LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – As the suspense rose to see which team would win, football fans all over the nation turned on their TVs to watch the famous Super Bowl game that people waited all year for. However, a loud rumble is heard in the distance… Is that barking? Let the 21st annual puppy bowl begin!
On Feb. 9 on Super Bowl Sunday, the annual Puppy Bowl took off for its football-like game aimed at promoting shelter and rescue adoption. 143 rescue dogs from all over the country took part in the game, headlined by announcers Steve Levy and Taylor Rooks. Both puppy teams were dedicated to taking home the renowned Lombarky trophy.
Team Fluff, led by coach John Har-Paw, sported a mighty blue in hopes of taking home victory this year, with headlining puppies being Linen, Foxtrot and Enrique. On Team Ruff, puppy players Kiki, Princess Sophia and Abigail sported a bright tangerine and were coached by Sean McFur-Mutt.
In the first quarter, Team Ruff’s player Enrique headlined the opening kick by running downfield. Suddenly, Team Fluff’s player, Smoosh, forced Enrique to fumble! Coach Sean McFur-Mutt decided to pull Enrique from the game and bring in fan-favorite player, Foxtrot, who went down the yard-line scoring the first touchdown and awarding seven points to Team Ruff. Team Fluff’s Princess Sophia scored three points after challenging a field goal previously hit by Team Ruff player Enrique. Then, Foxtrot trotted to the end zone awarding seven points to Team Ruff. Finally, Team Fluff player Kiki gained three points in a final field goal, ending the score at 6-14 for the first quarter with Team Ruff still maintaining the lead.
During the break of the first quarter, many adoptable pets were highlighted in hopes of finding them a fur-ever home.
In the second quarter, after much patience, Brie from Team Fluff scored a touchdown and cut off Team Ruff’s lead. Paws-Allen scored a touchdown and brought Team Fluff into the lead. On the contrary, pressure had gotten to Foxtrot who was given a 5-yard penalty for unnecessary “ruff-ness”. Team Ruff’s Demure didn’t let the shakeup affect her, she instead scored a touchdown and put her team into the lead. With a minute left before halftime three-legged pup Trio dragged opposing team player Princess Sophia into the end-zone, which scored a touchdown. However, this was neutralized by the Puppy Bowl referees, and the act of dragging was claimed as a foul and zero points were awarded.
Trio didn’t let this demotivate him, he proceeded to hit another touchdown for Team Ruff. Charlotte, with 15 seconds left on the clock, ran a toy to the field zone. In the process, she kicked another toy in the end-zone with her, which scored a field goal and a touchdown at the same time! A total of 10 points were awarded to Team Fluff, the score for the 2nd quarter ended 30-28 with Team Fluff in the lead.
As the lights went down, the kitty halftime show was underway. A puppy drummer boy rolled in the kitties on a mardi gras parade float, with confetti and music brought by DJ Scratch spinning tracks in an energetic kitty dance party.
To kick of the third quarter, Team Ruff’s Beethoven scored a masterful touchdown, which put the team straight to the lead. In another expert play, Kiki made another touchdown, which gained her team seven points and the lead. After much perseverance, Team Fluff’s Abigail launched a toy to the end zone and scored a field goal. Team Ruff scored an amazing tandem touchdown by siblings Penny and Sarge, making their lead even higher. After a controversial teamwork pass, Team Fluff challenged the play, concluding with Karen of Team Ruff scoring the touchdown, awarding. Finally, Team Ruff’s Abigail hit a touchdown in the final seconds of the quarter, ending the score 54-42.
The pups took another rest before the fourth quarter. Who will take home the gold? Only the final quarter would tell.
Team Ruff’s Linen charged in with a touchdown along with teammate Lightning, striking down two touchdowns which put their team in the lead. In an aggressive interception, Team Fluff’s Sulley slapped seven points onto the board in an incredible touchdown. Foxtrot scored an unbelievable 100-yard touchdown which put Ruff in the lead. With under a minute left Ruff’s Enrique scored a field goal into the zone. Then, with only 10 seconds left Paws Allen made it past the 20-yard, the 10, and… touchdown! Paws-Allen did it and Team Fluff won with zero seconds to spare! With a final score of 68-66 they just nearly took the 21st annual Puppy Bowl championship to victory!
“It is my honor and privilege to present to team Fluff champions of Puppy Bowl 21! The only prize for puppy dog eyes is the crowned jewel of drool, the one and only Walmart Lombarky trophy!” said Puppy Bowl referee Dan Schachner.
With the game ended it was time to give out the Puppy Bowl’s Underdog Award and The Most Valuable Pup Award.
Nominees for the underdog award included: the sleepy Buttercup, the bench-sitting Clark and the lazy Mercury. Mercury ended up taking home the award of underdog after careful decision-making.
For The Most Valuable Pup award, many stood in the running including Foxtrot, Kiki and Abigail. All being powerful components in Team Fluff’s victory this year but, only one can take the trophy this year and upon viewer voting, Foxtrot won the title of Puppy Bowl M.V.P!
That wrapped up this year’s paws-itively adorable Puppy Bowl 2025. Remember: adopt don’t shop!
