The Super Bowl is fine. But you know what’s better than grown men tackling each other for three hours? Puppies. Lots and lots of puppies, tumbling, wrestling, and occasionally napping on national television. And that, my friends, is the unadulterated joy that is the Puppy Bowl.
This year, Puppy Bowl XXI raises the stakes (and the aww factor) with a record-breaking 142 rescue pups from 80 shelters and rescues, representing 40 states and even a couple of international players. These furry athletes, divided into the classic Team Ruff and Team Fluff, will compete for the coveted “Lombarky” trophy under the watchful eye of returning referee Dan Schachner. One can only hope his striped shirt survives the onslaught of adorable chaos.
While the competition is fierce (in the cutest way possible), the Puppy Bowl has a much bigger purpose: shining a light on pet adoption and the incredible work of shelters and rescues. Throughout the three-hour broadcast, viewers will get heartwarming glimpses into the adoption journeys of these irresistible pups, a reminder that finding your perfect furry companion can change lives for the better.
This year’s lineup includes a diverse array of breeds, from a history-making St. Bernard-mix named Julep to a solo Pekingese, aptly named Smoosh. Representing Team Ruff, we have Mr. Pickles, a Pug-Chihuahua blend of concentrated charm, and Tuani, a Chihuahua-German shepherd mix who made the long trip from Nicaragua to compete.
But the real MVPs (Most Valuable Puppies, naturally) are the eleven special needs dogs participating this year. Among them are Jolene, an American Pit bull terrier mix navigating the field in a wheelchair, and Sprinkle, a blind and hearing-impaired Australian shepherd mix who proves that heart and determination can overcome any obstacle. This inclusive approach is what makes the Puppy Bowl more than just a cute spectacle; it’s a celebration of resilience and the unwavering spirit of these incredible animals.
Tune in to Animal Planet on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. for Puppy Bowl XXI.
