Dennis Cloud graduated from Roosevelt High School in January 1962. He went on to have a successful career as a veterinarian and was a longtime volunteer in the community. These are some highlights of his life:

Roosevelt High School

Dr. Cloud was Co-Captain of the football team and wrestled. He was also Vice-Mayor, Vice-President of the 8’s and President of the 7’s.

Education

Dr. Cloud went to the University of Missouri – Columbia. After two years of undergraduate studies, he was accepted into their School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating second in his class in 1968 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).

Military Service

After graduation, Dr. Cloud accepted a commission as a Lieutenant JG with the U.S. Navy’s Public Health Service. He was assigned to Colorado State University where he studied the effects of low levels of radiation on animals. He was discharged in 1970.

Business Career

• Cloud joined Dr. Donald Blake’s team at Northwest Animal Hospital and encouraged by Dr. Blake, took over a floundering clinic, renaming it Rock Road Animal Hospital on St. Charles Rock Road. Beginning with a modest three-room establishment, he expanded the facility and employed three additional veterinarians to manage the growing business.
• He initiated a partnership with a major pet store chain to assist with disease control and management issues for the store and its breeders.
• He established two additional practices: Paw Patch Animal Hospital in Florissant (1992) and Cloud Veterinary Hospital in O’Fallon, MO (1998).
• Recognized as a pioneer in practice management, Dr. Cloud shared his methods at various professional gatherings and veterinary colleges, including Mizzou, Mississippi State, and Kansas State. In 2011, he was a keynote speaker at the Southeastern European Veterinary Conference in Spain.
• Cloud contributed to numerous advisory boards, such as Pfizer, Hill’s Hospital Design Committee, Veterinary Economics Magazine, Mizzou’s Veterinary School, and the Open Door Animal Sanctuary. He presided over the American Animal Hospital Association’s 1989 Convention in St. Louis.
• He was the host of the Purina Animal Advice Show, broadcasted on Saturday mornings on KTRS radio (550 AM) from 2008 to 2018.
• In 2019, Dr. Cloud was honored with induction into the Missouri Veterinary Medicine Hall of Fame.
• After retiring in 2017, Dr. Cloud’s legacy continues with all three practices still operational.

 Community Service

• Cloud dedicated his personal time as a youth soccer coach from 1978 to 1997, where he developed club and Olympic development programs. His U-17 women’s team reached the national playoffs in Washington, DC, in 1988.
• Starting in the late 1980s and for a decade, Dr. Cloud established a $500 annual scholarship for Ritenour High School graduates pursuing health sciences careers, a school near his Rock Road practice.
• In 1999, Dr. Cloud stepped in as a volunteer at the New Melle Animal Hospital for a year following the owner’s untimely death, rather than have the practice close. It was eventually purchased by another veterinarian.
• For over twenty years, Dr. Cloud served as a docent at the Basilica of St. Louis and the Missouri Botanical Gardens, stepping down in 2016 due to health reasons.

Personal Information

In 1968, Dr. Cloud wed his high school sweetheart, Sharon Ottinger, the co-captain of the cheerleading team. After years of teaching, Sharon joined Dennis in managing their business. They celebrated 57 years of marriage before his passing on August 6, 2024, due to Alzheimer’s Disease. Together, they raised six children and cherished eleven grandchildren.

Dr. Cloud’s significant contributions to animal care and the community embody the true spirit of a Rough Rider and honor the Roosevelt High School community. The Alumni Association is honored to induct him into the Alumni Hall of Fame.