SAN DIEGO — It's the most anticipated game before the big game – and just down right good TV.
The 20th annual Puppy Bowl is around the corner, airing on Super Bowl Sunday. 131 puppies will play this year and three are from the Helen Woodward Animal Center. Two others are from San Diego's Animal Pad.
"We've seen the grit in this kid," said Helen Woodward Communications Manager Austin Hale said jokingly.
The pups are put in their own little stadium, given chew toys, and just like the gridiron - making it to the end zone, scores a touchdown. In the starting line-up and currently leading the way in the pup-ularity playoffs is Fred.
"Super sweet, really spunky guy," Hale said.
Then there's Dory.
"She's got tough competition. It's tough. She's locked in though - really putting in the work at the gym," he added.
Hana, a rescue from the wildfires in Lahaina, will also take the field.
"She's an absolute love bug, loves people. I will forever regret not adopting Hana myself," Hale said.
Everyone on the roster has already been adopted, but the need remains tremendous. The San Diego Humane Society is still well beyond capacity, with 458 pets currently up for adoption. At the County's Animal Services Department 223 of the 240 kennels are full.
"There are so many cute cats and dogs that are waiting to find a home," Alexa Munoz said, who handles social media for the animal center.
The Puppy Bowl provides all of the cuteness and sheds light on the importance of adopting rescues. This Puppy Bowl will feature dogs from 73 shelters, in 36 states.
"There are dogs for every family. Big, small, active, indoor, outdoor - you can find the right fit," Munoz added.
Helen Woodward is hosting a watch party to cheer on their alumni. It'll be at McGreggors, in Mission Valley on February 11th - Super bowl Sunday at 10am. If you stay home, the Puppy Bowl and Kitty Half Time Show will air on the animal planet.
Then the Super Bowl is right here on CBS 8.
WATCH RELATED: Five dogs from San Diego shelters take part in this year's Puppy Bowl