanis Park, according to Julia Thompson, director of parks and recreation in Cape Girardeau. The fenced-in area will be a little more than one acre in size, with a separate section for small dogs. It will include park benches, separate water fountains for dogs and humans, dog play features, dog waste containers and trees for shade.

Thompson said the city is in the design and bid process right now, with plans to begin construction in July and finish the project in August. The $25,000 in funding for the project is coming from casino revenue provided to the city, said Thompson, adding that the city council approved this and other casino-funded projects in the spring.