Raising Cane's celebrates its first dog park in Texas

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press

Raising Cane’s Copperas Cove dog park is officially open, making it Raising Cane’s first dog park in the state of Texas.

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and the city of Copperas Cove held an official ribbon cutting ceremony at the dog park’s location inside City Park Wednesday at 10 a.m. before opening the park, where people and their pooches got to test out the equipment and just have a good time.

The dog park has been a long time in the making, with some Covites requesting a dog park for years.

Members of the Five Hills Scholarship Program, Emily Kimball and Allyssa Kimball started raising funds and support for the park in 2018. The Youth Advisory Council and Keep Copperas Cove Beautiful also raised funds to make the park a reality.

The dog park was finally made possible after Raising Cane’s agreed to sponsor the park, providing $50,000 for the park. Ground was broken for the dog park in August 2022.

“We saw an opportunity and a need in the community for a dog park,” said Mark Strouse, Area Leader for Raising Cane’s. “It’s exciting to see it finally officially opened.”

Strouse said that he was excited to see so many community representatives that attended the ribbon cutting. Strouse said that the dog park is not just a one-time thing, but a long-standing commitment.

“We support the community and in turn the community supports us,” said Strouse.

The newly completed dog park has various obstacles for the dogs to play in and around as well as waste stations and water fountains. The dog park is divided into two separate, secured, fenced in areas with one designated for larger dogs and the other for smaller dogs.

“I think it’s a good addition to the Cove community,” said Michelle Crum, who attended the ribbon cutting with Buddy, her beagle. “It’ll bring everyone together…I appreciate them having something for both the big dogs and the little dogs.”

As part of the ribbon cutting ceremony, Raising Cane’s also presented a check for $1,773.78 to the Harker Heights Pet Adoption Center. The check comes from money raised through sales of Raising Cane’s holiday plush puppy sales.

“The dog park is not just a place to bring your dog,” said Copperas Cove Mayor Dan Yancey. “There are benefits to a dog park for the community. It increases dog socialization, a dog’s well-being, and its ability to bond with family and friends. It allows citizens to develop a better understanding of their dogs and how they will behave in certain situations…It helps to build a tight-knit community. Parks like this are a great way for people to bond with neighbors. It promotes an active lifestyle for dogs and humans alike…It’s good for Cove, it’s good for its citizens, and it’s good for its animals.”

“We encourage the community to come out and enjoy the park, but please, please care for it to help ensure the longevity of the park and its amenities,” asked Mayor Yancey of the community.

Raising Cane’s will also be holding a community “PAWty” this Saturday from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. which is free to the community. The “Pawty” (party) will include fun, games, and prizes for both people and their dogs.