Lewis the Shar Pei had an incredibly rough start in life. Sold by a pet store into a family that couldn’t accommodate Lewis’s breed-specific needs (Shar Pei’s can have horrible skin issues), the wrinkly white puppy was in trouble.
Unsure where to turn, his owners called Florida Little Dog Rescue for help, and director Laurie Johnson sprang into action. Laurie quickly took the puppy into her own home and started trying to find a new family for the adorable pup.
Lewis’s first night in his foster home.
Laurie was determined to find Lewis a furever home. But how would she find pup parents who would be able to handle the Shar Pei in all of his wrinkly glory?
Lewis taking a snooze.
And then something happened that would turn Lewis into one lucky pup.
A Puppy Bowl casting manager came around asking about the rescue’s puppies, and mentioned that they were SPECIFICALLY looking for a Shar Pei…
The well-dressed, hungry puppy chowing down.
And next thing they knew, Lewis was Puppy Bowl bound! He’d received what Laurie called “the fastest yes ever” from Animal Planet.
He may look sleepy here, but apparently he knows how to play ruff!
Lewis’s fortunate streak wasn’t over yet. While he and Laurie were staying at a hotel getting ready to film Puppy Bowl XI, they were connected with a family who was interested in adopting the little pup. The best part? This new family already owned a Shar Pei.
Lewis and his new brother.
The new family was so excited about meeting Lewis, their other dog wore a “I’m The Big Brother” t-shirt to the first meet and greet!
It was ruv at first sight and Lewis was quickly adopted. Laurie says his new home is the “complete opposite of where he started”.
Lewis meeting his new bro in his “I’m the Big Brother” t-shirt.
Laurie’s also quick to point out that Lewis had lived in Florida, and his new family was in Connecticut, and if it hadn’t been for Puppy Bowl, they would never have met.
Lewis and his new family!
So how did the rough and tumble pup do in the Puppy Bowl? Tune in February 1st at 3pm to Animal Planet to find out 
Image via Animal Planet