On the eve of the nationally televised “Puppy Bowl,” Butler County’s Rugby already had his game face on — Friendly, furry and fun-loving.
The 7-month-old mixed terrier is one of the stars of Super Bowl Sunday’s Puppy Bowl, which will be broadcast on the Animal Planet channel prior to the slightly more popular, two-legged football game.
Rugby huddled with fans Saturday at his former home, the Animal Friends Humane Society in Hamilton, where the West Chester Twp. woman who discovered him last summer first laid eyes on him.
Little did Kelsey Barker suspect she was falling hard for a future TV star.
“I’m hoping he’ll be the MVP of the Puppy Bowl,” said Barker as she helped Rugby hand out “pawtographs” featuring his photo as one of the hand-picked members of “Team Fluff.”
“Team Fluff” will battle “Team Ruff” in one of the most watched TV shows on the Animal Planet channel.
This year’s “Puppy Bowl” pregame show, which features analysis and commentary, starts at 2:30 p.m. on Animal Planet. Kickoff is at 3 p.m.
Rugby’s appearance promoted the shelter’s latest offer — Anyone interested in adopting a dog Saturday could do so for just $50 in celebration of Super Bowl 50.
Barker is a former shelter volunteer and she was happy that her beloved pup’s public showing was helping to encourage more area residents to consider adopting a dog or cat.
“Rugby brings attention that you can really get a good pet from the shelter,” she said.
Animal Friends Humane Society is the largest and oldest nonprofit animal adoption agency in Butler County. It is located at 1820 Princeton Road in Hamilton. For more information, call (513) 867-5727 or visit animalfriendshs.org.
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