• by Teresa Buyikian , September 18, 2024

Dunkin’ is going to the dogs -- dogs’ toys, that is. This week the brand announced its latest collaboration with Bark, the multichannel dog brand, on a new collection of Dunkin’-themed plush dog toys.

This year marks the fifth for the collaboration, which thus far has raised over $10 million for the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation.

Guests will receive the toys as a “thank you” for their in-store donation to the Foundation, which creates programs that provide “joy to kids battling hunger or illness.” The toys are also available for a limited time while supplies last at bark.co/dunkin.

“While Dunkin’ guests are fueling up for the day, they can also share the pumpkin spice fun with their dogs by picking up the new toy(s), knowing their donation helps support children in need,” said Mollie Collum, director of the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation in the release. “This latest collection will expand our reach and deepen the nationwide impact of our foundation’s programs.”

The Bark and Dunkin’ 2024 fall flavor-themed toys include: the Signature Latte Toy, a crinkle squeaker with a tuggable t-shirt rope for a $15 donation; the Snackin’ Bacon Dog, a multi-part squeaker, with a $13 donation; the Pumpkin Donut Dog Toy, a pumpkin pie-scented Super Chewer donut made with natural rubber, for a $15 donation; and the Mocha Latte Dog crinkle toy with a tuggable t-shirt rope for a $15 donation.

The Joy in Childhood Foundation’s impact programs include Dogs for Joy, which was introduced in 2018. The aim of the program is to bring full-time facility dogs to children’s hospitals, “where the dogs serve as a source of happiness for pediatric patients,” per the brand.

The dogs do more than bring happiness -- they are also trained to teach kids how to take medication, keep children calm during a medical intervention and provide incentives for getting out of bed, among other important tasks. Thus far the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has paid for 49 facility dogs used across 33 hospitals.