FOREST HILL, Md. —
Although the Ravens didn't make it to the Super Bowl this year, there's a local pup people can root for this weekend in the annual Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet.
As lovable as she can be at her home in Forest Hill, little lab mix Lotti has quickly become the heart of the Testerman family.
"She is probably the sweetest dog we have ever had," Shannon Testerman said.
The 7-month-old is energetic and playful, and this weekend, she'll bring joyful chaos to the Puppy Bowl.
"I'm excited to see her jumping off of all four legs because I know that's going to happen," Shannon Testerman said.
Jenn Dunn is a foster mom for Operation Paws for Homes.
"Her stage name was Abigail, so every time I heard 'Touchdown Abigail,' I was so excited for her. She got so many, and fingers crossed that she’ll become MVP for the Puppy Bowl," Dunn said.
Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl features Team Fluff against Team Ruff.
On Super Bowl Sunday, at 2 p.m., a total of 90 adoptable puppies will face off from rescues and shelters across the country. Lotti was rescued by the Virginia-based Operation Paws for Homes. Dunn fostered Lottie before she was adopted by the Testermans in October and has been volunteering with the organization for years.
"Primarily, Operation Paws for Homes takes dogs and cats in need that are further down south where there’s not a lot of resources. Unfortunately, a lot of animals get euthanized, so they try to pull from those shelters that need our help," Dunn said.
The Puppy Bowl is a great way to highlight the importance of spaying and neutering, along with adoption.
"It was really fate that we found her still available. We've had experiences with breeders before we really felt like rescue was the way to go this time, and it's been a blessing." Doug Testerman said.
Paws for Homes is hosting a viewing Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hysteria Taphouse in Pasadena. Lotti is on Team Fluff and the family is so excited for the Puppy Bowl. They even created T-shirts.
"Our T-shirts say 'Lotti Puppy Bowl 2025.' We'll wear them most likely to the viewing," Brynlee Testerman said.
It may be the most stress-free bowl game of the year, with the cutest tails on the field.
Puppy Bowl XXI takes place at 2 p.m. on Feb. 9 on Animal Planet.
| LINK: Vote for your favorite pup of Puppy Bowl XXI
Photo Gallery below: Go behind the scenes at the 2018 Puppy Bowl
Kathleen Kamphausen