Nestlé Purina PetCare has donated 45,000 pounds of dog food to rural Western Alaska communities recovering from Typhoon Halong, which struck in October 2025 and brought hurricane-force winds and catastrophic flooding to nearly 50 rural and Native communities in the region.
In many of these areas, dogs serve roles beyond companionship — providing transportation and safety — making reliable access to pet food a practical necessity during disaster recovery.
Purina learned of the ongoing need through Dr. Arleigh Reynolds, DVM, Ph.D., D.A.C.V.N., a retired Purina veterinarian and scientist now serving as a medical advisor with Alaska Native Rural Veterinary Inc., an organization focused on improving animal health in remote Alaska communities.
"Purina has a long and dedicated history of helping pets and their owners when they need it most," Reynolds said. "Dogs play a huge role in the emotional and mental health resilience and recovery responses to traumatic events like this typhoon. We are so very grateful for this lifesaving support."
Purina partnered with Greater Good Charities to coordinate logistics for transporting the donation from its manufacturing facility in Eden, North Carolina, to a port in Tacoma, Washington. An emergency grant from the Purina Foundation covered more than $6,000 in shipping costs for that leg of the journey.
"Dogs are essential to daily life in many of Alaska's rural communities, and access to food can be a real challenge long after a disaster makes headlines," said Angie Fitch, executive director and co-founder of Alaska Native Rural Veterinary Inc.
"Purina's generosity — and the commitment of so many transportation partners — will make a meaningful difference for dog owners in communities that are still working to recover months after Typhoon Halong," continued Fitch. "This support helps ensure families can continue caring for the dogs they love and depend on."
Alaska Native Rural Veterinary Inc. is coordinating last-mile delivery through a network of transportation partners, including TOTE Maritime, Carlile Transportation, Alaska Air Transit, Resolve Aviation, Aleutian Airways, NAC Alaska, Ryan Air, Warbelow's Air Ventures and Everts Air — carriers essential to reaching communities accessible only by air or sea.
"Recovery doesn't end when the storm passes, especially in rural and remote communities," said Kim Beardslee, director of community affairs at Purina. "We're proud to work alongside trusted partners to help ensure pets and people have the resources they need as these communities continue to rebuild."
