Two local rescue dogs, Andy and Meatball, recently found their forever homes after competing in the 2025 Puppy Bowl on Feb. 9.
The Puppy Bowl, hosted annually on Super Bowl Sunday by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, featured two Homeward Bound Project of Mississippi rescue dogs among others competing for the championship title.
Andy and Meatball, who competed on “Team Ruff” during the Puppy Bowl, secured their place in the 2025 Puppy Bowl when a member from the SPCA reached out to Homeward Bound in search of puppies to participate.
While the two puppies did not win the Puppy Bowl title, they have found their forever home, thanks to Homeward Bound.
Homeward Bound is a Starkville-based nonprofit that rescues dogs in the South and transports them to the Northeast, where the demand for adoptable dogs is higher. The organization was founded in 2007 by three Mississippi State University veterinary school students and is primarily volunteer-run.
Terri Snead is a veterinary technician and a program coordinator for Homeward Bound, along with being the director of operations. Snead has been involved with Homeward Bound since the early days of the organization’s founding.
Snead said Hurricane Katrina rescue efforts inspired the idea of transporting dogs to northern states.
“They set the idea in people’s minds that we can move dogs from where they weren’t wanted to a place where they could be adopted,” Snead said.
According to Snead, northern states have had long-standing spay and neuter programs, which result in fewer puppies being born and adopted, compared to the South. Additionally, the South’s temperate climate also allows puppies in southern states a better chance at survival during the first few weeks of life.
To address the adoption imbalance, Homeward Bound partners with adoption agencies in Westchester, New York and Ridgefield, Connecticut. Snead said the organization typically schedules transports every six to eight weeks, sending around 35 puppies per trip.
In addition to transporting dogs to areas where demand is higher, Homeward Bound works to encourage fostering around the Starkville area.
Amy Lonsdale, the foster coordinator for Homeward Bound and a first-year veterinary-medicine student from Pennsylvania, oversees the effort by helping volunteers prepare for temporary pet care. Lonsdale spoke about why she enjoys working with Homeward Bound and its mission to create a better life for dogs that were rescued in the south.
“I personally love the mission and thought it was so unique,” said Lonsdale. “I am from up north in Pennsylvania, and I never knew about the severe overpopulation of dogs down here. The fact that we take the time to find and select the dogs that will get adopted in the north and genuinely have a better life is what got me into it.”
Lonsdale is constantly working with the MSU community to find foster families for dogs who need temporary homes while waiting for their permanent placement.
Before transporting dogs, Homeward Bound checks each dog for any medical issues they may have and ensures each dog is safe and healthy enough for travel. This program also works to promote better health for these animals in the Starkville area.
Tina Nguyen, who recently served as the medical treatments coordinator for Homeward Bound, spoke about what it takes for each dog to get transported and the basic needs Homeward Bound provides before they travel.
“We do the best we can before transport to make sure they don’t transmit any diseases,” said Nguyen. “On the day of transport, we have a doctor there to give them one last physical exam to make sure that they are good to go.”
Homeward Bound does most of its basic testing and checkups at its location in Starkville. While they do not have a full medical facility, Homeward Bound has access to doctors and specialists around the Starkville area that can check on the dogs at the facility.
Since Homeward Bound’s founding, the organization has worked on doing as much as possible for the Starkville community. Despite the organization’s success, Snead said she hopes for a future where, due to a drop in animal overpopulation problems, organizations like Homeward Bound are no longer necessary.
“To be honest, I would like to go out of business,” Snead said while laughing. “By saying that, I mean I wish we didn’t have this animal overpopulation problem down here. I would be happy to not be needed.”
Homeward Bound is primarily volunteer-based and is open to welcoming more volunteers. Nguyen spoke about how Homeward Bound has impacted her while serving the community.
“I think I will always remember Homeward Bound; it’s made such an impact on me,” said Nguyen. “It’s an incredible experience and it is truly one of the best organizations I’ve been a part of. I love it.”
To get involved with Homeward Bound, email homewardboundofms@gmail.com to be notified about volunteer opportunities and other ways to support the Homeward Bound mission.
