Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Contenders in the 2020 American Rescue Dog Show

More than 4 million dogs and cats are adopted from animal shelters each year in the United States, according to Best Friends Animal Society, the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the country. That number represents about 77% of the animals arriving in shelters every year—733,000 of whom were euthanized in 2019 simply because they weren't adopted.

To shine a light on the urgent need for more adoptions around the country, the Hallmark Channel decided three years ago to host the first-ever "American Rescue Dog Show" starring a wide variety of dogs from every ilk. The first two-night event, hosted by Rebecca Romijn and other celebrities, was such a success it outperformed America's longest-running purebred competition—so Hallmark continued it.

An average of 1.1 million viewers and 3.7 million unduplicated viewers watched the telecast again in 2019, proving mixed mutts are just as popular as purebreds in America's eyes. Categories like Best in Ears, Snoring, Belly Rubs, and Underbite stole the hearts of a huge social media audience, who kept the event trending for two days. This year is expected to be no different.

Stacker partnered with the Hallmark Channel's 2020 American Rescue Dog Show to showcase the 72 incredible pups competing in this year's event. Along with information about each canine's favorite toy, treat, and activity, other details and pictures of the mostly four-legged contenders introduce each dog to America before the votes are cast. From fun facts to heartbreaking rescue stories, choosing a winner among the many once-abandoned pups will certainly be a challenge.

Read on to find out more about the 72 incredible pups in the Hallmark Channel 2020 American Rescue Dog Show—and be sure to tune in to the Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. Feb. 16 and 17 to see all the adorable action.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Apache

- Category: Belly rubs
- Adopted from: Compassion Without Borders

Once Apache blinked those baby blues at a foster dog event in Santa Rosa, California, it was all over for Pam. Since rescuing Apache, who loves toy slippers and tennis balls, Apache's human discovered this pup is a serious sucker for belly rubs, even turning over at car dealerships for a little tummy love.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Chubs

- Category: Belly rubs
- Adopted from: Shelter Hope Pet Shop

Since being rescued from a backyard breeder by Heidi, the founder of Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUP), and her husband, Chubs now helps ease LAX travelers' anxiety before they board their flights. Between the love of belly rubs and the adorable underbite, Chubs has cheered up many passengers, who find if they stop rubbing the pug's potbelly, she will quickly nudge them to continue.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Clyde

- Category: Belly rubs
- Adopted from: Los Angeles Animal Services

Once a month, Clyde (a Newfoundland sidekick to Bonnie, an Italian mastiff/shepherd) walks through the halls of Children's Hospital Los Angeles to give children staying there a reason to smile. To date, Clyde has visited more than 10,000 patients. When not working as a certified therapy dog, Clyde sits windward, balancing the sailboat his human dad Michael races.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Joey

- Category: Belly rubs
- Adopted from: I Dream of Home Rescue

Small, white, and fluffy, Joey gives other canines a run for their money by being bold enough to approach strangers and ask for some tummy love. Rescued off the streets of Pomona, California, Joey also adores Alpo T-Bonz for a treat when he is not munching his meals (which he prefers to take lying down).

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Rio

- Category: Belly rubs
- Adopted from: Sunny Day Acres

When she's not playing with stuffed toys, "gentle giant" Rio loves going for hikes. Once frightened and shy, the Anatolian shepherd now makes dramatic drops to the floor for belly rubs and has become the family companion that completes the clan perfectly.

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Romeo

- Category: Belly rubs
- Adopted from: Samoyed Rescue of Southern California, Inc.

Romeo enjoys long rides in the car, bugging bees, and begging for belly rubs. You can find her wading chest-deep in the backyard pond after a walk or playing tug-of-war with his owner Taylor, who rescued him in 2017.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Sugar

- Category: Belly rubs
- Adopted from: The Furgotten

After giving birth to three puppies, Sugar ended up in a foster home for more than a year waiting for a permanent family. Once rescued, Sugar's sweet side emerged mainly with the male dogs she flirts with (when not snuggling with her owner, naturally). The best kind of love for Sugar is belly rubs, making her the seventh and final contender in the category.

