CHERRY HILL, N.J. -

As its automaker peers and other industry-related companies rolled out commercials during the FOX network’s coverage of Super Bowl XLV earlier this month, Subaru of America said it took a different approach to fetch consumer interest on Super Bowl Sunday.

And apparently, it worked. The automaker said it achieved a social-engagement record from a promotion centered on man’s best friend.

Subaru sponsored “Puppy Bowl VII” on the Animal Planet network on Super Bowl Sunday and as part of this program, it encouraged owners to take their four-legged friends out for walks that day. Owners could go to Subaru’s website and Facebook page to sign the pledge to walk their dogs.

The company said it got more than 116,000 people to agree to the pledge and more than 250 people turned to the automaker’s Facebook page to share their dog-walking stories.

The programs generated responses from all over the country.

One of those was Ambler, Pa., resident Rebecca Simon, who owns a Subaru Outback and shared her story about walking her dog Eli on Subaru’s Facebook page.

“It’s great that Subaru invited us to walk our dogs on game day,” Simon noted. “I like being part of a community of dog and Subaru owners across the country.”

Subaru aired its “Dog Tested. Dog Approved .” commercials during the Puppy Bowl. The “doggie driving stunts” of furry friends Olive and Zelda were featured during the commercials.

“Subaru owners tend to be active and enjoy the outdoors,” explained Brian Johnson, advertising manager for Subaru. "The Dog Walk event was an ideal opportunity to connect the community with our new ‘Dog Tested. Dog Approved.’ campaign.”