Hey, everyone! It’s me, your attention-loving and tail-wagging news hound!

We have a special #JournoDog edition in honor of the big game… yes, you know it. Puppy Bowl. It captures the world’s attention and there are so many parties and news stories focused on those playing the game. Even the President’s newest rescue pup is making an appearance!

It’s “full of paws and awws,” as those in the know tell me.

This is an important moment, as I’m a young boy who’s just recently taken on the #JournoDog role. I’ve not witnessed this particular phenom before, so this is a new experience for me. Just know, I’ve sniffed out the scoops and done my research ahead of time and am all ready to pounce on the coverage even before the Puppy Bowl gets started.

For those not familiar with how this Animal Planet tradition rolls, this Dog News roundup offers a great point-by-point on how the Puppy Bowl works. It’s been going on since 2005, and there’s a lot to know. Here’s are some yummy takeaway treats from their coverage:

  • the 2022’s roster includes a record 118 dogs
  • 9 special needs pups from 33 states
  • Team Fluff is being coached by superstar Snoop Dogg (no, he’s not an actual dog despite the name); Team Ruff by celebrity chef Martha Stewart (whom I’m told makes incredible people food that sometimes falls to the floor for us furry friends)
  • special sports correspondents are: “Rodt Weiler,” “Sheena Inu,” and “James Hound.” And Sesame Street’s Elmo and his puppy Tango will officiate the coin toss and declare the start of Puppy Bowl XVIII
  • a French bulldog named Moby (who has a cleft palate and “intimidating stare” will lead Team Ruff, which includes this starting lineup: Ridley, a vision and hearing impaired border collie; and Hoku, an American Staffordshire terrier/Catahoula leopard dog mix from Hawaii
  • Team Fluff will be led by a basset hound/Shih Tzu mix named Dinozzo. One commentator says this: “The crafty puppy is known to linger around the water bowl for most of the game and score when least expected.” His team will also include: Baxter, a spirited pug from Florida; and Benny, a poodle from Georgia who was born with just 2 legs.

Because this is filmed way in advance back in the Fall, there are only 11 pups you can actually adopt as rescues at the time of Puppy Bowl. Oh, and 3 kitty kats too! Here is a link to that adoption page, so go sniff out your options and bring one of these adorables to a fur-ever home at your place!

Importantly, senior dogs are getting a special shoutout during this Puppy Bowl. And if you hadn’t seen the headlines, the Biden’s newest rescue pup Commander gets to say hello during a video message with First Lady Jill Biden during the game!

No doubt, it’s a big day. Word is many humans are also geared up for the people-version of this Super Doggo Bowl Day, but I’m not so sure about that. I do know that I’ll be tuning in, with my ears perked as I stand at attention whenever the pups bark on the TV screen. I’m quite a-tune to that kind of stuff. We also have a squishy rubber football that I can chew on during the game, though it is rubbery and I’m not as much a fan of that. Plus, it doesn’t really squeak anymore but just makes an air flushing noise… so it’s not the best toy to play with.

Still, I’ll be tuning in and doing my #JournoDog thing, before hopefully getting some treats later in the day. As it should be, no matter what team wins.

That’s all for now. Until next week, or whenever the news beckons like a barking dog you can’t help but pay attention to, #JournoDog out.

As always, remember: Love your dogs. Cats, too. Support local journalism. Get along with other people and pets, no matter what team you really root for. And try to smile and find a little happiness for your heart every day.

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