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Abby

- Category: Couch potato
- Adopted from: Sunny Saints, Southern California Saint Bernard Rescue

There was just something about Abby, according to her person Pam, who said she knew she must have her, even after meeting throngs of dogs as the owner of a rescue shelter. Now an ambassador for Sunny Saints, the couch potato dog will even sleep through large-scale dog adoption events surrounded by hundreds of patrons. Unlike her category peers, Abby adores bananas over prime rib.

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Atlas

- Category: Couch potato
- Adopted from: LA County Castaic Animal Care Center

When Atlas is not sleeping belly-up on the couch with his feet in the air, he works hard as a Pet Partners-registered therapy dog. His owner Nicole, who fell in love with him while volunteering at a shelter, enjoys taking him to the mall to meet shoppers. What she doesn't like is stepping out of the shower to find her towel stolen off the rack by Atlas, who loves doing the trick as much he loves devouring his freeze-dried liver treats.

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Bill

- Category: Couch potato
- Adopted from: Best Friends Animal Society NKLA

When Stefanie first saw Bill isolated in a cage after being rescued from the Palm Springs desert, she had no idea he would teach the breast cancer survivor the resilience she needed to heal. Now a bona fide couch potato who loves chicken chews, Bill also likes to have his picture taken. Before Stefanie and Bill step out, the canine slips into a T-shirt, which he loves to wear.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Enzo

- Category: Couch potato
- Adopted from: Friends of Orange County's Homeless Pets (FOCHP)

After five years of fostering more than 200 puppies, Tanya broke her vow not to keep one when she met Enzo. Since then, Enzo has helped Tanya to care for more than 100 foster puppies while teaching them the ways of splashing in the pool or bringing big tree branches into the house. This couch-loving canine once got stopped during a walk by a truck of firefighters who pulled over just to meet him.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Ernie

- Category: Couch potato
- Adopted from: The Fuzzy Pet Foundation

Ernie's owner Sydney, who adopted him after he got rescued along with 40 cats, said the once-anxious dog now eases her when she travels by plane. Described as smart, sweet, and macho, Ernie is usually chilling out on the sofa or playing with his champagne bottle dog toy. Unlike the other canines in the couch potato category, Ernie once rode a horse and still meditates when feeling Zen.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Spencer

- Category: Couch potato
- Adopted from: Afghan Hound Rescue Southern California

Spencer, originally from Korea, was rescued by Helen, who found him in the southern California shelter after he shipped from overseas. Also called "Velcro Boy" because he sticks to Helen like fastening tape, Spencer loves eating cold cucumbers and playing with his pink rabbit and monkey toys. But it is Spencer's love of couch lounging that makes the canine, who seems to think he is the size of a lap dog, a perfect contender for the category.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Pickles

- Category: Couch potato
- Adopted from: One Dame at a Time

Pickles is a veritable bed hog and quintessential couch potato who's happiest when sprawled completely out on the sofa leaving little room for others. When not chewing on his favorite toy ball or eating cheese, he loves playtime with owner Lori, who points out his particular tickle spot on his hind legs. Pickles is also popular for his long, wanting gazes.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Butters

- Category: Ears
- Adopted from: Angel City Pits

Sunday pack-hiking with fellow rescued pups is Butters' favorite thing to do. When it's time to play with her furry peers, Butters performs a series of spins and barrel rolls sure to leave any onlooker laughing. Since adopting her playful pitbull with pretty big ears, Butters' person Valerie finds herself volunteering in shelters up to 20 hours a week, saying rescue dogs are as smart as purebred pups and appreciate love more.

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Charlie Baxter

- Category: Ears
- Adopted from: Pasadena Humane Society

Charlie Baxter's ears are undeniable. As a matter of fact, it was the "Chewbacca"-style ears that made owner Meeghan rescue him from a shelter her second year of law school. Since, he has become Meeghan's best friend and roommate, who has taught her patience while offering priceless companionship.

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Daisy

- Category: Ears
- Adopted from: MaeDay Rescue

Daisy's ears never go down. On the contrary, they actually touch on the top of her head. But that is not why Heidi adopted her; instead, it was the seemingly ageless friendship they had when they first met.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Riggs

- Category: Ears
- Adopted from: West Coast Bloodhound Rescue

Riggs, a velvety bloodhound with oversized ears, was a foster failure when Courtney knew after three weeks she had to have her as her own. Now an intricate part of the family, Riggs can be seen around the house playing with her favorite toy, which is a piece of fabric from an old squeaky toy or running and hopping along the backyard fence with ears flying in the wind.

