BEST FRIENDS PUPPY BOWL PUP UP
In celebration of Puppy Bowl XXII, LAPPE was honored to attend the Best Friends Animal Society Tailgate Party! As longtime Puppy Bowl fans and passionate dog rescue advocates, it was the perfect kickoff to our very first Pup Up event. We loved introducing LAPPE to so many adorable, adoptable pups, and seeing firsthand the love and dedication shown by the incredible team at their Culver City location. If you’re thinking about welcoming a new furry family member, there’s no better place to meet your perfect match.
Not in Los Angeles? Best Friends Animal Society has adoption centers and community partners nationwide, all united by a mission to save shelter animals and make America no-kill. They’re also home to the largest no-kill sanctuary in the country: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in southern Utah, which provides a safe haven for animals of all kinds while giving them the opportunity to find loving forever homes.
Here we are at Best Friend’s state-of-the-art facility, ready to serve up some LAPPE to deserving shelter pups and support them on their journey to forever homes. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this space was designed with the animals’ comfort, health, and happiness in mind.
Our mission for the day was simple: help every dog get one step closer to adoption while introducing their future families to nutritious treats that support long, healthy lives together. We believe that setting dogs up for success starts from day one in their new homes, and proper nutrition plays a big role in that lifelong bond.
We were welcomed with open arms by the incredible staff and volunteers who brought this event to life. Their energy, dedication, and genuine love for the animals made the entire experience unforgettable, and reinforced why their work makes such a meaningful difference every single day.
We also had the incredible honor of spending time with Maddie, a sweet and resilient girl whose story truly touched our hearts. Maddie survived distemper, a serious illness that left her with lifelong special needs; But you would never know it from the joy she radiates. Her journey hasn’t slowed her down one bit. Instead, it’s made her a shining example of strength, spirit, and the power of second chances.
Maddie is the definition of an underdog story. Her determination, playful energy, and unwavering will to thrive are nothing short of inspiring. We absolutely fell in love with this special little girl and the light she brings into every room.
Her survival and continued happiness wouldn’t have been possible without the extraordinary care provided by Best Friends Animal Society and their devoted foster families. Their commitment to giving animals like Maddie the medical attention, patience, and love they need makes stories like hers possible, and proves that every life is worth fighting for.
Once we got the green light, we prepped our Caul of the Wild LAPPE treats to share with the adorable puppy litters in the turf room who were waiting patiently to dig in. We chose Caul of the Wild specifically with growing pups in mind. It’s gentle on sensitive stomachs while delivering fiber, antioxidants, and natural hydration from real, whole foods to support healthy digestion and strong development during this critical stage of life.
Walking into the turf room to meet the puppies was an instant mood booster. And yes, we absolutely snuck in a few kisses in between their clumsy tackles and fumbles on the Fresh Patch football field.
Spending time with them was a simple but powerful reminder of why rescue matters. Every one of these pups has their own beginning, and thanks to the dedication of Best Friends Animal Society, they’re getting the chance at a much better next chapter. We were lucky to share a few minutes of their day, and even luckier to see them one step closer to going home.
We had an absolute blast watching these pups lappe it up! Experiences like these remind us why we’re so passionate about what we do.
We know puppyhood is such a critical window for growth and development. The nutrition dogs receive during this stage lays the foundation for their lifelong health, which is why we’re committed to keeping it simple and wholesome with real ingredients, thoughtfully crafted to support growing bodies and sensitive systems. Giving dogs the healthiest possible start isn’t just a goal for us, it’s a responsibility we take to heart.
These incredible pups were adopted in record time (no surprise there!). Still, there are many more sweet, deserving dogs patiently waiting for their own happy beginnings at Best Friends Animal Society; Each one ready to bring just as much love, loyalty, and joy to a lucky family.
This event truly would not have been possible without Taylor Miller, Local Events Coordinator for Best Friends. From the very beginning, Taylor’s warmth, enthusiasm, and passion set the tone for an unforgettable day. She ensured every detail came together seamlessly, creating a meaningful experience not only for us, but for the dogs and the entire community who showed up to support them.
Beyond her role at Best Friends, Taylor is a dedicated social worker who has committed her career to supporting survivors of intimate partner violence. That same heart for advocacy extends to the animals she champions, tirelessly raising visibility for homeless pets and helping them find the loving homes they deserve.
Taylor is a true leader in every sense of the word. Her ability to care for both people and animals with such authenticity is incredibly inspiring. She made us feel welcomed from the moment we arrived, and connecting with her was genuinely one of the highlights of the entire event.
Our very first Pup Up event could not have gone better! Spending the day alongside the incredible team at Best Friends Animal Society reminded us exactly why we started LAPPE in the first place: to help dogs live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
At LAPPE, we believe that caring for dogs goes beyond what’s in the bowl. It’s about community, compassion, and supporting organizations that give animals the second chances they deserve. Best Friends’ mission to make America no-kill by saving the lives of homeless pets is something we deeply believe in, and we feel honored to have been included in this meaningful work.
Seeing those puppies meet their new families was the perfect reminder that when people come together with a shared purpose, incredible things happen. We can’t wait for the next opportunity to support rescue pups, celebrate adoption, and continue spreading the love, one LAPPE at a time.
