DAYTON — Three local puppies are making an appearance in the National Puppy Bowl on Sunday.
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Zinnia, Pumpkin, and Jolene from the Humane Society of Greater Dayton will represent the Miami Valley in this year’s puppy bowl.
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Jolene will play for “Team Ruff” and Zinnia and Pumpkin will play for “Team Fluff.”
“These playful pups, each with their own unique story and spirit, are ready to win hearts and wag tails as they compete on the big stage,” the Humane Society said.
Zinnia, now named Cotopaxi, is a 7-month-old Norwegian Elkhound and Cattle Dog mix.
According to the Humane Society, Zinnia and her five siblings were abandoned. Another shelter rescued the pups who were eventually transferred to the Humane Society for care.
Zinnia was eventually adopted by a shelter employee who “couldn’t resist her playful spirit and sweet smile,” the Humane Society said.
Pumpkin, now named Birdie, is a 7-month-old Pit Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Terrier mix.
The Humane Society said Pumpkin’s story began with heartbreak but blossomed into hope.
Pumpkin’s mom was abandoned at the Humane Society while in active labor. The pup and her two siblings were safely born inside, “where they were surrounded by warmth and love.”
She was later adopted after being raised in a foster home with her mother.
Jolene, now named Eileen, is a 7-month-old American Pit Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Terrier mix.
According to the Humane Society, Jolene was found as a tiny 8-week-old stray, and her back legs were completely paralyzed.
Jolene received a special set of wheels that gave her “the freedom to move, play, and experience the joy of being a puppy,” the Humane Society said.
One of the Humane Society veterinarians who had cared for the pup from the beginning adopted Jolene.
“Her story is a beautiful reminder of the power of compassion, determination, and the life-changing impact of adoption,” the Humane Society said.
Every year in February the annual Puppy Bowl brings national awareness to pet adoption.
The Puppy Bowl will take place on Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. EST. You can watch it on Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, Discovery+ or Max.
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