.jpg)
Jake's audition photo taken by his mom, Lauren Chrust
The competition was stiff with puppies like Sir Winston, the Cavalier King Charles and Bandit, the Boarder Collie mix but Jake the Chug (Chihuahua and Pug) took both MVP (Most Valuable Puppy) titles last night at Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl VI event. Jake not only won the best MVP by Animal Planet judges but by public vote as well! Woo-Hoo, Jake!
This year's star athlete Jake, is a local boy who found his forever home with Lauren Chrust, a member of All Star Pet Rescue, the group that fostered Jake after he was rescued from the Bloomfield, New Jersey animal shelter at a mere five weeks of age.
While filming took place at the Animal Planet Stadium on location at Silver Spring, Maryland this past October the winner was announced last night during the televising of Puppy Bowl VI. All Star Pet Rescue members were actually rooting for two players this year. Duncan the Beagle was an All Star Pet Rescue foster pup, too.
Jake's mom, Lauren along with Donna Beach, founder of All Star Pet Rescue and Ginny Werner, another All Star volunteer got together for a Puppy Bowl party yesterday afternoon along with other like minded pet lovers. Speculation abounded but no bets were placed.
They may have had an insider's vision though because after they sat through the filming in the green room this past October they were told the camera man needed Dramamine after trying to follow Jake's speedy moves on the field! Reports are that one enormous, simultaneous howl could be heard from the group as Jake was announced the winner!
Jake's story is a prime example of the good work so many animal lovers perform daily in saving pets from uncertain fates. Jake is a Chug – his biological mom is a Pug and his biological dad is a Chihuahua. His original owner didn't spay/neuter her pets so Jake was the result. No matter how adorable Jake may be remember to always spay/neuter your pets. Jake's story could just as easily have ended badly…
Animal Planet has hosted Puppy Bowl since 2005 with the goal of bringing attention to the need for adoption of shelter pets. This year's Puppy Bowl had some innovative features like an overhead blimp piloted by hamsters filming the action and a couple of pom-pom laden bunny cheerleaders. All the kittens filmed during the Kitty Half Time event consisted of kittens from Pennsylvania SPCA in Philadelphia.
Jake came into All Star Pet Rescue, a Linden, NJ based animal rescue organization and was adopted to a good home but returned one week later due to, let's just say his excessive "puppy star quality" – very high energy! Lauren seized the opportunity to adopt Jake and has welcomed him into her home as her son ever since. With Jake's titles Lauren is considering finding him some modeling and acting gigs and donating some proceeds to All Star Pet Rescue. Way to go, Lauren!
So what does Jake think of his new found fame and popularity? Well, let's just say he slept in late today and had to be reminded to go outside to do his business! And a star is born…
To watch a video of Jake, Puppy Bowl VI double winner, click here.
To see a video of the History of Puppy Bowl, click here.
If you like what you've read from the Philadelphia Animal Advocate Examiner, consider subscribing; it's FREE and you will receive an email with every newly published article. Your privacy is fully respected and your email address and information is kept private.

Get Twitter Buttons







What do you think?
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!