‘Puppy Bowl XIV’ includes Wicomico County Dalmatian

For some people, Super Bowl LII is the main event this weekend, but for the Creasy family, a different party is planned. 

Chance, an 8-month-old Dalmatian from Parsonsburg, is one of the puppies featured in this year’s “Puppy Bowl XIV.” His owner, Randy Creasy, adopted the puppy in September from Green Dogs Unleashed, a nonprofit organization, in Troy, Virginia. 

The “Puppy Bowl” is a TV special shown on Animal Planet during Super Bowl on Sunday. It includes various puppies, split up between team ruff and team fluff, who create a show of non-stop cuteness by running around a small football stadium filled with toys. 

Chance was drafted to Team Fluff and might even be seen in a segment called “Spot Center,” acting as a sportscaster. 

“Puppy Bowl XIV” will air on Animal Planet on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 4, at 3 p.m. ET. 

More: Dog makes final visit to nursing home after 8 years of bringing joy

After adopting Chance, the rescue organization got back in contact with Creasy, asking if he would be interested in a “promo event” for puppies in New York City. Green Dogs Unleashed has recommended dogs adopted from their rescue previously to the “Puppy Bowl.”

With no other details other than knowing it promoted animal rescues, he agreed.

After agreeing, Creasy found out he was taking Chance to the “Puppy Bowl XIV” taping. The filming took place only about a month after the family adopted their new puppy. 

“We had a good day,” he remembers. 

Chance is completely deaf, Creasy said. This can cause hurdles with training, but Creasy uses a vibration collar to help get Chance’s attention when he’s not looking. Treats and hand signals also help explain “sit” or “stand.” 

More: Super Bowl LII: Where to find the best deals while you watch the big game

During the “Puppy Bowl XIV” filming, Creasy said the handlers worked great with Chance. He also wasn’t the only disabled puppy in the lineup. Creasy remembers a three-legged dog participating alongside Chance. 

Creasy, his wife and daughters took Chance up to New York City for the day of filming. They also got to walk around the city a bit and took their puppy around Central Park.

During the “Puppy Bowl XIV” taping, Chance got to go around to different activities including playing football in the stadium filled with toys. 

“The actual ‘Puppy Bowl’ where they’re out on the stadium, I don’t think he cared for, he kept trying to get out of it because the front of it’s open,” he explained. 

Dalmatians are known for their stamina and endurance, he said, so Chance has no problem being active for hours. Creasy is the office manager at the Animal Wellness Center of the Eastern Shore and brings Chance to the office a few times a week to run on the treadmill or play in the yard. 

Chance is the youngest pet in the family. Creasy said they have six dogs, five of them dalmatians and one golden retriever. They also have five cats. 

More: Super Bowl: Millville barber buzzing Eagles logo into hair

On a sunny Thursday morning, the puppy pranced around the veterinarian’s office. Creasy handed him treats to sit or put all his focus on his owner.

He said the puppy’s high energy is usual at home as well, crediting a lot of it to his young age. 

“He’s a lot of puppy right now,” he said. 

On Sunday. Feb. 4, the family will get together for a viewing party of the big game. Creasy said no one in the family is a huge fan for the Philadelphia Eagles or New England Patriots, so the stakes aren’t too high. 

However, Chance’s TV debut will likely take center stage. 

More: Super drinks: Beer pairing tips for your Super Bowl LII party

“The Super Bowl on one station and the Puppy Bowl on the other,” Creasy said laughing. 

On Twitter: @The_MegRyan