From Olympic gold to four-legged friends, Simone Biles is bringing her champion mindset to a new cause: helping kids and their pets thrive. Through a partnership with pet food brand Nulo and the nonprofit Friends of the Children, Biles is backing Paws-For-A-Cause, a campaign running through March 31 that channels 10% of Nulo sales at participating Oregon and Washington pet stores into support for youth and their pets. Participating stores include PetSmart, Amazon, Petco, and more.

Founded in Portland in 1993, Friends of the Children provides long-term, professional mentorship to kids facing adversity. Many of these youth lean on their pets for emotional support. Now, through Paws-For-A-Cause, Nulo helps both get the care they need. The company is providing individual gift certificates to kids in the program who have pets, redeemable for Nulo products and essential pet accessories at participating stores.

The campaign kicks off in Oregon and Washington, where Friends of the Children has deep roots, but Biles hopes its impact reaches beyond state lines. She encourages supporters to get involved—whether by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. “Supporting Friends of the Children directly—through volunteering, donations, or even just spreading the word—can make a huge difference,” she said.

We conducted an email-based Q&A with Biles, where she shared more on why this initiative matters to her, how pets make a difference for kids, and what’s next.

You’re known for being a big advocate for both kids and pets. Was there a particular moment in your life that made you passionate about this cause?

I received a lot of love and support growing up, and I know how important that is for a child’s confidence and growth. I’ve also experienced firsthand through my own dogs just how much comfort pets can bring. Lilo and Rambo are always there to give me a mental boost or just be by my side. I want to help kids feel that same kind of unconditional love and companionship, especially when they need it most.

Do you have a favorite pet memory from when you were younger?

I remember visiting my grandparents before I was adopted and playing with their dog for hours. No matter what was going on, that dog was always excited to see me, and that made me happy, too. That kind of love stays with you, and that’s why I feel like this initiative between Nulo and Friends of the Children is so special. Every kid deserves the unconditional love pets have to give.

What’s something good happening in the world that isn’t getting nearly enough attention?

I think people stepping up to support their communities always deserves more attention. There’s so much good happening locally that doesn’t always make headlines.

French bulldogs are known for their big personalities—what’s the funniest or most dramatic thing yours have ever done?

Since they were puppies, I’ve been putting them in little clothes. They just kind of accept it now – Lilo gets so excited when she sees me going for it that she’ll start shaking, like, “Mom, are you gonna put my jacket on?” Rambo is a bit more dramatic about it, but he just kind of accepts it now.

Lilo and Rambo are starring in a movie—what’s the title?

“Double Trouble: The Frenchie Chronicles.” It’d definitely be a buddy comedy!

Messiest eater—Lilo or Rambo?

Definitely Rambo! He somehow manages to get food everywhere, no matter how small the meal is. Lilo’s (usually) a little more graceful.

If your dogs could do gymnastics, what event would they be best at?

I could see Lilo on the balance beam – she’s a total diva, always so poised and confident. Rambo would probably be a floor exercise kind of guy. He’s got plenty of puppy energy and loves showing off!

If you could talk to your dogs for five minutes, what would you talk to them about?

I’d ask them what their favorite part of the day is and if they realize how much I love them. I’m also super curious to know what they dream about. They’re always twitching and making little noises in their sleep – I’m sure they’re having all kinds of adventures!

Through March 31, Paws-For-A-Cause will channel 10% of Nulo pet food sales at participating Oregon and Washington pet stores into support for youth and their pets. Participating stores include PetSmart, Amazon, Petco, and more.