Puppy Bowl XVII: Maryland Dogs Featured On Animal Planet Event

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Last year was a “ruff” one, but there’s at least one thing we can count on in 2021 — a showdown of adorable proportions as pooches from Maryland make an appearance in Animal Planet’s annual Puppy Bowl.

Now in its 17th year, the Puppy Bowl features adoptable pets from rescue shelters across the United States. This year’s three-hour event — a showdown between Team Ruff and Team Fluff — is scheduled to air Feb. 7 at 2 p.m., just a few hours before Super Bowl LV.

Also making a return to the Puppy Bowl is the “Pup Close and Personal” segment, which highlights the canine athletes as well as other adoptable pets from across the country. During the segment, the audience will also meet four fabulous senior dogs that are still true puppies at heart.

Aside from the obvious appeal of watching fluffy, huggable puppies tumble over one another as they chase the ball and try to score a touchdown, Marylanders have an extra incentive to watch this year.

Six puppies from across the state will be featured in the chewable challenge.

One of the local pooches, named Jett, had his two front legs amputated. He's still happy as could be though!

Jett hails from the Pets with Disabilities shelter in Prince Frederick. His caretakers are hyping him up with T-Shirts for the "tail-gate." The first batch is already sold out, but the next round will be available Friday on this website.

An in-depth profile will tell Jett's life story during the big game. He will represent Team Fluff at the Puppy Bowl.

The other five doggies come from the Last Chance Animal Rescue in Waldorf. Their names are:

• Aaron Pawgers (Team Fluff)
• George Kibble (Team Fluff)
• Glimmer (Team Fluff)
• Sonic (Team Fluff)
• Xena (Team Ruff)

So far, the Puppy Bowl is 16-0 when it comes to adoption rates. Since its inception, 100 percent of all puppy players have found their forever homes, Animal Planet said in a press release.

Here’s a look at some of the new additions to this year’s Puppy Bowl as well as a few traditions to expect:

• Team Ruff and Team Fluff will face off in a brand-new stadium that gives them even more room to rumble and fumble.

• Fans can expect a return of favorite elements including slow-motion replays, nose-to-nose action from the famous Water Bowl Cam, and aerial shots of the field.

• Joining the game for the 10th year is “Rufferee” Dan Schachner, who is ready to call the puppy penalties and touchdowns.

• For the first time ever, Puppy Bowl players will be cheered on from the sidelines by adoptable puppy cheerleaders.

• Leading the “Pup Close And Personal” segment will be actress and animal advocate Kristen Bell.

• Fans are invited to tweet along with game day commentator Meep The Bird and vote in real time for the winner of the Most Valuable Puppy award.

To learn more about the puppy players, their shelters, and other ways to help, visit Puppybowl.com/Adopt during the Puppy Bowl.

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