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Rio

- Category: Ears
- Adopted from: The Sighthound Underground

Rio adores having his ears rubbed by anyone and uses his oversized ears to communicate; raising one when curious, and both when absolutely interested. After being found in a Spain courtyard by Jennifer, Rio embarked on a 500-mile journey across Camino de Santiago before making California his permanent home. When not playing with a ball or chewing on cheese, Rio is having his hair brushed out—one of his favorite things of all.

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Sunset

- Category: Ears
- Adopted from: Daphneyland Basset Rescue

Sunset's ears are so big, his owner Amanda plays hide-and-seek with them. Her beloved basset hound, whom she adopted when volunteering at a shelter, loves the beach and playing with other rescue dogs as much as he loves playing with his plush toys. As for his favorite treat, Amanda said it is literally anything.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Winnie

- Category: Ears
- Adopted from: Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles

Winnie's ears are so big that her owner Brett, who decided to adopt her after she kissed him on the shoulder, said even when she sleeps her ears are noticeable. When not racing small dogs at the park, Winnie is either playing with her stuffed moose or munching on bully sticks. But after 7 p.m., Winnie can be found fast asleep, no matter how much you try to wake her.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Bilbo

- Category: Ears
- Adopted from: Beagle Freedom Project

Bruno knew when he first saw Bilbo running around with more than a dozen other dogs at a shelter, he knew the beagle with really big ears had to be his. Now the two stay active together on long walks or at the beach. Like most canines, Bilbo's favorite toy is a rope, but that's not true for his choicest treat, which is cat kibble.

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Balonee

- Category: Senior
- Adopted from: Helen Woodward Animal Center

As a certified therapy dog since 2016, Balonee has made more than 750 visits cheering up humans. But it's his owner Robin, who adopted him in his senior years, who is most moved by her beloved Balonee, who especially favors neon green cat toys and Cheerios. Robin believes what sets her dog apart in the category is that the once-abandoned senior dog now visits elderly humans.

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Coliseo

- Category: Senior
- Adopted from: Save A Galgo Español

Coliseo may be 9, but the galgo sent to America from Spain is as curious and playful as a puppy. Unlike most senior dogs, Coliseo can run up to 45 mph, according to his owner Michelle, who adopted him off a website to add to her family of three galgos. Michelle says the senior dog has taught her how to appreciate life and time.

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Goliath

- Category: Senior
- Adopted from: Reversed Rescue

Goliath's owner Tye, who adopted him from a shelter where he got dropped off in a U-Haul, said his dog has seemingly aged backward like in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." Calling Goliath's recovery from emaciation "magical," Tye boasts his big, senior canine has the heart of a toddler combined with an old soul. Thus far, Goliath has stood as tall as any human he's met—which could explain why the dog sleeps in a queen size bed in his own room.

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Grandma Gertie

- Category: Senior
- Adopted from: A Purposeful Rescue

Grandma Gertie yells like a goat when she's hungry and—despite losing her sight—the senior dog never ceases to light up her person Simone's eyes every day. Feisty and smart, Grandma Gertie is young at heart. She still loves vanilla ice cream and letting her ears blow in the wind. But most of all, she loves being held like a baby, proving age is truly just a number.

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Jessie

- Category: Senior
- Adopted from: Shelter Hope Pet Shop

Joseph adopted Jessie when she was 10 years old, but admits it's like she has always belonged with him and his two beagles. Once depressed and timid (now happy and bossy), Jessie particularly likes children and gets excited anytime they're around. Joseph said Jessie loves to sniff flowers, which makes short walks much longer if there are blooming plants within smelling distance.

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Scruffy

- Category: Senior
- Adopted from: Lange Foundation

Since adopting her senior dog Scruffy, who was left at a shelter by his family of seven years, his owner Kim said she'll likely never adopt a puppy again because of how much life he has left in him. When not looking for gophers or playing with toy "Lamby," Scruffy is performing twirls to get his favorite smoked chicken jerky treat.

