Puppy Bowl XXII fans in mourning as clips of beloved competitor Teigan air three months

Beloved Puppy Bowl XXII winner Teigan died months before the Super Bowl warm-up event aired this weekend.

The adorable pooch, who was born with neurological issues and a severely curved spine, died following a battle with pneumonia aged seven months old. News of her death was first reported in October.

Teigan, a miniature Australian shepherd, had been part of the winning Team Fluff group, who beat Team Ruff at the rescue animal event which aired on Sunday.

Sadly, she died before the Lombarky Trophy was presented.

News of Teigan’s death was confirmed on Facebook by the rescue center, Perfect Imperfections Rescue, in Connecticut.

‘For those who don’t know, Teigan and I spent a day at the rescue taping a segment about Teigan, her condition and her receiving her custom cart made by K9karts,’ the announcement read.

‘A few weeks after we had the taping we traveled to New York and participated in the Puppy Bowl. It was such a fun experience.

‘We meet so many incredible people from rescues all over the USA. Spending the day in a room full of puppies was an added bonus.’

Puppy Bowl XXII winner Teigan died following a battle with pneumonia aged seven months old

The adorable puppy was part of the winning Team Fluff group 

The post ended with an appeal for fans to watch the game.

‘Please tune in and help celebrate Teigan,’ it read. ‘She was such an incredible soul. I’m not sure I will ever get over losing her so soon.’

Devastated Puppy Bowl fans expressed their sorrow in the comments as they too paid tribute to the late dog.

One said: ‘I watch the Puppy Bowl every year, and she simply took my heart. After watching who got adopted, I found out that she passed.

‘I am so sorry for your loss. She must have been absolutely wonderful, and I envy the times that you got to spend with her. Thank you for helping her – and the other dogs – that need, and deserve, that special attention.’

Another wrote: ‘Teigan was my favorite puppy in the Puppy Bowl. I cried when I saw her because she was so cute and it was so nice to see a special needs puppy included and to see a special needs rescue highlighted.

‘Thank you for saving Teigan and giving her the best life filled with love while she was here.’

Echoing a similar sentiment, a third said: ‘I am so touched watching her story on the Puppy Bowl. Thank you for providing her with so much love and care (and all of the other dogs at the rescue). What a sweet soul.’

News of Teigan’s death was first reported in October

Teigan was born with neurological issues and a severely curved spine

This year’s Puppy Bowl was a three-hour event championing pet adoption.

Airing on Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max and discovery+, a record-breaking 150 dogs were featured from 72 shelters across the United States, Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands.

For the first time ever, Puppy Bowl also shone a spotlight on senior dogs in a special exhibition game, as Team Oldies and Team Goldies went head-to-head.

This year, 15 special needs dogs, including Wynonna, a pup with only three-legs, and Eleanor, a deaf and vision-impaired pup, featured as competitors.