Furry companions from two Chester County animal shelters will participate in this year’s Puppy Bowl, writes Maria Pulcinella for WHYY.
The beloved annual tradition by Animal Planet will take place on Feb. 8. 150 pups from 72 shelters will participate in the team-based competition where Team Ruff takes on Team Fluff for a puppy-themed Super Bowl.
Eleven Philly-area dogs will compete in this year’s bowl. Adoptable pups from Phoenix Animal Rescue and Brandywine Valley SPCA will compete for the “Lombarky” trophy in what has been dubbed “the cutest competition in sports.”
Team Fluff includes pup Jill, and Team Ruff features Lin, Oscar, and Shirley.
The Puppy Bowl also features segments on the show’s available dogs, a competition between senior dogs, and a spotlight on special needs pups. The show also features an audience in the “barking lot” and kittens watching from a skybox.
The event aims to raise awareness for shelter animals and highlight the important work of animal welfare workers.
About the event and the opportunity for these furry friends to find a forever home, Animal Welfare Association director Laura Houston said, “Every pup you see has a story. And every one of them deserves a chance at a happy ending.”
Read more about the 2026 Puppy Bowl and the local shelters sending pups to this year’s event in WHYY.
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