CLEVELAND — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Aug. 16, 2022.
The Cleveland Browns have announced a brand new program that will give fans and their dogs unique opportunities.
Barking Backers is a new membership presented by Milk-Bone that will welcome Browns fans' dogs as members of the famous Dawg Pound. Registration for the club is expected to open towards the end of August, during National Dog Month.
While fans wait to register for the membership, they can visit the Milk-Bone Barking Backers activation booth at the training camp sessions being held in Berea at the CrossCountry Mortgage. The membership will be free of cost, but fans can purchase a premium membership for $35 per year.
The premium membership will include the following:
- A Barking Backers collectible box with Browns gear
- A virtual and/or in-person experience with a Browns player or coach and their pet
- A chance to be showcased among the fan club as the "Dog of the Month."
$5 of the premium membership fee will be donated to Canine Assistants, a non-profit organization.
"Browns fans' passion for football is unmatched across the NFL, and one of the few parts of their lives reaching that same fervor is how much they love and are proud of their dogs," said Browns Senior Vice President of Marketing & Media Brent Rossi. "Recognizing the long-term excitement around and success of the Puppy Pound – which has resulted in more than 600 onsite adoptions during training camp since 2015 – we created Barking Backers to provide our fans and their dogs a unique way to connect with their favorite team and fellow dog owners through these two cherished personal connections."
Anyone who joins the program will receive an honorary membership certificate, communications and promotions.
"Milk-Bone is passionate about the connection people have with their dogs. So much so that in 2020, The Milk-Bone brand founded National Dog Month to recognize all the ways dogs make our lives better," said Jasen Cusick, Director of Dog Treats at The J.M. Smucker Co. "We're excited to celebrate the third annual National Dog Month by giving Browns Fans across the nation a fan club for their dogs, in partnership with the Cleveland Browns."
Once the program is launched, anyone can register to become a member of Barking Backers at barkingbackers.com.
At this time, the Browns are working on finalizing their plans for Barking Backers members' first meet-and-greet event, which is expected to take place in October at FirstEnergy Stadium.