McGregor’s Grill Welcomes Puppy Bowl Fans by Hosting Center Fundraiser During the Big Game…
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (February 3, 2022) – Animal Planet’s PUPPY BOWL may not have the largest viewership on game day, but one could argue it draws an equally passionate crowd. Strategically placed hours before the Super Bowl kickoff, football fans and puppy fans can unite to cheer on three special Helen Woodward Animal Center pups who made it to the big game and help raise funds for orphan pets still waiting for their time to shine! Helen Woodward Animal Center is delighted to invite animal-lovers to the Puppy Bowl XVIII Watch Party at McGregor’s Grill, Sunday, February 13 between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Viewers can cheer on Spangles, Firework and Marcus as they enter the GEICO stadium vying for the CHEWY “Lombarky” Trophy.
For the last 18 years, Animal Planet has televised PUPPY BOWL – the world’s cutest sporting event. On football’s biggest day, two teams of the fluffiest and cuddliest line barkers and wide retrievers take to the gridiron for a playful game of terrier touchdown, puppy penalties and furry fumbles. Representing rescues and shelters from across the country, these adoptable four-legged players that make up #TeamRuff and #TeamFluff are serious when it comes to winning the Most Valuable Puppy title and more importantly…their forever homes. For the fourth year in a row, San Diego’s only puppy players hail from Helen Woodward Animal Center.
Helen Woodward Animal Center first became a part of the world’s cutest game in 2019 when a tiny Center orphan terrier named Flo made the trip to the east coast to compete. Her hilarious bounce drew the attention of the RUFFeree and, in turn, stole some serious screen-time. In 2020, another Center cutie, a miniature chocolate poodle-blend named Bobby, showed so much spunk he became a featured player and a finalist for that year’s MVP (Most Valuable Puppy). Last year, although the pandemic put the kibosh on large gatherings and cross-country travel, Animal Planet was bound-and-determined to provide coast-to-coast exposure for orphan pets from its regularly participating shelters. A new “Adoptable Pup” segment, interspersed throughout the game featured an adorable, 3-month-old, cattle dog-blend named Bandit from Helen Woodward Animal Center along with a look back at Flo, the Center’s 2019 participant, in a feature titled “Where are They Now.”
This year, Helen Woodward Animal Center is excited to have three comPETitors in the big game. Spangles and Firework are adorable Chihuahua/Spaniel siblings who were both born on the 4th of July. Marcus is fun-filled Chihuahua blend with a playful spirit. Each of these pups was selected for their star-quality and playful-nature and each of them is ready to show the world that rescue pets can do amazing things.
In a fun twist this year, three additional Helen Woodward Animal Center pups (Burrito, Beau, and Buttons) got star-quality screen time with none-other-than Martha Stewart and Snoop Dog – the Celebrity Puppy Bowl hosts! Highlighted in fun filmed antics, the Center orphan pets were coached with big-game tips. In particular, Buttons was a major Martha Stewart favorite and received lots of screen time in her arms.
To celebrate the puppies’ big game and cheer on Spangles, Firework and Marcus, McGregor’s Grill (located at 10475 San Diego Mission Rd, San Diego, CA 92108) is hosting a Puppy Bowl XVIII Watch Party with 10% of all food and drink supporting the pets and programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center. The event will be held on the dog-friendly patio between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and will offer canine-themed menu items, including a special dish for attending pups. Helen Woodward Animal Center orphan pups will be on-site in a tiny football stadium.
Those who cannot attend the Watch Party, can still root for the Helen Woodward Animal Center pups by tuning into Puppy Bowl XVIII on Animal Planet. Check out all the fun on Animal Planet’s PUPPY BOWL XVIII next Sunday, February 13 at 11 AM PT/2 PM ET. The tail-gating starts with the PUPPY BOWL Pre-Game Show at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET, featuring fan favorite aww-nalysis and cuddly commentary from sports corresPAWndents. 100% of the puppies and kittens that have participated in PUPPY BOWL and DOG BOWL have been adopted to loving families.
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About Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 90,000 people and more than 10,000 animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the International Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive, the International Remember Me Thursday® campaign and The Business of Saving Lives Workshops, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world. For more information, go to: www.animalcenter.org.
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.