Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue, Perkasie, had a representative in this year’s Puppy Bowl, part of a national effort to break shelter stereotypes and encourage pet adoptions. Nick Vadala captured the cute canine competition for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The 2022 competition showed off over 100 pups from 67 shelters and rescues from across the nation. Ten of them came from six organizations in the Philadelphia area.

The event pitted Team Ruff against Team Fluff as they duked it out for the “Lombarky” trophy in an off-the-charts display of cuteness on Super Bowl Sunday.

But the flopping ears and wagging tails had deeper significance.

Puppy Bowl is intended to change misguided thinking that shelters house only “broken,” problematic, unwanted animals. Or that they are populated exclusively by adult or senior dogs.

Participating in the event also helps shelters by bringing attention and website traffic, as well as more people calling to ask about adoption or fostering.

“We’ve already had some people reach out to us, and I’m sure we’ll have more after it airs,” said Alison Flanagan, executive director of Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue, ahead of the event.

Read more about the 2022 Puppy Bowl in The Philadelphia Inquirer.