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.

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.