Move over Puppy Bowl, here comes the World Pup!

LG Channels will launch World Pup, a puppy soccer tournament that will feature puppies from two rescue organizations in the Nutmeg State, the Connecticut Humane Society and Stamford's Lucky Dog Refuge Inc. according to a news release. The competition begins on June 10th. 

U.S. World Cup veteran Jimmy Conrad will serve as the competition's "Rufferee," alongside dog influencers Chili and Lumi who "provide commentary on the action," according to the release. "The four-part bracket-style puppy takeover tournament delivers adorable matchups, social-ready chaos, and a spotlight on rescue dogs from shelters across the country," according to the release. 

​Lucky Dog sent Frida, a six-to-eight month old terrier mix. She was adopted just before the filming in April. "I loved it," said Kirstin Mende, CEO and co-founder of Lucky Dog. "I come from and European family so we grew up watching soccer." The organization had participated in "Puppy Bowl" since 2023, she said. "Frida's story is exactly why these events matter. She began her life as a stray in rural Mississippi and today she's representing rescue dogs everywhere. If World Pup inspires even one person to choose adoption, then its already a win." 

STAMFORD — When 10 beagles released from Wisconsin breeding and research facility arrived in Connecticut last Saturday, volunteers with Lucky Dog Refuge were shocked by how quickly the dogs took to being showered with love and affection. 

"This was their first moment outside of a crate ever — Saturday night at like 1 a.m. when we got back to the rescue," Lucky Dog Refuge board member Kristen Roeckle said. 

The Stamford-based rescue group took in 10 beagles released from Ridglan Farms, a commercial breeding facility near Madison, Wisconsin, that supplies beagles for laboratory testing. The facility recently became the focus of national attention following protests, allegations of animal mistreatment, and massive rescue effort involving organizations across the country. 

Lucky Dog has already found homes for six of the dogs. The remaining four are being placed through Stamford-based foster rescue organization Project Precious. 
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beherenow_films  Hope's Story! We are overjoyed that Hope, then Panther, and now Hunter, has found his way into a loving forever home! 

Thank you @pilotstotherescue and @luckydogrefuge for keeping him safe along his journey and @yooperjojo for finding him and @kirstenlindseyyy @mariapurent @jamielynneallover and everyone that helped search for him @for.petes.sake.official @loebjeremy @curtis_v0llmar @sexyfitvegan

Hi everyone, My name is Melissa, and I am one of the very lucky people who had the chance to welcome Hunter — formerly known as Hope or Pink Panther — into our family. 

I just wanted to share with everyone that he is doing incredibly well and is truly one of the sweetest souls we have ever met. 

We are so amazed by how loving, gentle, and trusting he is with both people and other animals. He is already starting to get comfortable walking on a leash and happily wants to greet every person and furry friend he sees along the way.

There are still a few sounds that make him a little nervous, and he's slowly learning that he is finally safe and loved. But despite everything he as been through, he continues to show up nothing but sweetness and love every single moment.
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It had only been 48 hours since he came home with us, yet it honestly feels like he has always belonged here. We already cannot imagine our lives without him. 

Thank you to everyone who helped give these beautiful beagles a second chance at life and love. Hunter is already so deeply loved 🐾 

Follow Hope/Panther/Hunters journey: Instagram:    / hunterjaume

thedogist These beagles are lucky to have been saved by a team of people who refused to let them live their lives as laboratory test subjects. 

These sweet natured dogs will now get to enjoy life as they should: as a family. 

If you're interested in welcoming one of these dogs into your family, please inquire with @nycscr  or @luckydogrefuge

This effort was made possible by their teams, @pilotstotherescue, and @animalrescueconsortium

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.