Puppy Bowl IV
‘Players,’ shelter staff and fans ready for annual football special
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There will be more than one big game this Sunday, as Cape Coral's animal shelter continues a tradition that has grown each year.
On Feb. 8, the Cape Coral Animal Shelter will again feature its very own "Puppy Bowl," with the public invited to come to the shelter to watch more than 25 of the cutest puppies ever hit the gridiron.
"Puppy Bowl has become one of the highlights of the year for us and everyone here really looks forward to it -- especially our 'star players,'" said CCAS Executive Director Liz McCauley.
The adorable action starts at 11 a.m. for "Puppy Bowl IV," which is more than just entertainment.
CCAS invites the public to come watch as various "teams" take on each other in various scrimmages, exhibitions, and the "Main Event."
"We even have a great 'Halftime Show' lined up this year," McCauley said. "The past two years, it was 'Travis and Taylor,' but we have something all new lined up this year."
CCAS officials said sadly, local shelters regularly care for puppies who have been abandoned, neglected or left without homes. The dedicated staff and volunteers at CCAS work around the clock to ensure these pups receive the love, care, and -- most important, socialization -- they need during this critical stage of their lives. Play time is very important for them, so a fun game of football is the perfect outlet for all that "puppy energy."
The event features star umpire Tom Ellegood, who does a great job throwing penalty flags for "unnecessary ruffness" and "excessive cuteness," and the ever-spirited CCAS Cheerleaders. Admission is free, though donations are always appreciated to support the lifesaving work of CCAS.
The four-legged footballers will take to the gridiron on a big piece of artificial turf that has been painted with lines and the CCAS logo. The games will take place in one of CCAS' play yards with plenty of viewing opportunities.
McCauley shared how the Puppy Bowl tradition began, saying, "Our Puppy Bowl started in 2023 as a fun way to share puppy playtime on social media. We filmed Puppy Bowl I on Saturday and posted the clips on Sunday, and suddenly people were calling and showing up asking if they could watch it in person! We had no idea it would take off like it did--so now we host it live so everyone can enjoy the fun together."
The game this year will be live-streamed on Facebook for those unable to attend, but want to catch the action.
While the day is certainly one of excitement for K-9 participants, it's also a blast for CCAS staff and volunteers.
"Our staff and volunteers just love seeing these puppies that they care for every day running around, tackling each other, running with the ball, having a blast," McCauley said. "It makes all the hard work of caring for puppies worth it."
The exact number of "players" will depend on how many are at CCAS during the day of the event, but McCauley said it's usually at least 25 or so. McCauley said every year a few of the shelter's fierce competitors capture the hearts of audience members and find their forever home.
"Sadly, there is never a shortage of puppies that need homes here in Southwest Florida," she said. "We have always just under 100 animals in our care, which is our capacity. When we have empty kennels, we help other shelters and rescue groups or take in owner surrenders. We are always full. Exposure from events like 'Puppy Bowl IV' help spread the word that there are adorable puppies available in shelters, all the time. So, there is no reason to shop when you can adopt."
CCAS Board President and Founder JoAnn Elardo added an important reminder behind the fun.
"We're seeing an increase in abandoned and unwanted puppies across Florida," Elardo stated in a release. "While puppies are undeniably adorable, it's heartbreaking how many dogs are waiting in shelters for loving homes. The good news is that every puppy featured in our Puppy Bowl will be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and fully vaccinated before heading off to their forever family -- a wonderful start to a happy life."
In addition to adoptions, the Cape Coral Animal Shelter offers free and low-cost spay and neuter services, helping reduce pet overpopulation and support healthier communities for animals and people alike.
The Cape Coral Animal Shelter is at 325 S.W. 2nd Ave. Donations are always welcome.
For more information, visit capecoralanimalshelter.com.