A group of Philadelphia-area puppies are set to take the stage in the long-running television event, Puppy Bowl, designed to entertain and encourage pet adoption.
Eight teams from local shelters – including one from South Jersey – have sent their top canine athletes to compete for the coveted title. The competition will be broadcast on Animal Planet, HBO Max, Discovery, TBS, truTV, and discovery+ on February 8th at 2 p.m.
Among the canine competitors is Cricket, a special needs American pit bull terrier/American Staffordshire terrier mix with a heart defect who was found in an abandoned apartment as just a few days old. The young pup has overcome incredible odds to find his forever home through adoption.
The Puppy Bowl also features DeVon-tails Smith, aka Koda, an Akita/husky mix from Providence Animal Shelter in Media. This talented puppy's future is certain after being adopted last year. He will compete with his brother Teddy on the field of play.
Other local contestants include Finch, a beagle named Lucky, who was described as silly, energetic, and smart by his shelter staff. Finch has settled into life at home with his family and enjoys romping around the backyard.
Grasshopper, another American pit bull terrier/American Staffordshire terrier mix, joins Cricket in Team Fluff. The little pup had a rough start to life after being diagnosed with diabetes but found help soon and now thrives in his new environment.
Shirley, a mystery dog found during the flash floods that swept through Texas's Hill Country, is competing for her forever home on Team Ruff. After being transported to safety from Texas, Shirley has been welcomed into a loving family.
Rounding out this talented group are Oscar, a 7-month-old mini poodle with a big personality; and Teddy, an Akita/husky mix who rose above the pack in doggie football after spending time in a foster home.
Eight teams from local shelters – including one from South Jersey – have sent their top canine athletes to compete for the coveted title. The competition will be broadcast on Animal Planet, HBO Max, Discovery, TBS, truTV, and discovery+ on February 8th at 2 p.m.
Among the canine competitors is Cricket, a special needs American pit bull terrier/American Staffordshire terrier mix with a heart defect who was found in an abandoned apartment as just a few days old. The young pup has overcome incredible odds to find his forever home through adoption.
The Puppy Bowl also features DeVon-tails Smith, aka Koda, an Akita/husky mix from Providence Animal Shelter in Media. This talented puppy's future is certain after being adopted last year. He will compete with his brother Teddy on the field of play.
Other local contestants include Finch, a beagle named Lucky, who was described as silly, energetic, and smart by his shelter staff. Finch has settled into life at home with his family and enjoys romping around the backyard.
Grasshopper, another American pit bull terrier/American Staffordshire terrier mix, joins Cricket in Team Fluff. The little pup had a rough start to life after being diagnosed with diabetes but found help soon and now thrives in his new environment.
Shirley, a mystery dog found during the flash floods that swept through Texas's Hill Country, is competing for her forever home on Team Ruff. After being transported to safety from Texas, Shirley has been welcomed into a loving family.
Rounding out this talented group are Oscar, a 7-month-old mini poodle with a big personality; and Teddy, an Akita/husky mix who rose above the pack in doggie football after spending time in a foster home.
I'm literally SHAKING thinking about Cricket's journey 
! That poor pup was just 2 days old when he was found abandoned 
, and now he's got a forever home through adoption? 
It gives me ALL the feels 
. I wish more people knew how many amazing pups like him are out there waiting for love 
. Can't wait to watch Cricket and his teammates slay it on Puppy Bowl stage 
!
But the fact that he's now living his best life with a forever family is totally a feel-good story.
But what really gets me is how these shelters are using the Puppy Bowl as a way to promote adoption 
. Can't wait to tune in and cheer on these furry friends 
i cant even handle how adorbs these puppies r!!! 
and omg team fluff is literally the cutest combo - grasshopper & cricket are bestie pups! 
and shirley is like wow, she came from texas and now she's livin her best life 
. its great that these shelters r gettin all this attention so more ppl can adopt & give them forever homes 
I think it's amazing that these adorable pups are not just competing for fun, but also getting ready to find their forever homes 
. Cricket, being a special needs pup himself, is definitely giving me all the feels 
I'm excited for Cricket, that special needs pup with a heart defect - he's literally overcoming impossible odds to find his forever home. Like, I don't have the emotional bandwidth for this level of cuteness. And can we talk about DeVon-tails Smith, aka Koda, competing again? Brother rivalry goals, am I right? 
This is actually kind of awesome that these puppies are getting a platform to show off their skills and help get adopted - it's a win-win for both the pups and potential pet parents. Bring on February 8th! 
My fave team so far has gotta be Team Fluff - Cricket and Grasshopper are giving me all the feels 
. Anyway, bring on February 8th - I'm ready for some puppy cuddles and adoption inspiration! 
. But seriously, it's awesome to see these shelters sending their top canine athletes to compete and raise awareness for adoption. Maybe we can all learn a thing or two from these fur babies about resilience and love 
. It's wonderful to see these talented puppies competing in a fun, lighthearted setting that promotes adoption and awareness.