One of the most memorable competitors in Puppy Bowl XXII never lived to see her moment on screen. Teigan, a special-needs rescue pup who played for the winning Team Fluff, died in October—nearly three months before the Super Bowl Sunday broadcast aired nationwide. Her death was confirmed by Perfect Imperfections Rescue, the Connecticut-based animal sanctuary that cared for her.
The Puppy Bowl, often billed as the feel-good counterprogramming to the Super Bowl, took on a more bittersweet tone this year for those who knew Teigan’s story.
Who was Teigan?
Teigan wasn’t just another Puppy Bowl contestant. She represented something the event increasingly emphasizes: rescue, resilience, and special-needs adoption.
Teigan’s background
- Rescued by Perfect Imperfections Rescue
- Born with neurological issues and a severely curved spine
- Required a custom wheelchair (cart) made by K9 Carts
- One of 15 special-needs dogs featured in Puppy Bowl XXII
Despite her challenges, Teigan was selected to compete on Team Fluff, joining a lineup of rescue dogs from shelters across the country.
How did Teigan die?
According to Perfect Imperfections Rescue, Teigan died after becoming severely ill with pneumonia, a condition she had battled before.
What the rescue shared
- Teigan nearly died from pneumonia shortly after arriving at the sanctuary.
- She recovered once, but caretakers knew it could return.
- When she contracted pneumonia again, she was unable to fight it off.
Her death was publicly announced on October 23, weeks after Puppy Bowl filming wrapped but long before the broadcast aired.
“She fought and survived, but we knew this could be an issue for her,” the rescue said in a statement.
Filming the Puppy Bowl: a joyful final chapter
Teigan’s time at the Puppy Bowl was brief but deeply meaningful to those who accompanied her.
In a Facebook post shared ahead of the broadcast, a representative from Perfect Imperfections reflected on the experience:
“It will be bittersweet to see her on TV.”
The post described:
- A day spent filming a segment about Teigan, her condition, and her custom cart
- Traveling to New York to participate in Puppy Bowl XXII
- Meeting rescue groups from across the U.S.
- The joy of spending a day surrounded by puppies
“She was such an incredible soul,” the post read. “I’m not sure I will ever get over losing her so soon.”
This was the first year Perfect Imperfections Rescue had been invited to take part in the Puppy Bowl.
Why Teigan’s story resonated with viewers
The Puppy Bowl has evolved over the years from novelty entertainment into a platform for animal welfare advocacy.
What makes stories like Teigan’s powerful
- They highlight dogs often overlooked for adoption.
- They show that special-needs animals can live joyful, meaningful lives.
- They connect viewers emotionally to rescue missions nationwide.
Teigan’s appearance—wearing a blue bandana and using her wheelchair—became one of the most poignant visuals of the event, especially after her passing became known.
Puppy Bowl XXII by the numbers
While Teigan’s story stood out emotionally, Puppy Bowl XXII was also a milestone event in scale.
Event highlights
- 150 rescue dogs participated
- Dogs were divided between Team Fluff and Team Ruff
- 15 special-needs dogs were featured
- Team Fluff won by a score of 73–69
- Boba was named Most Valuable Pup
Team Fluff also won the previous year’s Puppy Bowl, edging out Team Ruff by just two points.
A reminder of the Puppy Bowl’s deeper purpose
For many viewers, Puppy Bowl is lighthearted fun—a break from high-stakes football and multimillion-dollar ads. But for rescues like Perfect Imperfections, it’s something more.
What the Puppy Bowl represents
- Visibility for rescue organizations
- Increased adoption interest
- Awareness of medical and accessibility needs for animals
- A chance to celebrate dogs whose lives began in hardship
Teigan’s inclusion, even posthumously, reinforces that mission.
TL;DR
- Teigan, a special-needs rescue pup from Team Fluff, died in October before Puppy Bowl XXII aired.
- She suffered from recurring pneumonia and had pre-existing neurological and spinal conditions.
- Teigan was one of 15 special-needs dogs featured in the event.
- Her rescue described her Puppy Bowl experience as joyful but bittersweet.
- Puppy Bowl XXII featured 150 rescue dogs, with Team Fluff winning 73–69.