MUSKEGON, Mich. — Some people look forward to Super Bowl Sunday for different reasons—the big game, the halftime show or the commercials.
For others, it's all about Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl.
This year, a puppy from a West Michigan animal shelter has been drafted to play.
The puppy known as Dolly Barkon is ready to dominate on the field thanks to natural talent and experienced trainers.
Before competing in Puppy Bowl XX Dolly Barkon trained hard along with other pups and staff at Big Lake Humane Society.
“Our whole staff watches and supports the event every year. We love that they put shelter pets in it and they bring awareness to shelters and animals that need homes," said Alexis Robertson, Executive Director at Big Lake Humane Society. "So having a pet from our shelter finally make the cut is phenomenal."
Dolly Barkon to appear in Puppy Bowl
The beagle mix was found as a 6-week-old stray behind a shed in Muskegon. She immediately went to a foster home with the right connections.
“Her foster had a friend that actually worked with the Puppy Bowl. So she came to visit the summer and saw Dolly and said she's absolutely perfect for the Puppy Bowl,” Robertson said.
After passing her tryouts with flying colors, Dolly was recruited to Team Fluff. She’s the only puppy from Michigan taking part in this year’s event.
“Once we found out that she was going to be in the Puppy Bowl you definitely want to expose them to as many puppies and playtime and football-shaped toys as you can because you don't want them to go out there and have stage fright or anything," Robertson said.
She traveled to New York for filming in October and staff have high hopes for her performance.
"I could see her as a quarterback, but we'll see," Robertson said.
Although we don’t know the outcome of the game yet, there’s no doubt that this cute puppy will steal hearts on Super Bowl Sunday.
Big Lake Humane Society is hosting a fundraiser and watch party on Sunday, Feb. 11. It’s at the Dirty Dog Bar and Grill in Muskegon.
“Tail”-gating starts at noon and the Puppy Bowl begins at 2 p.m. There will be a taco and bloody Mary bar, plus adoptable dogs and cats.
Dolly will also be making an appearance.
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