This past week, the Browns Puppy Pound, presented by Sugardale, reached a significant milestone as more than 400 puppies have been adopted at Browns training camp to date since the initiative's launch in 2015. With five free open practice sessions in Berea remaining, Browns fans have helped 82 puppies from the Northeast Ohio SPCA find homes this year, bringing the current all-time total to 442 adoptions.  

To celebrate the occasion, Sugardale will present the Northeast Ohio SCPA a $5,000 donation near the Browns Puppy Pound at 2 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Aug. 10). Stefanie Merkosky, Northeast Ohio SPCA development director; Mark Slaughter, vice president of sales for Fresh Mark, owner and operator of Sugardale Foods; and Carlos Oseguera, Browns senior director of fan experience and special events will be onsite for the check presentation and photo opportunities.

"The Northeast Ohio SPCA is humbled to receive such a generous donation from Sugardale," said Jeff Kocian, executive director of the Northeast Ohio SPCA. "Our shelter is determined to turn the lives of shelter animals around by helping them find a forever home that will love them and accept them as part of their family. Many of the animals that come through our shelter experience a lonely start to their lives, but together, we can help every pet find a loving and accepting family. We extend our deepest gratitude to Sugardale and the Browns for helping us save the lives of so many furry friends during Browns training camp. We are truly blessed to have the continued support of such wonderful partners."

"As a proud partner of the Cleveland Browns, we could not be happier to be a part of training camp, the Browns Puppy Pound and an incredible milestone for such a worthy cause," said Slaughter. "We love watching all the puppies find their forever homes with owners who support the great mission of the Northeast Ohio SPCA and of course, root for our Cleveland Browns."

"The Browns Puppy Pound is a unique part of Browns training camp that adds a truly special energy for our team and fans, and it also offers a great opportunity to share the efforts of the Northeast Ohio SPCA," said Oseguera. "We are thrilled that more than 400 puppies have found new homes through this program, and we appreciate the support of the Northeast Ohio SPCA, Sugardale and all our fans who have helped make it such a success." 

In 2019, Sugardale became the presenting partner of the Browns Puppy Pound. Sugardale provides new owners with a puppy starter kit (while supplies last), as well as hosts a station for the family's first photo. Sugardale, the official hotdog of the Cleveland Browns, is also the presenting partner for the annual Browns Give Back First and Ten Food Drive to benefit the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, a First and Ten community partner.

The Northeast Ohio SPCA (9555 Brookpark Road, Parma, OH 44129) is a nonprofit no-kill pet shelter located in Parma. For more information or to support the Northeast Ohio SPCA, visit https://northeastohiospca.org/ or email northeastohiospca@sbcglobal.net.