Central Iowa Rescue Pups Shine at Puppy Bowl Watch Party

Paws and Pints in Des Moines hosted an event featuring four puppies from AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue & Transport.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Paws & Pints in Des Moines hosted a watch party for the annual Puppy Bowl, featuring four puppies from AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue & Transport. The puppies, named Asiago, Boopsie (aka Dottie), Dandelion (aka Mochi), and Atticus Finch, joined teams "Ruff" and "Fluff" for the competition.

Why it matters

The Puppy Bowl is a popular annual event that celebrates rescue dogs and helps raise awareness for pet adoption. AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue & Transport has been participating in the Puppy Bowl since 2012, showcasing puppies from their central Iowa-based rescue organization.

The details

All four pups featured at the Paws & Pints watch party were previously under the care of AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue & Transport, based in De Soto. The event has been held on the same Sunday as the NFL's Super Bowl each year, and many of the dogs are named after current and former NFL players.

  • The Puppy Bowl watch party was held on February 9, 2026.
  • AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue & Transport has been participating in the Puppy Bowl since 2012.

The players

AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue & Transport

A pet rescue organization based in De Soto, Iowa that has been featured in the Puppy Bowl since 2012.

Amy Heinz

The founder of AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue & Transport.

Asiago

One of the puppies from AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue & Transport that participated in the Puppy Bowl.

Boopsie (aka Dottie)

One of the puppies from AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue & Transport that participated in the Puppy Bowl.

Dandelion (aka Mochi)

One of the puppies from AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue & Transport that participated in the Puppy Bowl.

Atticus Finch

One of the puppies from AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue & Transport that participated in the Puppy Bowl.

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What they’re saying

“Rescue can be really difficult and really heart-wrenching. And between all the behavior, things that go on, and the bad circumstances that we find dogs in, and the medical issues that were dealt with, it's just fun to have a fun day, you know, and just celebrate all of the dogs that we're able to help.”

— Amy Heinz, Founder of AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue & Transport

The takeaway

The Puppy Bowl watch party at Paws & Pints showcased the important work of AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue & Transport in rescuing and rehabilitating dogs in central Iowa. Events like this help raise awareness for pet adoption and celebrate the resilience of rescue animals.