Puppy Bowl XXII aims to help old dogs find new families too
Senior dogs will get their moment in the spotlight at Puppy Bowl XXII, with a halftime showdown that promotes adoption for older pets
This year, America’s Puppy Bowl is not just about puppies. Older dogs are getting some attention, too.
There will be a halftime showdown between Team Oldies and Team Goldies, offering a showcase for senior dogs as a reminder that they also need adoption and love.
“Everyone wants the puppy and, unfortunately, the reality of puppyhood is it’s tough,” says Victoria Schade, the event’s lead dog trainer and wrangler. “I think people don’t realise that until they’re deep in the thick of it. That’s the beauty of an older dog, an adult dog, a senior dog: they bring a different sort of calm.”
This year’s event – Puppy Bowl XXII – will bring together 150 dogs from 72 shelters across the United States, Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands. It airs February 8, simulcast across Animal Planet, Discovery, HBO Max and Discovery+.
The puppies are split into two teams – Team Fluff and Team Ruff – and each dog is given a nickname – like “Slick Rick” or “J-Paw” – and a speciality, like “epic end zone dance”.