In a heartwarming tale that showcases the resilience and spirit of rescue dogs, the journey of Coto, a German shepherd-Labrador retriever mix, from a shed in rural Mississippi to the grand stage of the Puppy Bowl XXI is nothing short of extraordinary. The story begins with a mother dog, Shasta, who sought refuge under a shed with her litter of 10 puppies, including Coto. When rescuers from JerseyGirls Animal Rescue of South Plainfield arrived, they were met with a scene of vulnerability and hope. Shasta’s harrowing journey of survival, marked by heartworm and a front paw amputation, set the stage for a remarkable turn of events that would lead Coto, now known as Dakota, to the Puppy Bowl.
From the Shed to the Super Bowl
JerseyGirls Animal Rescue, founded by Rosemary Petriello in 2012, has been a beacon of hope for countless dogs like Coto. Participating in the Puppy Bowl since 2015, the organization has witnessed the transformative power of love and compassion in the lives of rescue animals. Coto’s story, from a frightened pup in Mississippi to a cherished member of a family in South River, exemplifies the unwavering dedication of rescue organizations to save and nurture these innocent beings. As Coto and his siblings found their way to New Jersey at just 4 weeks old, the journey of healing and redemption began.
The Sisters Reunited
In a heartwarming twist of fate, two Jersey pups, Shadow and Lilly, found themselves on opposite teams in the Puppy Bowl. Sisters from Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue, these basset hound mixes captured the hearts of viewers with their playful antics and unwavering bond. Lilly, with her copper-colored coat, joined Team Ruff, while Shadow, sporting a darker hue, represented Team Fluff. Their journey from a backyard in Arkansas to the national stage of the Puppy Bowl is a testament to the power of rescue and the enduring spirit of these remarkable animals.
Underdogs for the Win
Bo, a pug-Yorkshire terrier mix, and Brie, a Chihuahua-American pit bull terrier mix, both found their way to the Puppy Bowl through the efforts of A Second Chance for Ziva, a Chatham-based rescue organization. Bo’s journey from a garage sale in Corpus Christi, Texas, to the bright lights of New York is a tale of resilience and hope. Alongside Brie, who overcame incredible odds to find a loving home in Connecticut, these dogs embody the spirit of second chances and new beginnings.
Hewett, a disabled Chihuahua-Australian cattle dog mix from MatchDog Rescue in Waterford Township, Camden County, stole the show with his infectious energy and playful spirit. Born without a left eye, Hewett’s journey to the Puppy Bowl is a story of triumph over adversity and the enduring power of love. Alongside Liberty, a pug-dachshund mix with a flair for cheerleading, these dogs from South Jersey have captured the hearts of viewers nationwide.
The Puppy Bowl XXI promises three hours of heartwarming play and camaraderie among 142 rescue dogs from 40 states. With teams Ruff and Fluff vying for the Lombarky Trophy, the stage is set for a memorable showdown of furry proportions. As viewers tune in to Animal Planet and other channels on Sunday afternoon, the true winners of the Puppy Bowl are the countless rescue organizations and foster families who dedicate their lives to saving and nurturing these precious animals.
How to Watch the Puppy Bowl
Puppy Bowl 2025, also known as Puppy Bowl XXI, will air on Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, and truTV on Sunday, February 9 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. For those looking to stream the show, it will also be available on Max and Discovery+ at the same time. Join us in celebrating the incredible journey of these rescue dogs as they take center stage in the ultimate display of love, hope, and resilience.
