What started as a routine NFL training camp kickoff turned into a heartwarming adoption event Wednesday, as the New England Patriots partnered with the Potter League for Animals to find forever homes for 14 puppies.
The collaboration between the Kraft Family, the Patriots organization, and the New England Patriots Foundation proved to be a winning play, with 13 successful adoptions completed on the spot and one additional adoption pending.
“We came to Training Camp with 14 puppies… and left with 13 adoptions, one pending, and one iconic puppy surprise caught on camera,” the Potter League for Animals announced in their social media post following the event.
The day’s most memorable moment came courtesy of Patriots players Steph and Andy Borregales, who provided what the Potter League called “the ultimate glow-up” for a puppy named Camilla. In a surprise adoption that was captured on camera, Steph orchestrated the adoption while Andy welcomed their fourth dog into the family.
“Steph, you pulled off the surprise of the day. Andy, welcome to life with four dogs—hope you saved some room on the couch,” the Potter League joked in their post.
The event, held during the Patriots’ training camp kickoff, combined two beloved American pastimes: football and puppy love. Families gathered not just to watch their team prepare for the upcoming season, but to potentially add a new four-legged member to their households.
The New England Patriots Foundation, which organized the adoption component of the day, described it simply as helping “find puppies their furever homes at training camp pet adoption day.”
For the Potter League for Animals, the event represented a massive success in their ongoing mission to connect rescue animals with loving families. The organization expressed overwhelming gratitude for the community response.
“Congratulations to all the amazing families who adopted today—we’re beyond grateful and humbled by the outpouring of kindness and compassion. Our hearts are full,” they shared.
The event highlights a growing trend of sports organizations partnering with animal welfare groups to promote pet adoption, using their platform and fan base to support local rescue efforts. For the Patriots, it added a meaningful community service element to their season kickoff, creating lasting memories for fans both two-legged and four-legged alike.
As training camp continues, 13 puppies are settling into their new homes across New England, while their former temporary caregivers at the Potter League celebrate what they called “a day full of tail wags, happy tears, and major heart-melt moments.”
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