Puppy Bowl XXII competitor Teigan died – three months before the Super Bowl warm-up event aired on screens across the nation.
Teigan, part of the victorious Team Fluff, died in October after becoming severely ill with pneumonia, the Connecticut animal sanctuary Perfect Imperfections Rescue said.
She died before the Lombarky Trophy showdown aired Sunday.
Ahead of the Puppy Bowl, rescue center bosses shared a picture of Teigan during the filming.
“It will be bittersweet to [see] her on TV,” the sanctuary said in a Facebook post.
“For those who don’t know, Teigan and I spent a day at the rescue taping a segment about Teigan, her condition and her receiving her custom cart made by K9karts.
“A few weeks after we had the taping we traveled to NY and participated in the puppy bowl. It was such a fun experience.
“We meet so many incredible people from rescues all over the USA. Spending the day in a room full of puppies was an added bonus. Please tune in and help celebrate Teigan.
“She was such an incredible soul. I’m not sure I will ever get over losing her so soon.”
It was the first year Perfect Imperfections had been invited to take part in the Puppy Bowl.
Teigan’s death was announced on October 23. The pooch was born with neurological issues and a severely curved spine and almost died from pneumonia shortly after arriving at the sanctuary.
“She fought and survived but we knew this could be an issue for her,” the rescue center said.
Teigan contracted pneumonia again but was unable to fight it off.
Teigan was one of the 15 special needs dogs who starred in the Puppy Bowl.
The showdown between Team Fluff and Team Ruff featured 150 rescue dogs.
Team Fluff prevailed in the contest by 73 points to 69, and Boba was named the Most Valuable Pup.
Team Fluff also prevailed in last year’s Puppy Bowl by a narrow two point margin – 68 points to 66.
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