A Middle Tennessee dog goes from wandering the streets to competing in the annual Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet.
"Clover" is a now 7 month old Basset Hound mix. She landed at the Shelbyville based rescue group, Middle Tennessee Treasures, after she was found running down a dirt road. The group helped her find a foster home and necessary medical care.
“She has a lot of spunk,” said Lindsey Hirsch, a volunteer with Middle Tennessee Treasures. “There are times she likes to nap, but when she sees little kids she wants to run after them.”
When Animal Planet began accepting applications for the Puppy Bowl, members of Middle Tennessee Treasures felt Clover would be a good candidate. She was 18 weeks old at the time and met the age requirement, and looked the part.
“Look at her ears,” said Heather Moore, Board Member and trainer at Middle Tennessee Treasures. “She has adorable ears. It’s a big application process. You have to submit pictures and videos of the dog. We gave it a shot, and she got it.”
Moore said the Puppy Bowl was recorded in October, and Clover enjoyed a trip to New York City for the filming. She was chosen for the starting lineup on team Ruff. A total of 80 puppies of all breeds from all across the country compete in the game.
Moore said Clover is helping bring a lot of exposure to the rescue group.
“It’s wonderful to get the word out we are a rescue group,” said Moore. “We help dogs and we have dogs up for adoption if you are looking to add to your family.”
Clover has been adopted by a woman in Columbia.
Otis, a bulldog, and Harper and Raphael, both pit bull mixes, from Williamson County Animal Center will also join Clover in the Puppy Bowl. It airs on Animal Planet Feb. 7 at 2 p.m.
For more information on Middle Tennessee Treasures and other dogs and cats available for adoption visit http://www.middletennesseetreasures.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/MiddleTennesseeTreasures/
