It’s the primetime match-up animal lovers have been waiting for: Older dogs are about to gain some much-needed attention—and a few yards on the football field—in the first-ever Dog Bowl!

On Saturday, February 3, at 8:00 P.M. ET/PT, Animal Planet will premiere “Puppy Bowl Presents: The Dog Bowl,” a new furry football competition for older dogs from rescues and shelters who are frequently passed over for their younger counterparts.

As a companion to “Puppy Bowl,” “The Dog Bowl” works with shelters and rescues across the country to fill the rosters of two teams of professional players, Team Paws and Team Tails, in the ultimate canine competition. Team Paws and Team Tails will come nose to nose for some funny fumbles and expert tackles to prove that middle-aged and senior dogs are worth saving.

Award-winning animal advocate Jill Rappaport hosts the one-hour special, and our President and CEO, Matt Bershadker, is featured in the show this year! He was interviewed by Jill Rappaport to discuss the importance of adopting adult dogs.

“Older shelter animals can be just as loving, loyal, and delightful as puppies and kittens,” says ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker. “But due to nothing more than their age, senior animals are typically the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized. That’s why prospective adopters should always keep an open mind – the perfect match could also be a lifesaving decision.”

In helping to promote the adoption of older animals, the ASPCA is also thrilled to share that two of our older rescue dogs will take the field in this year's Dog Bowl—Gus and Dino!

Gus, a six-year-old male retriever-mix is on this year's starting line-up! Gus arrived to the ASPCA as a transport from Mississippi. He spent about two weeks at our Adoption Center and found a new home in 2017!

Dino is a six-year-old male Beagle/retriever-mix. He came to the ASPCA Adoption Center in 2016 after his owners surrendered him following a change in their living situation. He spent nearly 10 months in and out of foster care and found a loving family in 2017.

Tune in to the Dog Bowl to cheer on Gus and Dino as they play to their hearts’ content, shining the spotlight on older dogs everywhere waiting for loving homes.

Get pets off the sidelines and onto a comfy couch in time for Puppy Bowl (and that other Big Game). Find your MVP at a shelter near you!