A beagle puppy from South Jersey is set to steal hearts on national television on the same day as the Super Bowl.
The nonprofit Animal Welfare Association (AWA) in Voorhees will be represented in Puppy Bowl XXII by Finch, an energetic beagle puppy selected to compete as part of Team Fluff. The annual adoption-focused event will air at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8, on Animal Planet.
Puppy Bowl – now in its 22nd year – is Animal Planet’s longest-running program and a beloved Super Bowl Sunday tradition. It features adoptable shelter puppies from across the country “competing” on a miniature football field, all while promoting pet adoption and animal welfare.
For AWA, Finch’s participation is both a celebration and a reflection of the shelter’s mission.
“Having Finch participate in Puppy Bowl XXII is incredibly special for our entire organization,” said Laura Houston, its executive director. “Finch represents so many of the animals who come through our doors: full of potential, personality and love.
“We are thrilled for (Finch) and excited for the opportunity to inspire families everywhere to consider adoption.”
Filming for Puppy Bowl XXII took place in early October, when Finch joined dozens of puppies from shelters nationwide. The broadcast is known for its playful moments, from spontaneous naps to toy chases and tail-wagging “touchdowns,” all designed to remind viewers that shelter animals make loving companions.
“This is such a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on shelter dogs everywhere,” Houston added. “Every puppy you see has a story, and every one of them deserves a chance at a happy ending.”
Puppy Bowl XXII will simulcast across multiple platforms as well as Animal Planet, including Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max, and Discovery+, expanding its reach to millions of viewers.
While Finch’s time on the field may be brief, his impact is already lasting. He has since been adopted by a local family and is reportedly thriving in his new home – an outcome that reflects the goal of the Puppy Bowl.
The AWA is a nonprofit that operates the oldest and largest low-cost pet clinic, adoption center and no-kill animal shelter in South Jersey. It does not receive government funding and relies on local donations to support its programs, including adoptions, veterinary services, pet therapy, trap-neuter-return initiatives and humane education.
More information about the AWA can be found at www.awanj.org
