The Pittsburgh Steelers are not playing in Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas on Sunday, but Pittsburgh will be still be represented on one of the biggest stages in sports during the big game. That’s right, Pittsburgh is going to the Puppy Bowl.
At least two Pittsburgh dogs are. Paws Across Pittsburgh, a non-profit animal rescue located in Springdale, sent two pups to represent the Steel City in the made-for-TV Animal Planet even that airs annually on the day of the Super Bowl.
Gertie and Good Girl Margo, a pair of seven-month-old Bichapoos, will be performing at the show this year. A Bichapoo is a cross between a Bichon Friese and a Toy Poodle. Both Gertie and Margo have already been adopted, but the rescue hopes the publicity from the event will help other pups find their forever homes.
This is the 20th annual puppy bowl, and this year, 73 shelters and rescues from 36 states will brought over 100 different puppies to play for Team Ruff and Team Fluff.
The two Pittsburgh-based competitors will be facing off against each other. Good Girl Margo is on Team Fluff, wearing blue bandanas, while Gertie will be on Team Ruff, wearing orange.
So no matter who wins, Pittsburgh will crown a champion on Super Bowl Sunday. Team Fluff are the reigning winners, defeating Ruff 87-83 in Puppy Bowl XIX last year.