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Sweet Pea

- Category: Senior
- Adopted from: San Diego Humane Society

After seeing the rescue video of Sweet Pea online, Teresa knew she had to see the senior dog up close. The rest is history. Though Sweet Pea is constantly attempting to destroy any squeaky ball in sight and was once mistaken for a tiny cow, she has also sweetly saved a fallen baby bird from its nest.

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Turtle

- Category: Senior
- Adopted from: Dawg Squad

Briana fell in love with Turtle, who was found among more than 100 hoarded dogs in Yucca Valley, California, when she saw him on Hallmark's "Home & Family" adoption segment. The senior dog, who loves convertible car rides, is always playing and running around when not dining over chicken and rice at the Lazy Dog Restaurant.

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Faith

- Category: Snoring
- Adopted from: I Stand With My Pack

It was Faith's kind and affable nature that attracted Kyle to her at a holiday adoption event. What Kyle didn't know when taking her home is that Faith snored like a banshee. Her snoring, which wakes Kyle daily, has a few stages that start off light and end in lip flapping snorts. When awake, Faith can be found playing with Moo, her stuffless toy cow, or begging for her favorite treats of carrots, apples, or popcorn.

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George

- Category: Snoring
- Adopted from: Southern California Bulldog Rescue

George's snoring has become like white noise to his owners, who are unable to sleep without their rescue pitbull in the room. Oddly enough, he sleeps and snores with his eyes wide open. Aside from snoozing the day away, George enjoys sitting at the poker table with his human dad Nick.

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Gordon

- Category: Snoring
- Adopted from: Smiling Dog Rescue

Gordon may be tiny, but he has a mighty snore, according to his human parents, who say the little guy sounds like a thunderstorm when he is comfy enough on his back. Though anything squeaky and string cheese are two of his favorite things, Gordon most enjoys going out on the town with Matthew and Christy, who now assists at a rescue shelter because of her newfound love for rescues.

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Moe

- Category: Snoring
- Adopted from: Road Dogs & Rescue

Moe snores while awake. And when Moe is really in the mood to make some noise, he falls asleep with a hollow bone in his mouth so his snores sound like a trumpet playing. What separates this pup from snoring peers is that, in addition to snoring 24/7, his tongue is always out. You can understand why his person Justin couldn't resist taking him home.

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Romeo Von Schnitzel

- Category: Snoring
- Adopted from: Adopt A Saint

Neighbors can hear the snore of this Saint Bernard, but nobody seems to mind the sleeping sounds of Romeo Von Schnitzel. The 200-pound gentle giant, who sleeps in the bathtub because of the cold tile, has a hard time making friends due to his size—but owner Xochitl said it doesn't stop him from trying at the dog park. When not eating his favorite chicken treat, Romeo Von Schnitzel likes chewing on his beloved squeaky sausage toy.

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Brutus

- Category: Snoring
- Adopted from: Dream Team Angels Rescue

Brutus slumbers (and snores) so deep, he's been known to fall off the couch. His person, Kelly, says the more exhausted Brutus is, the more boisterous the snore. Kelly doesn't mind: She says that since adopting the big, black-and-white dog, she has learned how to have fun all over again.

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Petey

- Category: Snoring
- Adopted from: K9 Paws for Life Rescue

Petey, who has dog beds throughout the house, can be heard snoring down the hall. He's become a master snorer, and loves peanut butter, Brussels sprouts, and his stuffed elephant—but loves nothing as much as his person, Robyn.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Champion

- Category: Special needs (special need: tripod)
- Adopted from: Helen Woodward Animal Center

With only three legs, Champion exemplifies his name since being rescued among 50 other dogs in Arizona. Now a member of a family who adores him, Champion runs free after tennis balls. His resilience has given his clan a new mindset on life, especially when he greets them at the door daily, standing on his hind legs, waiting for a hug.

