CLEVELAND, OH (February 12, 2025) – Cleveland’s Fox 8 News and Zignature, an independently-owned pet health company, proudly presented the first annual Goddard Bowl, a community-driven celebration of seasonal sports, animal welfare advocacy, and playful puppies, honoring the legacy of meteorologist Dick Goddard. The event aired Sunday morning on Fox 8 Cleveland.

Ten viewer-submitted puppies from the Ohio area were randomly selected by the station to compete in the three rounds of fur-filled fun, including: Lou (Beagle), Zoey (Shih Tzu Poodle), Scooby Doo (Great Dane), Zara (Lab Mix), Maynard James (Chow-Pitbull Mix), Dixie Jane (Black Lab), Oreo (Shih Tzu), Archie (French Bulldog), Smokey (Bernese Mountain Dog/Golden Retriever), and Winnie (Mini Golden Doodle).

The segment also featured on-screen pop-ups, highlighting information on fostering and adoption, and the station’s website included a list of local rescues and shelters.

Dr. Adam Hechko of North Royalton Animal Hospital ensured the puppies’ safety and well-being, acting as the on-site trainer. Lou’s pet parent, a Foster Coordinator for Berea Animal Rescue Friends and 51-time foster mom, showcased the importance of fostering and the organization’s role in preparing dogs for their forever homes.

Jerry Golod, Territory Manager for Pets Global, Inc., maker of Zignature, discussed their new Puppy Formula and commitment to pet nutrition, while providing the puppy players with some tasty treats for motivation.

“We’re very excited about being a part of the Goddard Bowl,” said Golod. “Our mission has always been to make products that support a healthier, happier life for our pets. Our new, nutrient-packed Puppy Formula can help with their development now, and offers these playful pups a seamless transition to our other All Life Stages options.”

Referee, anchor, and host Natalie Herbick declared all the puppies winners, deeming the 2025 Goddard Bowl a “pawsome” success. The segment concluded with Goddard’s famous saying: “Be kind to the four-foots.”

Catch all the adorable action here: https://fox8.com/news/fox-8-viewer-pups-compete-in-first-ever-goddard-bowl/

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About Zignature

Zignature is Pets Global Inc.’s premium dog food brand known for its high quality, meat-first, limited-ingredient recipes. A leader in novel, single-animal protein, its exceptional variety of nutritionally complete and balanced formula lines includes Original with Probiotics, Select Cuts with super grains, wet food and small bites, as well as savory treats, ensuring that whatever your canine companion’s diet needs or preferences are, “We Have the Solution.” Learn more about Zignature at https://zignature.com/ and follow on Instagram @zignaturedog and Facebook and TikTok @zignaturepet.

About Dick Goddard

Dick Goddard, legendary meteorologist, sports fan and broadcaster for Fox 8 Cleveland, was a tireless champion for animal welfare, using his platform to promote adoption, spaying/neutering, and fundraising for rescues and shelters. His decades-long commitment included featuring shelter pets on his “Pet Parade” segment, establishing the annual Dick Goddard APL Telethon, and founding the Woollybear Festival. In 2016, “Goddard’s Law” was passed, making animal abuse a felony in Ohio.

Contact:

Kim Botbyl, Pets Global, Inc.

kimberly.botbyl@pets-global.com

(661) 877-8072