A few competitors with local ties will be in action this Sunday. One, an explosive young speedster with energy to spare, is widely expected to impact the game; another is a bit of an underdog who could surprise fans.
We’re talking about puppies, of course.
Two Pittsburgh Rescue Dogs to Compete in Puppy Bowl XXII
Before Sunday night’s big game kicks off, Discovery will air Puppy Bowl XXII, the annual “competition” that lets a fleet of adoptable pooches loose on a dog-friendly field. And two of this year’s competitors hail from Paws Across Pittsburgh, a foster-based animal rescue headquartered in Springdale.
The Four-Legged Gladiators
The Puppy Bowl spotlight should shine on Carrie Pawshaw, a 30-pound, 8-month-old mixed breed. Pawshaw, who has Norwegian Elkhound and American Eskimo Dog in her DNA, is “really playful,” according to Paws Across Pittsburgh president and founder Jackie Armour. “She did really well” when footage for the Puppy Bowl was captured in October. “She was kind of one of the stars of the show.”
Carrie Pawshaw — whose name was Glacier before her brush with fame — traveled to the Puppy Bowl, filmed in Glens Falls, New York, alongside fellow Paws Against Pittsburgh dog Meeko. The smaller of the two pups at just 11.5 pounds, Meeko is not perceived as a top prospect — but don’t count the Jack Russell mix out.
“He did well,” Armour says. “We don’t know who wins, or anything like that. That part is a surprise for everyone.”
The Road to a Championship
Paws Against Pittsburgh has been sending pups to the Puppy Bowl for three years. Armour says it’s a long process; rescues submit from all over the country each summer, with Discovery selecting 150 athletic canines for the game.
“It’s really nice,” Armour says, praising the “special treatment” the dogs receive — “all kinds of pictures and other really cool stuff.”
Armour stresses that the competition is all about raising awareness for adoptable pets, encouraging viewers to add to their family via a rescue. While the game itself is mostly tongue-in-cheek, Armour and the Paws Across Pittsburgh team are still rooting for their puppies.
“Would we love to see our dog win the Puppy Bowl? Sure!”
Crosstown Rivals — For a Good Cause
Carrie Pawshaw and Meeko won’t be the only local dogs taking to the gridiron this Sunday. Animal Friends, a rescue based in Ohio Township, has a pair of brothers — Nikalus and Kol — suiting up for Puppy Bowl XXII.
Armour stresses that selection to the Puppy Bowl is a boon for rescue organizations large and small.
“It’s great for our rescue; I’m sure it’s great for Animal Friends. It brings a lot of [attention to your organization]. Other years, after the Puppy Bowl, [we received] a donation from somewhere in California [and someone in] Florida. It really brings a lot of education — look at all these great dogs that are in a rescue, in a shelter somewhere. There are a lot of great dogs waiting.”
Carrie Pawshaw and Meeko have both been adopted in the months since Puppy Bowl XXII was filmed — but there are plenty of other great dogs and cats available for adoption at both Paws Across Pittsburgh and Animal Friends right now.
Puppy Bowl XXII airs at 2 p.m. this Sunday on Discovery.
Plus, when you’re watching the Puppy Bowl, prepare for Super Bowl LX with our Ultimate Guide to Party Planning.
Story Sean Collier
Photos Courtesy of Puppy Bowl XXII
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