For the eighth straight year, the cuddliest sporting event in America will feature several local competitors. Seven dogs from AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport in DeSoto will be featured in this year’s “Puppy Bowl.”

The contest airs February 3rd on Animal Planet, and features a lineup of 92 dogs from shelters around the country. Each pooch is between the ages of 13-20 weeks old, and are selected by the program’s producers based on photographs. AHeinz57 Owner Amy Heinz points out that most of the puppies selected have already been adopted by the time the Puppy Bowl rolls around, but she says it’s still a great way to promote shelter adoptions. Among the seven DeSoto dogs competing in the event, three of them will be in the starting lineup. That distinction is determined based on the dogs that are able to score the most “touchdowns,” and who don’t leave a mess on the field.

This is the 16th year of the Puppy Bowl, with AHeinz57 taking part in half of the events. Heinz says it’s been a boon to the success of her shelter, resulting in countless donations and volunteers over the years and helping her expand the operation. She’ll be hosting a watch party on February 2nd from 1-4 p.m. at Doc’s Lounge in Johnston. There will be raffle drawings and “paw-tographs” from the puppies featured in the Bowl.