Born deaf, Cynthia Murray has always shared a deep, unspoken bond with animals. Over the years, she began rescuing deaf dogs and discovered just how much love, loyalty, and understanding they can offer without ever making a sound. These remarkable connections became her inspiration.

Frustrated by the lack of healthy, transparent treats on the market, Cynthia took matters into her own hands, baking her own recipes using only human-grade, organic ingredients. Her mission was simple: give her furry family members treats that are safe, wholesome, and made with love. From that passion, 4Legz was born.

Today, 4Legz is more than just a natural dog treat company, it’s a brand rooted in purpose. Beyond creating safe and delicious snacks for pets, they actively support animal rescues and champion inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Cynthia’s journey is proof that when love and purpose come together, the results can change lives, both two-legged and four-legged alike.

How did your journey with Odie’s food sensitivities lead you to the idea of creating your own dog treat company?

Odie, my Certified Service Dog, a Fox Terrier mix, struggled with food sensitivities that made finding safe, healthy treats nearly impossible. After countless label checks and the help of our vet, I realized I needed to create something better. That’s when I started 4Legz—using limited, organic ingredients I could trust. What began as a necessity became my passion and purpose.

How did your experience in Special Education influence your approach to starting a pet food company?

My experience in Special Education taught me patience, problem-solving, and the value of inclusion. I wanted 4Legz to reflect those values—not just by creating healthy treats for pets, but by building a company that empowers individuals with disabilities. It’s about creating opportunities, compassion, and a mission-driven business that makes a difference every day.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting 4Legz?

One of the biggest challenges I faced when starting 4Legz was being a deaf entrepreneur navigating the business world with limited resources. Communication barriers, lack of funding, and building trust in a competitive pet industry were all hurdles. But my passion for healthy treats and inclusion kept me going, step by step.

How did you transition from baking at home to scaling production for retail?

Transitioning from baking at home to scaling for retail was a big step. I started in my kitchen in 2009, hand-making every treat. As demand grew, I moved into a commercial kitchen at the Port of Centralia in 2015. Learning to use industrial equipment, manage inventory, and meet food safety standards was challenging but necessary for growth.

Many pet owners are becoming more ingredient-conscious—what should they look out for when shopping for dog treats?

Pet owners should always read ingredient labels carefully. Look for treats made with real, whole-food ingredients—things you can recognize and pronounce. Avoid artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and fillers like corn, soy, or by-products. Organic, limited-ingredient options are best, especially for dogs with sensitivities. If it’s not good enough for you, it’s not good enough for your dog!

How do you ensure your treats are both nutritious and appealing to dogs?

At 4Legz, we focus on using organic, NON-GMO certified, human-grade ingredients that are safe and nutritious for dogs. Each recipe is crafted with simple, whole foods like fruits, veggies, and oats—no junk or fillers. We also test our treats with real dogs, including our own, to make sure they’re tail-wagging delicious!

What’s your favorite part of the business? Is it product development, customer feedback, or something else?

My favorite part of the business is the community we’ve built through 4Legz. I love connecting with customers who care deeply about their pets’ health and who support our mission. Hearing positive feedback, especially from those with dogs who have allergies, is so rewarding. I also take pride in creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities—like myself—to be part of something meaningful. It’s more than just treats; it’s about inclusion, compassion, and making a difference.

Do you have a taste-testing panel of pups beyond Odie now?

Yes, we definitely have a growing panel of loyal taste-testers beyond Odie! Over the years, we’ve built a small but mighty group of dogs from friends, family, and loyal customers who help us try new flavors and textures. Their reactions—tail wags, excitement, or a turned-up nose—tell us everything we need to know. It's a fun and important part of our process that keeps our recipes dog-approved and always improving!

How has the industry changed since you started in 2004, and how has 4Legz evolved with it?

Since 2004, the pet industry has shifted dramatically toward health-conscious and natural products. Pet owners now demand transparency and high-quality ingredients, pushing brands to be more responsible and innovative. At 4Legz, we evolved by focusing on organic, non gmo, human-grade treats and addressing food sensitivities, setting us apart early on. We’ve grown from a small kitchen operation to a brand that champions both pet health and disability inclusion, staying true to our mission as the industry changes.

What’s next for the brand? Any new products, retail expansions, or exciting collaborations in the works?

What’s next for 4Legz is incredibly exciting! We are expanding our product line with brand-new flavors designed to delight dogs with a variety of tastes and dietary needs. These new treats will continue our commitment to using organic, human-grade ingredients, ensuring they’re both nutritious and delicious. Alongside that, we’re launching a fresh collection of merchandise tailored not only to dog lovers but also to cat lovers and pet enthusiasts in general. From stylish apparel and tote bags to fun accessories, there will be something for every pet lover to enjoy and show their support for our mission.

We’re passionate about building a community, so these new products will help pet owners feel connected to 4Legz beyond just treats—they’ll be able to carry a piece of our story with them every day. In addition to product expansion, we’re actively seeking collaborations and partnerships with like-minded companies. We believe merging resources and ideas will help us grow faster and reach more pet families, while also creating more opportunities for individuals with disabilities within our network. Our goal is to continue growing sustainably, staying true to our values, and making a meaningful impact on both pets’ lives and our community.

What advice would you give to other women thinking of leaving a long-time career to follow a passion project?

My advice to women thinking of leaving a long-time career to follow a passion project is to be patient and stay positive. I started dreaming of this business in my 40s, and 16 years later, I’m still passionate and committed. Study your chosen field, learn as much as you can, and be prepared for challenges. Most importantly, pick a passion that truly inspires you—something you love and want to dedicate yourself to long-term. Passion fuels persistence.

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Yvon Lux is the editor of her Apple News channel covering lifestyle news and current events. Her “blogazine” celebrates sisterhood and empowers women by focusing on women’s health, travel, lifestyle, and entrepreneurial news while also sharing the most coveted beauty news and style stories.

When she’s not busy writing about impactful brands, standout products, and lifestyle news, she and her husband can usually be found snuggling with their emotionally needy, perpetually sleepy golden retriever, or she’s chipping away at her Juris Doctor. Connect with her on Instagram and subscribe to her Apple News channel.