A popular TV show featuring rescue dogs from across the country will have a Kentucky connection.
Two dogs from the Barktown Rescue animal shelter in Nelson County are participating in the 12th annual Puppy Bowl. The show airs Sunday afternoon on Animal Planet, ahead of the Super Bowl.
It’s the second year in a row that pooches from the facility in Boston, Ky., have competed in the program that encourages pet lovers to adopt from their local shelter.
The program was taped last fall.
The two Barktown Rescue puppies appearing in this year’s show are a lab mix named Gunner, and a terrier mix named Shylah.
Both dogs have been adopted since the show was taped.
Barktown vice president Heather Nelson helped drive the dogs from Kentucky to New York City to record the show in October.
"So far, every puppy we've taken with us has traveled well,” Nelson said. “It's about a 12 hour drive up to New York City, and they get to stay in nice hotels, and they get to be the center of attention for two days."
Shelters across the country send Animal Planet audition materials featuring dogs ages 12-24 months who want a spot in the Puppy Bowl lineup.
"We send videos of the puppies, and pictures of the puppies, and background about where they came from,” Nelson said. “And they look at their cute little personalities, and go from there."
Puppy Bowl XII airs Sunday, Feb. 7, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm eastern on Animal Planet.
