Usually when people think of dogs and the Super Bowl, they think of the Puppy Bowl Halftime Show that has run on different channels during halftime of the big game.

However, in Guilford County, the important connection between the Super Bowl and dogs – as well as other animals – is the interesting adoption special that’s being put on by the Guilford County animal shelter right now.

The shelter is running  a “Touchdown! Adoption Special” that will remain in effect until Sunday, Feb. 11.

Guilford County Animal Services, the county department that oversees the shelter, often offers a special deal at this time of year to help clear out the cages.

To take part, you can either wear a jersey of your favorite football team and get an automatic 50 percent off of a pet adoption – or, alternatively, you may test your skill – and perhaps luck as well– throwing  a football into a basket.

With the football toss adoption special,, you get a chance to throw a small nerf football into one of three baskets – marked for 25 percent off, 50 percent off, or free adoptions.

According to Animal Services staff, this year, even if you wear a jersey, you can still participate in the chance to get a free adoption by throwing the nerf ball – but, regardless, you will, at a minimum, get  half off the regular adoption fee just for wearing the jersey.

You can take part in the Touchdown! Adoption Special by going to the shelter – what county officials call the Guilford County Animal Resource Center – at 980 Guilford College Road, Greensboro, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. every day except for Tuesdays.

An added perk is that there’s no appointment needed.

If you’d like to see what dogs cats and other animals are up for adoption, you can visit the shelters webpage on the Guilford County government website to find pictures and descriptions of the available dogs and cats, as well as of other animals currently up for adoption.