ST. LOUIS — Cloud Star, a brand of pet food and treats owned by Whitebridge Pet Brands, donated 114 bags of its baked kibble to Longmont, Colo.-based dog rescue, Dogs Playing for Life (DPFL). The donation is equivalent to 2,000 lbs of dog food.

DPFL operates a highly interactive dog rescue, as well as a canine behavior center in North Central Florida, working to socialize and prepare homeless dogs for adoption.

“Most of the dogs that come to us are at risk of euthanasia at their originating shelter due to behavior concerns,” explained Emily Grossheider, chief innovation officer for DPFL. “The COVID-19 crisis hasn't impacted our ability to serve these dogs, but it has held up some of the dogs that are ready to be transported to adoption partners.”

Cloud Star’s donations include grain-free and limited-ingredient formulas that are high in protein.

“We are so excited to be able to provide the dogs that we work with at the Canine Center with this donation of food!” Grossheider said. “We may also be able to share some with our local low-cost pet clinic and shelter that will be able to distribute to members of our community in Florida that need assistance for their dogs during this uncertain time.”

“DPFL’s motto is, ‘Dogs Live to Play, Now Let Them Play to Live,’” said Melissa Routt, spokesperson for Cloud Star. “They’ve shown that when shelter dogs are allowed to express their natural play instinct and interact with one another, rather than being kept isolated in cages, they tend to become better socialized, less prone to extreme behavior, and more likely to find their way into loving homes.

 “We’re very happy that our Cloud Star kibble donation will play a role in supporting an organization with such far-reaching impact,” Routt concluded.

Read about other pet industry companies giving back to support people impacted by COVID-19.