Author: JW Arrington
For over two decades, Puppy Bowl has been the ultimate call-to-adoption television event, and this year marks its 21st game day! On Sunday, February 9, at 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT, 142 rescue puppies from 80 shelters across 40 states and two countries will take the field in the cutest competition of the year. Simulcast across Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, Max, and discovery+, Puppy Bowl XXI celebrates the journey from rescue to adoption, showcasing not only adorable athletes but also the incredible dedication of shelters and rescues working tirelessly to find these pups their forever homes.
Returning as the game’s beloved “Rufferee,” Dan Schachner is set to manage the controlled chaos of playful penalties, touchdowns, and tail-wagging tackles. With pups from Team Fluff and Team Ruff battling for the coveted “Lombarky” Trophy, the event promises plenty of heartwarming moments—including the inspiring stories of special needs pups like Jolene, a Pit Bull Terrier-mix in a wheelchair, and Sprinkle, a blind and hearing-impaired Australian Shepherd-mix, proving that no obstacle is too big when love is on the line.
One player I’ll keep a close eye on this year is a 4-month old puppers named Parsnip, a determined competitor with an incredible backstory. After arriving at the Humane Society as a baby with a broken leg, Parsnip has been given a second chance—and some high-profile coaching. Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Tackle Derrick Nnadi and his partner, Nani Hinton, have stepped in to help mentor this resilient pup, preparing him to shine both on the field and in the arms of his future forever family.
A Ruff Job, But Someone’s Gotta Do It
As Puppy Bowl XXI gears up for another unforgettable game, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dan just days before he takes the field with some of the ruffest players in the sport. Managing over 100 playful pups (not to mention the cat cheerleaders) is no small task, but Dan, now in his 12th year as Puppy Bowl’s official referee, has the experience to make the right calls—and stands by every single one. Living in New York City, Dan is a familiar face on talk shows and game shows and even hosts dog-themed trivia events.
When asked about the toughest call he’s ever had to make, Dan recalled an incident from four years ago involving a “beautiful Pomeranian mix.” The pup was so cute that the game nearly came to a halt—crew members, referees, and even the other dogs were mesmerized by its puppy-dog eyes. “We almost lost the game to cuteness overload,” Dan joked. But being a seasoned professional, he managed to keep the game on track.
The Power of Pawsitivity
Dan is also passionate about pet adoption and fostering, emphasizing the mental health benefits of being around dogs. “Hanging out with a dog can lower blood pressure and help your mental state,” he says. While officiating a game filled with over a hundred pups might sound exhausting, Dan insists that fostering has given him a greater appreciation for these animals—and even helps him stay calm. “There’s nothing like it for mental health,” he adds.
He also shared how dogs can strengthen a sense of community. He shared that in his old building, dogs weren’t allowed. When the rule changed, he noticed that suddenly neighbors started looking out for one another, chatting more, and forming real connections. Dan shared that, “Dogs makes us more human, they connect us with our fellow man, and fellow animal.” I realized I had witnessed the same thing in my own Los Angeles apartment complex. As more residents adopted dogs, I noticed the same shift—more smiles, more greetings, and a stronger sense of camaraderie among neighbors. My partner, a therapist specializing in emotional support animal assessments, says that clients’ mental health really improves, and their community grows when they adopt a furry friend.
Puppy Bowl’s Star Power
Puppy Bowl has had its fair share of celebrity fans and special guests over the years. With her signature tongue-out expression, Marnie the Dog became an instant advocate for senior pet adoption. Famous visitors include Grumpy Cat, The Kardoggians, the Bidens, the Obamas, Snoop Dogg, and Martha Stewart.
So, when you’re gathered with family and friends this Sunday, don’t forget to remind whoever has the remote to tune into Puppy Bowl XX on Disney, Prime Video, or YouTube TV! You won’t want to miss the kitten halftime show or see if Parsnip takes Team Ruff all the way to victory.
And let’s be honest—the NFL is fun to watch, but if your team is down and out, why not switch over to the cutest game on TV? After all, every player in the Puppy Bowl is a winner.
Don’t miss Puppy Bowl XXI on Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, Max, and discovery+ this Sunday, February 9 at 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT! Watch adorable rescue pups in action, cheer on your favorite players, and celebrate the joy of pet adoption.
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