FOCUS: Two dozen cute dogs adopted at Pup Bowl IV

By Rob Byko, contributing photographer  |  Pup Bowl IV, billed locally as “the most adorable football game ever,” was held for three hours Saturday at Mount Pleasant’s Towne Centre. 

Charleston Animal Society suited up 17 rookie free agents and a handful of older veterans – known affectionately as “retired players.”  They strutted their stuff in front of nearly 250 people gathered at The Oaks to watch the action. The crowd was masked-up and tried to remain socially distant as all anxiously awaited kickoff.

The event, a pet adoption and family-fun benefit, also featured live music, balloon animals, food, snacks and fund-raising for the society.

With game-faces on, the four-legged gridders rambled onto the field tussling and taunting each other, hoping to catch the eye of the young scouts who encircled the gated turf. Each player’s goal, of course, was to latch on with a new home-team so he or she would be able to play out the remainder of their careers with an adoring family.

The competition was fierce but the players’ shameless displays of cuteness were quickly rewarded by the enthusiasm of volunteers, all wearing “Rufferee” jerseys, and cheers from the adoring crowd. Sidelines filled with exuberant faces of young dog fans, their outstretched arms dangled over onto the field each hoping for a quick snuggle or nose lick from their favorite player. The athletes gratefully and enthusiastically returned the attention.

A few of the bold rookies decided early on that they would “leave it all out on the field.” But after being flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, any offensive foul was quickly scooped up and the field sanitized by a judge. Play quickly continued.

When the big game was over, Charleston Animal Society posted the final score: Every one of the 21 dogs brought to Pup Bowl IV had been adopted! All players signed with their new families and headed to new homes after the game.

For its part, the organization acknowledged the invaluable support it received from volunteers, foster families, donors and sponsors who support their mission to save lives. Live recorded video of Pup Bowl IV can be seen at CharlestonAnimalSociety.org, courtesy of Fox Audio Visual, Mount Pleasant Towne Center, South Carolina Federal Credit Union, Crews Subaru and Latin Groove Charleston.

Local photographer and Realtor Rob Byko is a contributing photographer for Charleston Currents. He lives on Sullivan’s Island.