The Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events of the year. But another game day competition steals the show for cuteness. Puppy Bowl XXII airs Sunday, February 8 — and this year, several dogs adopted through NoVA-based rescue Operation Paws for Homes (OPH) are involved.
The Puppy Bowl is an annual program that dubs itself “the cutest showdown in sports.” Divided into two teams (Ruff and Fluff), 150 dogs from 72 shelters around the world romp around the field. The show also includes special adoption stories, play-by-play commentary by sportscasters Steve Levy and Taylor Rooks, and puppy cheer squads. During the show, viewers can vote for their favorite of the 16 dogs in the starting lineup to earn that dog the title of “Most Pupular.”
This year, four dogs from OPH participated: Rosie, Twiggy, Poppy, and Ozzy.
Operation Paws for Homes
OPH, based in Alexandria, is a rescue that partners with shelters in southern states. It places dogs from overcrowded shelters into adoptive homes in Virginia, DC, Maryland, and southern Pennsylvania. OPH doesn’t have a physical facility; it operates through foster homes throughout the region. The group saves around 1,000 dogs per year.
The rescue group has brought puppies to the Puppy Bowl for 11 years, says OPH puppy event coordinator Irene Skricki. The show is more than just cute — it’s a way to encourage people to adopt dogs from rescues. “It’s a great opportunity to be part of something that helps to raise the profile of rescue and find homes for animals,” Skricki says.
“There’s a perception — sometimes people think, ‘Oh, well, rescue dogs, they’re damaged somehow. There’s something wrong with them,’” Skricki says. “You can get all kinds of dogs from rescue. They are not broken. They are amazing dogs. And so we want people to know that that’s an option out there.”
OPH nominates age-eligible dogs who are in foster homes or were recently adopted, and Puppy Bowl organizers select the winners. Either an OPH volunteer or the puppies’ adoptive parents bring them to film the event in October. “It’s very fun, chaotic, crazy. … Some puppies run around and get touchdowns, some are less active,” says Skricki.
When the show airs, OPH hosts watch parties that double as adoption events. One in Manassas is scheduled for 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on February 8 at Ornery Beer Company. Two of the Puppy Bowl puppies — Rosie and Twiggy — may even be there for guests to meet.
Meet OPH’s 2026 Puppies
All four of OPH’s Puppy Bowl puppies have been adopted. Here’s who you might spot on your screen:
Rosie (Team Ruff)
Rosie and her sister, Twiggy, were part of a litter that was surrendered to a shelter in southern Virginia along with their mother, Lavender. They moved north to join OPH. Lavender died soon after from a neurological condition, but all of her puppies have been adopted.
Today, Rosie lives in Herndon. She loves to play, greet people, snuggle, and chase squirrels. She’s described as a “happy, social girl who loves to be a part of everything, whether it’s playtime, a snuggle nap, or a ride in the car!”
Twiggy (Team Fluff)
Twiggy, Rosie’s sister, lives close to her sister in Alexandria. She loves to play frisbee, run around the yard, say hello to kids in the neighborhood, and play with friends at Dogtopia of Alexandria.
Poppy (Team Ruff)
Poppy was part of a litter from a stray German Shepherd found in rural Missouri. She now lives in Brandywine, Maryland, and her life is “a perfect blend of energy and calmness.” She likes to play with her brother, Bucky, as well as nap, play fetch, chew toys, and “walk herself” by holding her own leash.
Ozzy (Team Fluff)
Ozzy, his sister, and an unrelated puppy were found in a box on the side of the road and taken to a rescue in Wise County, Virginia. Days later, they moved north to find homes through OPH. Now, Ozzy lives in Freehold, New Jersey, where he enjoys running around, playing in the snow, and spending time with his three “cousins.”
While these four dogs have found loving homes, OPH has many animals still up for adoption. There are also resources about how to foster, donate, and volunteer with the organization online.
Feature image of Rosie and Twiggy courtesy Emily Holbrook
