CT animal sanctuary remembers special-needs dog featured in 2026 Puppy Bowl
"She was so cute and so tiny and so feisty that she was just super popular when she aired," said Trisha Malfitano, who cared for the dog.
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Teigan, a dog from Watertown who stole hearts at Puppy Bowl 22, died shortly after the annual tradition was filmed.
The Puppy Bowl features 150 rescue puppies from 72 shelters across the United States, Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands. Teams Ruff and Fluff competed in the event that was designed to raise awareness for animal shelters and rescue groups.
Team Fluff included a very special dog named Teigan, who came from the Perfect Imperfections Rescue and Sanctuary in Watertown.
"She was so cute and so tiny and so feisty that she was just super popular when she aired," said Trisha Malfitano, owner of the rescue and sanctuary.
Malfitano started caring for the Aussie pup in August 2025, and shortly after got the opportunity to participate in this year's Puppy Bowl. Unfortunately, weeks after filming, Teigan got sick.
"She aspirated and we did try. We put her on oxygen and IV fluids. It was a miracle she survived it the first time, but a very slim chance that little body of hers could do it a second time. Unfortunately, that night, we lost her," Malfitano said.
Since the Puppy Bowl aired, monetary donations and items from the rescue's Chewy list have started pouring in.