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Dolly

- Category: Special needs (special need: deaf)
- Adopted from: LA Pet Resq

Dolly has had a tough life. She suffered an injury her owners didn't take care of and was eventually rescued from a Korean meat market and sent to America. There, she found her person, Lisa. The pajama-wearing pup, who loves withered bougainvillea petals and cardboard boxes, has transformed from untrusting to slopping the sweetest of kisses on strangers.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Helen Keller

- Category: Special needs (special need: deaf and blind)
- Adopted from: Ramona Humane Society

Deaf like her human parents Terrie and Marybeth, Helen Keller, who is also blind, completes the family of three. When Marybeth first brought her beloved black-and-white dog home, she started to teach her tactile sign language, with Helen Keller now knowing up to 15 body signs. Her favorite sign is to walk—although she also enjoys hikes and kayaking.

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Lizzy

- Category: Special needs (special need: deaf)
- Adopted from: Northern California Sled Dog Rescue

Lizzy's owner Samantha said not only does her dog's deafness not define her, but her husky also helps her become more serene. Add in the adorable "Scooby Doo"-butt scoot Lizzy does across the floor while playing, and it's no wonder Samantha adores her special needs dog.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Maia

- Category: Special needs (special need: wheels)
- Adopted from: Rescue From The Hart

Since being found in an Oregon orchard, undergoing several surgeries, and being adopted by Mark and his wife, Maia makes the most of her disabled life running, swimming, and even skiing with her wheels. The couple, who only ever rescued cats, found themselves smitten with Maia at first sight and admit they can't imagine life without her. When not eating her favorite treats of peanut butter and french fries, Maia is playing fetch with mom or dad or sharing carrots with her two sibling bunnies.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Ritchie

- Category: Special needs (special need: wheels)
- Adopted from: Paw Works

After Ritchie received a new set of wheels from a social media fundraiser, Brittany brought him home to foster him, and he's never left. Since, she has discovered whooshing noise sounds thrust Ritchie's wheels faster across the floor, and that he skips over water to avoid wet feet. She also found carrots, the beach, and blue plastic balls are a few of his favorite things.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Trixie

- Category: Special needs (special need: blind)
- Adopted from: MaeDay Rescue

Inseparable since New Year's Eve 2017, Nicki admits to taking Trixie with her everywhere she goes, be it work, yoga, or even a winery. Blind, baby-sized Trixie, who can drink water from a glass, has transformed her human mom's life, with Nicki noting the adoption is the "best experience" in her life thus far. Surely, one of the reasons why is how Trixie adorably dances on her hind legs for her favorite treats.

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Echo

- Category: Talking
- Adopted from: Afghan Hound Rescue Southern California

Talking back is what Echo does best, hence the name. The upside-down sleeping Afghan, rescued from an Arizona breeding farm in a police raid, tends to think she is smaller than she is and loves to snuggle up to people. Echo's person Rick said his sardine-eating canine carries on conversations with him, barking back at his word.

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Koda

- Category: Talking
- Adopted from: ARA Canine Rescue (designated)

Since being rescued off of a freeway, every day at noon, Koda lets his owner Jacki know that it's time for his daily homemade ice cream. The talking dog, who loves rolling on his back, prefers to sleep on the bathroom floor. Nicknamed Muffin, Koda refuses to go outside unless accompanied by his furry, four-legged sibling named Kali Ann.

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Lloyd

- Category: Talking
- Adopted from: Orange County Animal Shelter

Since adopting her talking dog Lloyd, Christine finds herself waking early just to spend time with him. Nicknamed "Turkey" for his loud screams, Lloyd communicates most effectively with Christine, who understands what each outcry means. Eating fish treats, swimming, and smelling the ocean air are a few of Lloyd's favorite things.

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Millie

- Category: Talking
- Adopted from: Dogwood Animal Rescue Project

Sometimes when Millie talks, it sounds like she's singing, according to her person Solvin, who said the word "walk" makes her particularly excited. The diminutive dog, who greets family members at the door with a hug around their legs, is said to relieve stress for all humans in the house. And she is known to play a mean game of basketball.

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Mo

- Category: Talking
- Adopted from: Maricopa Animal Care & Control

After Kristin rescued Mo off the streets of Arizona, she laid with him in her bed that first night to find he had a unique holler. She took him to a local shelter and hung up fliers around town, but no one claimed him. So Kristin—who had visited him every day—adopted him herself. With an Instagram following of more than 112,000 followers, "Mo The Screaming Staffy" has hundreds of posts that portray his lovable qualities.

