It All Started with a Dog Named Odie

Cynthia and her partner founded 4Legz All Natural Dog Treats in 2004. They were inspired to develop all-natural dog treats after adopting Cynthia's hearing service dog, Odie. Odie had severe food allergies, so Cynthia couldn't find any treats to reward his behavior without putting his life in danger. As any true animal lover would, Cynthia took matters into her own hands. "Odie needed someone to care for his special diet needs, as much as I needed him to be my ears," she explained. Hi, I’m Cynthia, founder of 4Legz. I was born deaf, and from a young age animals became my first and most natural connection to the world. Dogs didn’t care how I communicated. They met me with trust, patience, and unconditional love. That bond shaped my life. For over 20 years I worked as a paraeducator, supporting students with disabilities and helping them find confidence, independence, and their voice. During that time, I was also rescuing and caring for dogs, including deaf dogs that many people overlooked. I saw so many animals, just like so many people, who simply needed understanding, consistency, and a chance. When I started learning more about what was actually in most commercial dog treats, I was shocked. I wanted better for my own dogs, so I began baking simple, organic, human-grade treats in my home kitchen. No fillers. No mystery ingredients. Just real food made with love. What started as homemade treats for my own pets quickly grew into 4Legz. But this business has always been about more than treats. 4Legz is my way of continuing the work I’ve done my whole life: uplifting those who are often overlooked. We support animal rescues, create inclusive employment opportunities, and actively give back to diverse communities. Every bag we sell helps fund rescue efforts, community programs, and a more compassionate, accessible world. As a Deaf, woman-owned business, I know what it feels like to be underestimated. That’s why 4Legz stands for inclusion, representation, and second chances — for both people and animals. I do this because dogs saved me long before I ever saved one of them. And if we can make dogs healthier, help rescues survive, create jobs, and remind people that kindness still matters, then every batch we bake is worth it.