Puppies in Topeka compete in annual Shelter Showdown

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Helping Hands Humane Society geared up for the big game with a special playtime.

A litter of nine puppies had fun getting a little “ruff” and tumble for their Shelter Showdown.

13 NEWS has teamed up with Helping Hands for several years to host this Facebook live event. Shelter staff converts part of a community room to a make-shift gridiron, and the puppies are set loose to play. Many sport special outfits, and they’re given football-themed toys, which they may or may not carry across the goal line. The event often ends with tired pups taking a “time-out” in the end zone, or in a volunteer’s lap.

The pups in Wednesday’s showdown are nine-weeks old - three girls and six boys. They came to the shelter at three weeks old, and have been living with foster families to socialize and get extra care. If all goes as planned, they could be available for adoption as soon as Friday, Feb. 10. The shelter at SW 21st and belle opens at 11:30 a.m. Friday.

13 NEWS and Helping Hands partner for the playtime to have a little fun before the big game, and to draw attention to the need for animal foster families and adoption. People interested in learning about fostering shelter animals can learn more on the Helping Hands Humane Society web site.

Here’s the full live stream:

And they’re off! Puppies at Helping Hands Humane Society take part in the annual Shelter Showdown!