Four Miami-Dade County Animal Services' dogs selected for Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl and Dog Bowl

Four of Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department’s (ASD) four-legged athlete cuties were selected to travel to New York City for Animal Planet’s ruff-est and toughest competitions, Puppy Bowl XVI and Dog Bowl III. The Miami-Dade contenders will be featured in a two-day event packed full of tail wags, belly rubs and cuteness during football’s biggest weekend.

“We are so proud of our four finalists who will compete in this year’s events and are confident we have some determined competitors with an excellent chance of bringing home the awards,” said Alex Muñoz, Miami-Dade Animals Services Director. “Our four-legged athletes have a great track record, with past Miami-Dade competitors not only bringing home the winning trophy and MVP title, but also finding their forever families at the Bowl.”

Festivities will kick off on Saturday, February 1 at 8 p.m. ET with DOG BOWL III, a one-hour special hosted by award-winning animal advocate Jill Rappaport where more than 65 dogs from animal shelters around the country compete for the first-ever Super Senior Award. Then, on Sunday, February 2 at 3 p.m. ET, 96 puppies will enter the GEICO stadium for Puppy Bowl XVI vying for the CHEWY “Lombarky” Trophy. Not only are they competing for championship barking rights, but these boys and girls are also hoping to find their forever homes.

ASD contenders in Puppy Bowl XVI include Poodle/Maltese mix - Cafecito, Terrier mix - Goldie and Labrador “Receiver” - Comet. ASD contender striving for the first-ever Super Senior Award in Dog Bowl III, is 5-year-old Papillion/Corgi Mix - Ziggy.

Cafecito (A2066944)
Breed: Poodle/Maltese mix
Gender: Male
Temperament: Highly caffeinated
Cafecito never stops! He is named after Miami’s signature fuel: Cuban espresso. This Yorkie mix has curly black fur as dark as coffee, and his brown belly looks like the frothy, sugary foam that tops a classic café! This puppy, who came to our shelter as a stray, has so much energy, he’s a perfect match for a caffeine lover.

Goldie (A2067849) – AVAILABLE FOR TV APPEARANCES
Breed: Terrier mix
Gender: Male
Temperament: Obedient and sweet Goldie is a giant fluffball who turns heads wherever he goes. Not only is he cute, but pup is the black sheep of the family. This big boy has three tiny sisters who don’t look anything like him! But he doesn’t mind. Goldie likes being a big brother to Mable, Sandy and Mighty. He loves curling up with his sisters and getting lots of attention for his long, golden fur.

Comet (A2067568) AVAILABLE FOR TV APPEARANCES
Breed: Labrador “Receiver”
Gender: Male
Temperament: Athletic ball hog Comet was born with a football in his mouth! This little yellow Lab is a natural athlete. He’s fast, tough and loves to pounce on the gridiron! Once you toss him the ball, good luck getting it away from this Labrador “Receiver.” He’s ready to blast off on the field and take home MVP at the Puppy Bowl. Comet came to our shelter as a stray.

Ziggy (A2070848)
Breed: Papillion/ Corgi Mix
Gender: Male
Temperament: Serious and strong Ziggy arrived at our adoption center as a stray. He is a very well behaved boy who likes to take long walks. His favorite toy is a squeaky football which he likes to take with him everywhere he goes. Ziggy is already an MVP at heart and is ready to shows his skills on the field!

Fans can also tailgate on Sunday, February 2 with the Puppy Bowl Pre-Game Show at 2 p.m., which will feature fan favorite paw-nalysis and cuddly commentary from sports correspondents, including the one and only Rodt Weiler, James Hound, and Sheena Inu serving as pre-game show analysts. Dan Schachner returns to the field for his ninth year as America’s favorite “Rufferee,” with this year promising to be the biggest and most epic game in Puppy Bowl history!

About Miami-Dade County Animal Services
Every year Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department (Animal Services) provides care and refuge for 28,000 to 30,000 unwanted dogs and cats. Every day, Animal Services staff works diligently to find life-long homes for these abandoned animals by facilitating onsite adoptions, hosting off-site adoptions at events and locations throughout the community, and working collaboratively with rescue organizations, volunteers and adoption partners. For more information call 311 or visit www.miamidade.gov/animals

About Animal Planet
Animal Planet, one of Discovery, Inc.’s great global brands, is dedicated to creating high quality content with global appeal delivering on its mission to keep the childhood joy and wonder of animals alive by bringing people up close in every way. Available to 360 million homes in more than 205 countries and territories, Animal Planet combines content that explores the undeniable bonds forged between animals and humans, optimized across all screens around the world. In the U.S., Animal Planet audiences can enjoy their favorite programming anytime, anywhere through the Animal Planet Go app which features live and on-demand access. For more information, please visit www.animalplanet.com.