January 23, 2025

Puppy Bowl Bound: Dayton Celebrates Local Canine Athletes

By: The Humane Society of Greater Dayton

Fresh off the excitement of the Ohio State Buckeyes’ National Championship win, the state of Ohio has another group of star athletes to celebrate – three incredible puppies from the Humane Society of Greater Dayton who will represent our community in this year’s national Puppy Bowl! These playful pups, each with their own unique story and spirit, are ready to win hearts and wag tails as they compete on the big stage.

Meet our Dayton canine athletes:

 

Zinnia (now named Cotopaxi)

Breed: Norwegian Elkhound/Cattle Dog Mix

Age: 7 months

Team: Team Fluff

Backstory: Zinnia’s journey began in heartbreak but led to a beautiful new beginning. She and her five siblings were abandoned, left to an uncertain fate. Thankfully, they were rescued by a nearby shelter and eventually transferred to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, where they received the care, love, and attention they desperately needed. After spending time in our foster program, Zinnia and her siblings were ready to find their forever homes. It didn’t take long for Zinnia to capture the heart of one of our shelter employees, who couldn’t resist her playful spirit and sweet smile. Now, Zinnia is thriving in her loving home, where she’s surrounded by four canine siblings and three feline friends. Her days are filled with joy, play, and endless cuddles—a reminder of how far she’s come and the incredible power a loving family can have on a pet.

Fun Fact: Zinnia has learned to “smile” to get attention from her family and shelter friends. Her favorite activity is sprinting through her backyard with her siblings before cuddling up with her mom.

 

Pumpkin (now named Birdie)

Breed: American Pit Bull Terrier/Staffordshire Terrier Mix

Age: 7 months

Team: Team Fluff

Backstory: Pumpkin’s story began with heartbreak but blossomed into hope. Her mom was tragically abandoned outside the Humane Society of Greater Dayton while in active labor, a moment that could have ended so differently if not for the shelter’s care and quick action. Pumpkin and her two tiny siblings were born safely within the shelter’s walls, where they were surrounded by warmth and love. Raised in a foster home alongside their devoted mother, Pumpkin grew into a sweet, playful pup, ready to find her forever family. Today, she’s living her dream life in a loving home, where she’s showered with cuddles, affection, and all the love she could ever imagine. Pumpkin’s journey is a testament to the incredible power of second chances.

Fun Fact: Pumpkin loves nothing more than lounging on the couch, getting lots of pets, and chasing after her toys.

 

Jolene (now named Eileen)

Breed: American Pit Bull Terrier/Staffordshire Terrier Mix

Age: 7 months

Team: Team Ruff

Backstory: Jolene’s story is one of incredible resilience and love. Found as a tiny stray at just 8 weeks old, her back legs completely paralyzed, she faced challenges most puppies never will. But thanks to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton’s care, Jolene received a special set of wheels that gave her the freedom to move, play, and experience the joy of being a puppy. She quickly showed us her indomitable spirit, running and playing alongside her furry friends without missing a beat. After spending some time in our shelter, one of our veterinarians, who had been caring for Jolene from the very beginning, realized something special: no one could love or care for her as deeply as she could. She opened her heart and her home to Jolene, ensuring she would always have the love and support she deserves. Now thriving in her forever home, she is surrounded by dog siblings and a family that cherishes her. Her story is a beautiful reminder of the power of compassion, determination, and the life-changing impact of adoption.

Fun Fact: Jolene quickly became best friends with fellow Puppy Bowl competitor Zinnia. With both of their adoptive parent’s working for the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, they still get to see each other often and love having playdates together!

 

The Humane Society of Greater Dayton is thrilled to see these puppies showcase their resilience, playfulness, and charm on such a big platform. Their journeys from rescue to stardom are a testament to the power of adoption and the incredible bond between humans and their furry companions. It also shows just how special each and every shelter dog is and why it is so important to open your hearts and homes and choose to adopt! This marks the Humane Society of Greater Dayton’s third year participating in the Puppy Bowl. Tune in and cheer with us! Let’s make Dayton proud as we root for Zinnia, Pumpkin and Jolene in the Puppy Bowl! For more information about the Humane Society of Greater Dayton and how you can support their mission to help animals in need, visit www.hsdayton.org.

Where to Watch

Tune in to watch Zinnia, Pumpkin, and Jolene bring the spirit of Dayton to the Puppy Bowl on Sunday, February 9th at 2 p.m. est. on Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, Discovery+ or Max! Whether you’re cheering for Team Fluff or Team Ruff, these pups are sure to steal the show – and your heart.


Media Inquiries

For media inquiries, photos or information regarding these stories, contact media@hsdayton.org

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