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Radar

- Category: Talking
- Adopted from: Long Beach Animal Care Services

Before Darlene knew Radar could talk, she was drawn to his face while volunteering at the shelter where he was staying. Today, Radar likes rolling in the dirt after a bath and making blanket tunnels, and his favorite treat is cheese.

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Maximus

- Category: Talking
- Adopted from: The Ranch Rescue Team

Maximus may be a dog, but his friendship and talks are what got Stefanie through her health recovery. That's why her grandparents made sure Maximus became part of the family and adopted the dog for their granddaughter. His unique talents aside from talking include obliterating a tennis ball in less than 24 hours and befriending cats.

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Boogie

- Category: Underbite
- Adopted from: Maui Humane Society

This little tyke is sure to give other underbite contenders a run for their money in one of the most adorable categories. Constantly asked to be in selfies, Boogie barely survived a life-threatening surgery before he became Jamie-Sue's foster failure after she sheltered 76 dogs. Boogie can be found standing by the refrigerator every morning waiting for ice cubes.

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Muggsy

- Category: Underbite
- Adopted from: The Animal Protectorates (TAPS)

On top of being the happiest dog his owner Christopher has ever come across, Muggsy has an ever-present underbite that stops people in their tracks. Every night, he uses his tiny teeth to pick up Christopher's socks off the floor and scatter them about the room. When not stealing socks, Muggsy's tiny mouth is usually around his favorite squeaky pizza toy.

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Oliver

- Category: Underbite
- Adopted from: Redlands Friends of Shelter

Oliver's owner Salai said her adorable dog with the undeniable underbite gives her reason to smile even on the darkest days. Before snuggling on the couch to watch television with her, Oliver never fails to drag his favorite blanket out of the basket. When not watching the tube with mom, Oliver is likely at the dog park or taking a picture with the many onlookers who continuously request a selfie with him.

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Otis

- Category: Underbite
- Adopted from: Kitsap Humane Society

After being found abandoned in an empty house, Otis ended up as a birthday present from Cody to his wife. Otis' underbite, which didn't begin to show until he was 6 months old, is often noticed when he's out shopping or at the brewery with Cody, who confesses all the public attention his pup gets has helped him become more approachable.

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Pokey

- Category: Underbite
- Adopted from: Delaney's Dog

Pokey went from living in a hole underneath an abandoned house to finding shelter in her owner Maureen's arms. The pooch with the prominent underbite loves whipped cream, going for walks, and playing fetch with her favorite squeaky toys. Maureen points out Pokey's blue and brown eyes are as unique as the speckling inside her mouth.

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Ravioli

- Category: Underbite
- Adopted from: Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC)

Like most of the contenders in the category, Ravioli gets stopped by onlookers in public who must know more about his underbite. Before finding a forever home with Carlos, Ravioli was with an older adult who could no longer care for him. Now, life consists of having his hair blown dry or lounging on the sofa with his family.

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Sam

- Category: Underbite
- Adopted from: West Coast Boxer Rescue

Since adopting Sam, who was allegedly found raiding a chicken coop, Madelaine and her family have learned consistency from the boxer with the obvious underbite. As a matter of fact, he has helped Madelaine lose weight by walking with her every day at Folsom Lake—which also happens to be one of Sam's favorite spots for fetch. Eating beef jerky treats and chasing tennis balls are two of Sam's preferred pastimes.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Caesar

- Category: Wiggling
- Adopted from: Karma Rescue

When Caesar gets excited his entire body wiggles. That is just one feature owner Pamala adores about the dog, who was rescued off the streets after a couple of weeks of being homeless. When not socializing at a Yappy Hour or volunteering at a Reading Isn't Ruff library event, Caesar sits surveying the block from the upstairs balcony.

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Carl

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Fifi Fluff

- Category: Wiggling
- Adopted from: Heart to Heart Small Dog Rescue

When Christy arrives home from work, Fifi Fluff, rescued from an online site, is there waiting and wiggling anxiously. Since becoming besties who share a banana after their morning walk and enjoy Hallmark movies together, Christi has found Fifi Fluff loves car rides. The pushy pooch is known to nudge Christy toward the driver's side door to get her to turn on the ignition.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Indiana Bones

- Category: Wiggling
- Adopted from: I Stand With My Pack

One thing that makes Jessy smile since becoming paralyzed from the waist down in a motorcycle accident is the wiggle of Indiana Bones. It only took a few short days for Indiana Bones to learn to walk beside Jessy's wheelchair, rather than in the front or back of it. Since adopting the dog, who loves "Game of Thrones," boiled chicken, and ice, the somber mood of the household has lifted.

