Teigan, Viral Wheelchair-Using Rescue Dog Of Puppy Bowl 2026, Dies Before Episode Aired; Internet Heartbroken

Viewers tuning in to Puppy Bowl XXII (Puppy Bowl 2026) this year were left both smiling and heartbroken after learning that one of the event’s standout stars, Teigan, had passed away long before the game made it to air.The tiny rescue dog, remembered for her bright energy and custom wheelchair, played for Team Fluff during Puppy Bowl 2026, which aired on Sunday, February 8, on Animal Planet. The annual Super Bowl Sunday tradition showcased 150 adoptable dogs from 72 shelters across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands, all aimed at promoting pet adoption. Team Fluff ultimately clinched a narrow 73–69 victory over Team Ruff to win the coveted Lombarky Trophy.Shortly after the broadcast, Connecticut-based Perfect Imperfections

Rescue and Sanctuary revealed on Facebook that Teigan had died in 2025, months after filming wrapped. As reported by nj.com, she passed away due to pneumonia following an illness.

Speaking to USA TODAY, Trisha Malfitano, founder of Perfect Imperfections Rescue, shared that Teigan died from complications related to aspiration pneumonia, a severe lung infection. Her death came only weeks after a segment documenting her medical journey had been recorded and nearly three months before the episode aired.Teigan was born with cerebellar hypoplasia, a neurological disorder that impacted her coordination, as well as a spinal deformity that caused a permanent tilt of her head. Despite these health challenges, Malfitano said her team remained committed to ensuring Teigan’s comfort and safety.“Unfortunately, her body was not able to recover. I was told she would always have this issue, and we took every precaution we could,” Malfitano said. “She was held upright for feedings, burped, and then used the cart to stay off her side to make sure she had clear airways.”The New York Post noted that Teigan was among 15 special-needs dogs featured in this year’s Puppy Bowl. In the days before the episode aired, the rescue had posted a behind-the-scenes photo from filming, calling the upcoming broadcast “bittersweet.” After the show aired, that feeling resonated widely, as social media platforms were flooded with tributes and heartfelt messages from viewers.Those who knew Teigan say that, in spite of her physical limitations, she embraced life with remarkable spirit. Malfitano described her as having “such a zest [for] life” and being “still such a happy girl.” Teigan especially loved zooming around the front yard before collapsing happily into piles of grass, leaves, and sticks. She also gravitated toward the bigger dogs at the rescue, particularly ones with big, fluffy tails.