SACRAMENTO –
Sacramento Kings big man DeMarcus Cousins is playing for a new team these days.
Cousins is teaming with Dog for Dog and the Front Street Animal Shelter. Anytime you buy a bag of dog food, another will be donated to a dog in need.
And that’s not all he’s doing for the shelter.
“There are a lot of strays. There’s a lot of animal cruelty going on. This place is the place that’s taking in those kinds of dogs,” Cousins said.
“We’re benefiting, not only from a donation, but from an endorsement to support the Front Street Shelter. It’s huge,” said Gina Knepp, manager of Front Street Shelter.
Cousins not only loves dogs, he owns four pit bulls. He’ll be the first to admit the connection is no coincidence, saying there’s plenty of “junkyard dog” in his game.
“They have a bad reputation, but they’re probably one of the most loyal animals out there. You take care of them, they take care of you. That’s basically how it is for me,” Cousins said.
Like it is a struggle for the pit bull breed, Cousins takes the same approach to what people think of him.
“It’s basically the same way I’m changing mine [reputation]. I just try to let people get to know me as much as they can,” said Cousins.
Kings fans have wanted to know for some time what makes the 23-year-old tick. His relationship with dogs might offer the best glimpse.
When asked what he looks for in a dog, Cousins says “a good attitude.”
Anyone who wants to get some of that dog food and help out the Front Street Shelter can go to Pets-to-Go, their Elk Grove location, and they’ll get everything you need.