NBC "Today" co-host Hoda Kotb found her new best friend Wednesday in a PAWS Chicago rescue dog.
Hoda and co-host Kathie Lee Gifford spent Tuesday on a play date in New York's Central Park with 10 potential puppies to determine which dog suited Kotb's busy lifestyle.
Kotb announced the lucky winner, Goldfish, a five-month-old male Cockapoo during Wednesday’s live broadcast of "Today."
Hoda's niece plans to rename the newly adopted pup "Bibble" or "Meatball."
"He was not a dog I thought I’d select. But when you know, you know," Kotb said.
Goldfish was a stray dog from Chicago and was rescued from a city pound by PAWS Chicago, one of the largest No Kill animal shelters in the nation.
Gifford had her eye on an eight-week-old male Poodle mix named "Cinnamon," and adopted the the furry friend for her a friend's son. The eight remaining dogs are all available for adoption through PAWS or Petfinder.
PAWS founder Paula Fasseas joined Kotb and Griffin on set Wednesday to discuss things to consider when adopting a pet and to express her happiness that Kotb decided to make her adoption part of the show.
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"When public figures and celebrities adopt and draw attention to the tragic reality that so many wonderful homeless animals are killed every year, it brings the importance of adoption to the public's attention and saves thousands of lives,” Fasseas said.
Thousands of homeless pets are euthanized in Chicago each year. Last year, PAWS Chicago found homes for more than 5,600 pets.
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