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MacGruber

- Category: Wiggling
- Adopted from: Vanderpump Dogs

MacGruber's owner Ryan swears his pup was a professional hula hooper in his past life due to how well he can wiggle. MacGruber's love of people has helped Ryan come out of his shell, and is his "greatest source of happiness thus far," in life. When not draping himself over Ryan during car rides, MacGruber can be found jumping on the bed or playing with his favorite squeaky bone.

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Maizy

- Category: Wiggling
- Adopted from: Compassion Without Borders

Maizy may be one the smallest contenders in the wiggling category, but that doesn't mean her side-to-side swag isn't big. Small-sized tennis balls, apples, and chasing squirrels are few of Maizy's favorite things to do since being adopted by Karen, who cared for her after she was found meandering the streets of Mexico alone. When Maizy really wants something, her wiggle turns into twirls she performs until she gets her way.

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Ellie

- Category: Wiggling
- Adopted from: Westie Rescue of Orange County & Beyond

Ellie didn't like men, but that all changed when the little wiggling pup met Doug: She immediately jumped into his lap at the shelter. Today, Ellie likes cauliflower and playing catch and throw with herself at the park. When not hoarding her toys, Ellie can be found having fun with a ball.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Beef

- Category: Wrinkles
- Adopted from: Balooja's Foundation, INC

Beef walked away with Best in Snoring in 2019, and returns this year for Best in Wrinkles. The neck pillow-wearing dog loves blueberries and sleeping.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Big Rig

- Category: Wrinkles
- Adopted from: Road Dogs & Rescue

Unable to be sold because he was born with a cleft palate, Big Rig was eventually adopted by Francoise, who had to hand feed him for his first eight months of life. The little guy with the big wrinkles has truly learned to love himself—so much so that he apparently loves watching videos of his own mug.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Boogie

- Category: Wrinkles
- Adopted from: Rebel Souls Rescue

Always the life of the party (particularly when he performs "jazz paws" on his hind legs), Boogie's wrinkles are what Heidi looks forward to coming home to each day. The two enjoy long car rides together when Boogie's not too busy bothering Heidi's chickens. Boogie's squeaky ball and cheese are two of his favorite things.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Ridley

- Category: Wrinkles
- Adopted from: California Shar-pei Rescue

Ridley and his person Andrea have inseparable since the wrinkled "bundle of joy" was rescued off the streets of Northern California. The well-behaved, lazy boy loves to eat just about everything, but works it off with daily walks to the mailbox. A good, old-fashioned ball is Ridley's favorite plaything, while a back scratch late at night sends him right to dreamland.

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Maria Fischer at Crown Media

Waylon

- Category: Wrinkles
- Adopted from: West Coast Bloodhound Rescue

Waylon was in bad shape when he was taken in as a foster pet, but the cuddly, couch-loving bloodhound quickly won over Tyler and his wife. Sleeping, eating, and playing on the floor bring out Waylon's wrinkles. Bacon may be Waylon's favorite treat, but he's been known to swipe pulled pork out of the freezer all by himself.

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Coco

- Category: Wrinkles
- Adopted from: Stand with my Pack

Coco loves letting her wrinkles flap in the wind (whether on a car ride, or zooming around the house) before settling down for a long nap. Anchovies and a stuffed hedgehog that barks back are a few of this expressive pup's favorite things. Having two dogs wasn't the plan for Stuart and his wife, but seeing Coco and mom Gigi together put a wrinkle in those plans.

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Marty

- Category: Wrinkles
- Adopted from: Pugnation Rescue of Los Angeles

It was love at first sight when owner Megan saw the heart-shaped wrinkles on top of Marty's head. The pair quickly became best friends, with frequent trips to the dog beach being their favorite activity together. Marty, nicknamed "El Guapo" (handsome in Spanish) loves to howl and doesn't discriminate when it comes to treats.

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