Eight dogs from Connecticut competed in the annual Puppy Bowl on Sunday, in which Team Ruff took on Team Fluff. 

Team Fluff ultimately won the competition, taking home the Lombarky Trophy in a 73-69 game. The three-hour show featured 150 dogs from 72 shelters across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands, including the eight dogs from Connecticut, according to a news release. 

The fourth annual Luckypawlooza, a fundraising event that supports the Lucky Dog Refuge and upgrades to Mill River's Dog Park, kicks off this weekend.
"Every dog at Lucky Dog Refuge has a story-they come to us from heartbreaking situations with no options left," said co-founder and CEO of Lucky Dog Refuge Kirstin Mende via email. "Luckypawlooza gives those dogs a voice. The funds we raise help cover their medical care, enrichment and daily needs, but it also gives our community the chance to see the faces and wagging tails they're helping. It's hope, brought to life."

Rain or shine Mill River Park in Stamford will be full of families and individuals with their four-legged friends on Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19 from noon to 5 p.m. Attendees can park in applicable town lots and garages. Also, the UCONN parking lot is free on the weekends and available on a first come, first serve basis.

Lucky Dog Refuge reported on its website that over 1,500 people attended last year's event, and they are anticipating an even bigger turnout and an even better event.
"Luckypawlooza is pure joy in motion," said board member of Lucky Dog Refuge and event co-chair Kristen Roeckle via email. "It's where wagging tails meet smiling faces, and where compassion turns into action. It is about community, connection and making a difference in the lives of both animals and people. We're proud to host an event where families can have fun, support local entrepreneurs and help rescue dogs all at once-it's the best of Stamford coming together."

Presented by Magna Construction, Luckypawlooza will be hosted by social media duo Sam Ramsdell and Oooh Jaaames. 

"Supporting Lucky Dog Refuge is an easy choice," said Magna Construction owner Frank Lovello via email. "Their passion for saving lives and building community mirrors our own values-and Luckypawlooza captures that spirit perfectly."
New this yearNew to Luckypawlooza this year, according to Mende, are activities such as the Maritime Aquarium touch tank; Reishi's rocks crystal mining and geode cracking with The Gardener's Center and painting workshops in the park with Pinot's Palette. Also new is the charity fitness classes hosted by Stamford's Lifetime Fitness and Pure Barre that will be held outdoors on the rooftop of the Whittingham Discovery Center; a panel discussion with local rescue advocates and a new digital guidebook.


EntertainmentAttendees can look forward to live entertainment and an array of interactive activities for all ages such as games, best costume contest and "Biggest Gape" (mouth) competitions-a challenge to Ramsdell's Guinness World Record for being the female with the widest mouth.
There will also be a kid's zone with an inflatable slide, face painting, crafts and more.

Of course, the dogs get to have their time to shine with the Alpha Dog Fun Run, best trick and costume contests, training demos, photo opportunities at themed backdrops and photo booths, pet-focused vendors and more. There will also be adoptable dogs there as well.
FoodLuckypawlooza will have an array of food trucks including American Swirl, Los Poblanos, Cousins Maine Lobster, Greek Style Grill and more. There will also be the Licker Cabinet Beer Garden, the Barkista Bar serving up "pup cups" and treats for the dogs and local artisans and crafters.


TicketsWhile the event is free for children under 12 there is a small fee for adults and kids over 12, but proceeds will go directly to supporting Lucky Dog Refuge, a Stamford-based nonprofit organization that focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs in need. The money will also contribute to community improvements, including enhancements to the Mill River Park Dog Park. Admission for adults is $10 for one day or $18 for two days. Admission for seniors and kids over 12 is $5 for one day or $8 for two days.

We are thrilled to share that Lucky Dog Refuge has been selected by Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation and Tractor Supply Company as this year’s Connecticut recipient of the Mutts Across America Grant! This $5,000 award directly supports life-saving medical care for dogs in need—like Mowgli, a 5 year old shepherd boxer mix who recently received surgery thanks to this generous gift.

For Lucky Dog Refuge, this award is more than a financial gift—it is a heartfelt recognition of the dedication of our staff, volunteers, fosters, and community. The grant will be used to provide urgent, life-saving medical care for dogs who arrive at our doors with nowhere else to turn.

One such dog is Mowgli, a young shepherd mix surrendered to us with a two-week-old intestinal obstruction caused by swallowing a sock. His owners could not afford the costly procedure, but thanks to this grant, Mowgli is receiving the surgery and recovery he needs to survive.

Kirstin Mende, Co-Founder and CEO of Lucky Dog Refuge, shared:
“Like Bev and Miranda, Lucky Dog Refuge was born out of a mother-daughter bond and a shared passion for animals. To be recognized by MuttNation and Tractor Supply—a foundation and company that share those same family values and unwavering dedication to animals—is both humbling and uplifting. This grant will directly fund life-saving surgeries, like Mowgli’s, and help us continue providing second chances to the dogs who need us most. Thank you, Miranda and Bev, for leading by example and inspiring so many.”

We are deeply grateful to Miranda Lambert, Bev Lambert, MuttNation, and Tractor Supply Company for this incredible honor and for shining a spotlight on shelters like ours across the country.
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Every tail wag, every grateful glance, and every second chance is possible because of support like this. From all of us at Lucky Dog Refuge—and from Mowgli—thank you.