Roddick shares his love for canines for a good cause

Andy Roddick's dogs are named Billie Jean and Bob Costas, which is important to take note of.

"I've been a dog person my entire life," Roddick recently told the *Houston Chronicle*. "I grew up with dogs. My mother-in-law rescues dogs. We [he, wife Brooklyn Decker and young son Hank] have two English Bulldogs."

Roddick has made the media rounds to pitch the (deep breath) Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge, speaking to *The Street* and more publishers about his affinity for canines and the differences they make in people's lives–and how one Billie Jean King often asks for updates and photos of her namesake fur kid.

Think of this Purina challenge as "the Olympics for dogs" because that's what the company dubs it. And consider playing a part in it with your own best friend, as for every entry in the competition, Purina will donate 20,000 pounds of dog food to U.S. military veterans and their tail-wagging pals.

Pets such as dogs lend "perspective," Roddick said to The Street. "My dogs don't really care if I won Wimbledon or not."

Americans do, that's for sure. The Chronicle columnist led his piece with a nostalgic rundown of Roddick's bona fides, including that he is "the last U.S. player to win a Grand Slam tennis event, last to be ranked No. 1 in the world" and so on. Those credentials ring true to an extent, yes, but Roddick himself would soon tell you that a trio of players named Serena Williams, Mike Bryan and Bob Bryan might have a few things to say about that.

Small matter in these moments. What's at hand is a dog challenge that benefits much more than its sponsor, though Purina certainly wins out here as well. If you've got a great dog, whether athletically adventurous or not, stage an entry in this furry, friendly challenge and lend your helping hand.

Follow Jon on Twitter @jonscott9.