Providence Animal Center in Media participated in this year’s Puppy Bowl in the hopes of breaking stereotypes and improving chances their puppies would be adopted, writes Nick Vadala for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The 2022 Puppy Bowl showed off over 100 pups from 67 shelters and rescues from across the nation. Ten of them came from six shelters and rescues in the Philadelphia area.

Sisters Missy and Blondie, both beagle-Australian cattle dog mixes, were born at Providence Animal Center in Media,

The goal of the event pitted Team Ruff (Missy) against Team Fluff (Blondie) as they duked it out for the “Lombarky” trophy in a display of cuteness on Super Bowl Sunday that goes far beyond entertainment.

Puppy Bowl breaks the stereotype that shelters are only home to broken animals and only have adult or senior dogs available.

After all, each dog in Puppy Bowl comes from a shelter, “so these are not puppies acquired from any other means” besides having been rescued, said Justina Calgiano, director of advancement and public relations at Providence Animal Shelter.

Participating in the Puppy Bowl also helps shelters by bringing attention and website traffic, as well as more people calling to ask about adoption.

Read more about the Puppy Bowl in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

See slow motion highlights from this year’s Puppy Bowl.