Pittsburgh Pups Make Puppy Bowl History

Meet Gertie & Margo

Let's face it, this Super Bowl stinks. Unless you put down some major Draftkings parlays or have very strong opinions about Taylor Swift, the outcome of this game couldn't matter less. There's not even a good Pittsburgh connection to any of the coaches or players!

OR IS THERE?

Forget the Super Bowl, because Pittsburgh is well-represented in the only big game that matters that weekend: The Puppy Bowl. Let's meet two of the cutest competitors and how they like to have fun around Pittsburgh before their big debut in Puppy Bowl XX, airing Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. on Animal Planet. We'll even match each pup with a suggested itinerary based on their pup prowess that you can use on your next visit to the city with your furry friend.

Full Disclosure: These pups have already been adopted and have happy homes. We just want you to meet and learn more about them! Special thanks to Paws Across Pittsburgh for providing the photos and more information, as well as finding the perfect fur-ever homes for these puppers.

Gertie

7 month old Bichapoo, red/tan
Team Ruff (Orange)

Quick Stats:

  • A three-phase of the game player: sweet, friendly, and social
  • Favorite toy- her tennis ball
  • Favorite treat- sweet potatoes
  • Favorite activity- walks around the neighborhood to see everyone and every dog and watching hockey with her dad
  • Favorite nap spot- the armrest of the couch or any available cozy blanket
  • Fun facts - She loves dressing up in clothes and costumes. She was named after Gertie from ET (adopter's favorite movie)!

Gertie's Itinerary

With a friendly personality, active lifestyle and love of sports, Gertie fits right into Pittsburgh. So let's start her day at Highland Park, Pittsburgh's Victorian Gem of sprawling green spaces to explore with two dog parks to socialize in plus fountains, trails and more to explore. Don't worry, Gertie, this park also has some of the most active tennis courts in the city, so feel free to bring your favorite tennis ball.

As an avid Pittsburgh sports fan from birth, Gertie's next stop is Pup Night at PNC Park! These designated games each season reserve a special section of the ballpark to watch the Pittsburgh Pirates right beside your owner, just like at home. Look for Pup Nights each season at the ballpark and see what fun-filled activities are planned for your visit.

Having a fursona is nothing new in Pittsburgh! After all, we are the storied home of Anthrocon. Since Gertie is always into new outfits and playing dress-up, I think she would love the raucous fun of the famous Fursuit Parade through Downtown Pittsburgh and the cosplay contests that are a crowd favorite at events like 3 Rivers Comicon & Tekko. Keep an eye on the David L. Lawrence Convention Center website for even more events!

Gertie loves playing dress-up

Gertie's love of sweet potatoes was the easiest thing on this list to plan. When I'm craving delicious Southern staples, I head right to Walter's in Lawrenceville. This popular BBQ spot has tons of outdoor dining space perfect for Gertie to enjoy her sweet potato as you can chow down on brisket, smoked chicken, collards, potato salad and more on their vibrant patio.

As a Puppy Bowl veteran, Gertie absolutely qualifies as a VIP (Very Important Pooch). Luckily, the Oaklander Hotel celebrates your best friend with their VIP package which includes a welcome basket full of homemade dog treads and a Kong brand tennis ball as you and your pet enjoy incredible accommodations in the heart of the Oakland neighborhood.

Good Girl (Margo)

7 month old Bichapoo, tan and white
Team Fluff (Blue)

Quick Stats:

  • A dynamic player on the puppy pitch - sweet, social and playful!
  • Favorite toy- her Llama
  • Favorite snack- apples and peanut butter
  • Favorite activity- playing fetch
  • Favorite nap spot- on top of the couch watching out the window over the neighborhood
  • Fun fact-She loves her doggie sling, and helping her mom cook and trying to sneak a taste!

Margo's Itinerary

Every dog is different, so Margo's itinerary has been curated to fit her sweet self. And you can use this as the perfect one-day trip if Margo sounds like your pup! Let's start at a local farmer's market for some of her favorite fresh apples to go along with peanut butter. There's dozens to choose from throughout the city, so find a favorite like the Lawrenceville Farmers Market on Tuesdays or the Market Square Farmers Market on Thursdays to find home-grown deliciousness each week from spring-fall.

Dog-friendly, spacious and an ideal escape from the city, Frick Park is a great green getaway for Margo. Wooded paths ensure plenty of sticks to enjoy a game of fetch while your owners explore scenic overlooks, cross over historic bridges and discover more in Pittsburgh's urban woodland.

Margo surveying her domain

Margo likes to be the queen of her domain, watching from on-high over the neighborhood. So there's no better place to survey her kingdom than Mt. Washington. This popular tourist destination is known for the colorful inclines taking both visitors and natives to and from the city, but Margo will especially love the 257-acre Emerald View Park which provides scenic views of the city and plenty of room to tire out her owners.

After a busy day of exploring, Margo will probably be ready to relax, have a quick nap and socialize with some furry friends. That's why I'm recommending Gristhouse, one of the most dog-friendly breweries on the planet and a place where I go just as much to pet other people's dogs as for the fantastic beer. Plus, your owners will love the rotating assortment of food trucks, live music and games to play that keeps this spot happening from spring-late fall each year.

Finally, it's time to rest, and do so in style. Time to book the Best Friends Getaway at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh, a special dog-friendly package which includes a dog bed and bowl awaiting when you arrive, pet-friendly CBD gummies, a weighted blanket and even a bottle of wine for your human.

Pawty with the Pups

Want to meet the stars of Puppy Bowl XX? Margo and Gertie will both be at the American Legion in Brackenridge on Feb. 18!

Meet your favorite pups and get the perfect photo with the MVPs of this super-cute event, then stick around for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of Puppy Bowl XX, games, raffles and a cash bar.

Get your tickets today, which include lunch, $10 in raffle chances and a non-alcoholic drink.

While this might not be the most exciting Super Bowl for Pittsburgh die-hards, I hope you'll join us in tuning in to the actual main event and cheer on these Pittsburgh pups for Puppy Bowl XX. Featuring both the largest and smallest dogs to ever take the field, we have a feeling this will be the most adorable game yet, and where everyone is guaranteed to leave a winner.

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Jared B.

Author

Jared B.

Enthusiastic Pittsburgher

Always in search of the next great craft beer and arcade. Can be found in the Supporters Section of Pittsburgh Riverhounds games and at whatever festival is happening in the city.

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