08-02-2025
Local dogs set to play in 2025 Puppy Bowl
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — The Puppy Bowl is back with a few furry participants from the Miami Valley.
The competition calls attention to pet overpopulation in communities around the country. The Humane Society of Greater Dayton sent three puppies to New York City to represent Dayton in the National Puppy Bowl, raising awareness for local animals in need of adoption.
Zinnia, Pumpkin and Jolene will bring the spirit of the Miami Valley to the Puppy Bowl in their own unique ways on Team Ruff and Team Fluff.
The Puppy Bowl National Competition will feature 142 dogs this year, from animal shelters across the nation. The annual event aims to encourage families to adopt animals that currently need loving homes, rather than shopping from dog breeders.
'We have shelters throughout the country that have animals that need homes. And so these puppies represented Dayton,' said Brian Weltge, president and CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton.
The local puppies also have stories of overcoming adversity. Pumpkin and Zinnia were both abandoned as young puppies and rescued by the shelter.
Jolene was found at eight weeks old with her back legs completely paralyzed. Now, she enjoys wheels that allow the freedom of movement.
'But one in particular actually was a paraplegic. We sent a dog that had paralysis in the back legs and super sweet dog,' said Weltge.
The shelter reports that all three of these puppies have been adopted, but there are lots of other furry friends in need of homes.
Watch the Puppy Bowl at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9 on Animal Planet and select streaming services to cheer our Dayton dogs on.
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