The Dogs of Crosstown! #NationalDogDay

Happy National Dog Day! At Crosstown Concourse, our community isn’t complete without our four-legged friends. In this special Dogs of Crosstown feature, we’re celebrating the pups who brighten our days — from brave explorers and office companions to playful bow-tied gentlemen and sweet rescues.

Read more about their stories below and meet the dogs who make Crosstown feel like home!

 

Meet Violet!

Hai! My name is Violet Velour — and please, say the Velour. I know I’m the most famous Corgi at Crosstown. Don’t pretend you haven’t heard me — I announce my arrival everywhere I go. BOOFT! My Poppa says I’m the “fun police,” but let’s get real: I’m the boss. No running — BOOFT! Kids too loud — BOOFT! Other doggos trying to steal my spotlight — BOOFT BOOFT! Somebody’s gotta keep Crosstown in order, and that somebody is me.

Yes, everyone says I’m cute. Of course they do — look at me. But when strangers reach out to pet me, I have to wonder: what if they’re Corgi MURDERERS?! My Mumma insists they’re not… but I stay suspicious. I sniff them when they’re not looking, and if they lock eyes with me? BOOFT! Consider yourself warned.

I had a big sis-fur named Daisy who loved welcoming everyone. Poppa says she crossed the rainbow bridge, I miss her. So the spotlight fell on me and I wear it proud like my fluff.

When I’m not patrolling Crosstown, I enjoy the finer things. I pop into French Truck Coffee and Mad Grocer for treat-os, strut through the art bar or brewery, and of course, make appearances at dog festivals. A star’s gotta stay visible, right?

So if you hear a sassy Corgi bark bouncing through the atrium, that’s me — Violet Velour. Cute? Obviously. Bossy? Always. The most unforgettable dog at Crosstown? BOOFT!

Meet Ray Ray!

What’s up! The name’s ReRun, but everyone calls me Ray Ray. I just turned one, and I may be a baby — but I’ve already got a whole lot of swag. My dad, Justin, owns CrossFit Hit and Run right down the street from Crosstown, and he always brings me through. For a pup like me? This place is pure magic.

The second my paws hit the floor, it’s like an adventure movie. So many smells, so many sounds, so many people to meet! Some days I’m the brave hero charging into the unknown, other days I’m the shy sidekick hanging back and scoping things out. Either way, I always end up at my favorite spot — the giant bookshelf steps. Perfect for climbing, sprawling out for a nap, or, you know, pretending to read a novel because I’m an intellectual type.

I live with five other dogs, which means nonstop wrestling matches. And I’ll be honest — I’ve got the moves. But don’t let the muscles and energy fool you. I’ve got a soft side, too. I’ve got a girlfriend — Miss Master P — and when she’s around, I flip the switch to full-on charmer. My secret weapon? The gold chain. Makes me look cool, makes me feel cooler.

But Crosstown is where I really get to practice being me. Some days I hang back, watching the crowd with my curious eyes. Other days I strut through like I own the place, soaking up all the attention. Music floating through the atrium, kids racing by, strangers reaching out for a scratch — every walk here is a new adventure. And each time I leave, I feel just a little braver.

So if you ever spot a one-year-old American Bully rocking a gold chain and flashing his best smile, that’s me. I might play it cool at first, but give me a minute and I’ll be wagging my tail, ready to be your new best friend. Because that’s who I am!  Ray Ray, the cool pup with the soft side, and Crosstown’s baby explorer.

Meet Monkey!

Good day to you. My name is Monkey — yes, Monkey — though you may address me as Sir Monkey when I’ve got my bow tie on. You see, I am a gentleman of culture, refinement, and exquisite taste… unless, of course, someone throws a ball. Then it’s all over. I will dash, I will pounce, I will chase it with the grace of a champion — but return it? Ha! That, my friend, is not in my repertoire.

I do enjoy the finer things in life. New outfits? Oh yes. A crisp shirt, a jaunty sweater, a seasonal bow tie — dressing well is simply part of being a distinguished pup about town. But do not be fooled by my polished look. Beneath this bow tie beats the heart of a sweet tooth. My favorite part of visiting Crosstown is the treats. Mommy gets a milkshake at Farm Burger, and I receive a glorious pup cup. Some might say I enjoy it a little too much, but I say a true gentleman never refuses dessert. Then, if the day is especially splendid, I get a pupsicle from Mempops. Simply divine.
Of course, one must also keep up appearances in society. I frequent the puppy park, where I engage in spirited games with my fellow canines, and I often wander the art gallery, where I contemplate the great works. (Well, I mostly wonder if anyone might drop a crumb on the floor — but still, I look very thoughtful while I do it.)

So if you see a young pup in a bow tie strolling through Crosstown, chasing balls he’ll never return, or politely licking whipped cream from a cup, that would be me. I am Monkey — playful at heart, polished in appearance, and always on the hunt for my next sweet treat.

 

Meet Caroline!

Hi, I’m Caroline — though around here, everyone calls me Sweet Caroline. And not to brag, but I’ve earned it. I’ve been through a lot, but I came out stronger, softer, and full of love to share.

See, once upon a time, life threw me a tough break. I was hurt and couldn’t even walk, but people saw me, cared for me, and gave me the chance to heal. That’s when I learned what kindness feels like — and I’ve been passing it forward ever since.

A wonderful human named Sabine Langer helped nurse me back to health. Later, I stayed with Todd Richardson, Crosstown’s CEO, who introduced me to the Urban Child Institute. It was a dog-friendly office, and when I strolled in, something just clicked. I found my people — and they found me. With one look into my big brown eyes, my forever family knew I was theirs.

Now I’m a true working girl. Most days you can find me in the office, greeting visitors before they even sit down. They start petting me and suddenly, they’re telling me about their own pets. It’s like I’ve got this little superpower — I help people open up. On lunch breaks, I head to the dog run for some socializing. A few sniffs, a few wags, and the world feels right again.

And don’t think I let my humans forget about me — on days when they leave me at home, I turn on the sad eyes. (It works. Trust me.)

I may have started my life broken, but now I spend my days spreading comfort, laughter, and love to everyone I meet. That’s why they call me Sweet Caroline — because I make Crosstown just a little sweeter every single day.

Meet Mimsy!

Hi, I’m Mimsy. Most people know me as Dr. Morris’ dog, but around here at Church Health I hold an official title: Chief Compassion Officer. My job? Keeping the office running on cuddles, comfort, and the occasional fluffy distraction. And trust me — I take it very seriously. My dad founded Church Health back in 1987 — that’s over 35 years ago (nearly 280 in dog years!). Together, we’ve been helping people in Memphis stay healthy ever since.

Every morning I come to the office with Dr. Morris, ready to do my part. Papers shuffle, keyboards click, phones buzz… and then there’s me, tail wagging, bringing a little calm into the busy day. Somebody stressed? I settle in by their chair until they smile. Somebody dragging? I nudge their hand — belly rubs are good for morale, after all.

Some folks joke that I’m the real boss here — but I don’t need a fancy title. I just show up, spread a little love, and the office feels lighter. That’s enough for me.

Because here’s the thing: I’m more than just cute. I’m part of the team. While Dr. Morris and the other docs heal the body, I help heal the mood. Together, we make a pretty great pair.

So next time you’re at Crosstown Concourse and stop by Church Health, don’t be surprised if you leave smiling. That’s me — Mimsy — doing my work, one wag, one cuddle, and one happy tail flick at a time.