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Puppy Bowl XXII Pup Teigan Died Months Before Broadcast, Rescue Confirms

Her rescue attributes her death to aspiration pneumonia linked to preexisting medical vulnerabilities.

Overview

  • Perfect Imperfections Rescue said Teigan died in October 2025, confirming to USA TODAY that aspiration pneumonia was the cause.
  • Teigan, a wheelchair-using mini Aussie born with cerebellar hypoplasia and a twisted spine, had been fed upright and closely monitored due to her elevated risk of aspiration.
  • Before her death, she filmed a segment receiving a custom cart from K9 Karts and later traveled to New York to participate in the Puppy Bowl taping.
  • Puppy Bowl XXII aired February 8 with roughly 150 shelter dogs; Team Fluff won 73–69 and Boba was named Most Valuable Pup, with Teigan appearing via pre-recorded footage.
  • Viewers responded with tributes, and the Connecticut-based rescue released a Teigan sweatshirt with proceeds supporting ongoing special-needs animal care.