ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Even though she’s a little skittish when she first meets other humans, Maisy (previously known as Nora) is a local celebrity of sorts. The puppy is one of two from the nonprofit, Compassion Kind, that are competing in this year’s Puppy Bowl XX on Sunday.
Nora and another pup, Kalani, went to New York last year to film the bowl, which features more than 100 puppies from 73 shelters and rescues in 36 states to play for Team Ruff or Team Fluff.
“It was an incredible experience,” said Lauren Lieberman. “We just apply and we send in the puppies at the time and we just hope for the best. It’s really cool to see them honor rescues like that.”
Lieberman is a volunteer with Compassion Kind, a Tampa Bay area-based global nonprofit that helps foster animals into adoption.
“I find that Compassion Kind, it just gives me the opportunity to be my best self,” said Lieberman. “You don’t have to worry about all the other stuff. We’re here to show up, to help others and you know, make the world a better place.”
In fact, Kalani ended up being adopted by an Animal Planet producer and now lives in New York, while Nora was adopted shortly before the Puppy Bowl by St. Pete resident Candace Fennell.
“It was love at first sight, certainly, absolutely,” said Fennell. “And nothing’s changed. She’s just an amazing dog.”
Now, Nora’s new name is Maisy, and she enjoys chasing anything and everything.
“I’m really happy that she was able to have that experience,” said Fennell about the Puppy Bowl. “And for us to be a part of supporting Compassion Kind organization.”
But Compassion Kind said they have plenty of other puppies waiting for their forever homes as well that are available for adoption. You can check out their website here.
