Players survive Puppy Bowl
As football season comes to a close, what is everyone talking about? The Puppy Bowl! Oh, the Super Bowl? Nah. Puppy Bowl. And don’t fret – none of the cute competitors were hurt in the rough-and-tumble game. Here’s info from the AHA:
For the sixth consecutive year, Animal Planet’s “Puppy Bowl” television program — started in 2005 as an alternative to the Super Bowl — has earned the American Humane Association’s “No Animals Were Harmed” ® end-credit disclaimer.
This year’s “players” include 43 puppies and 20 kittens providing halftime entertainment. New to this year’s lineup are bunny cheerleaders and hamsters flying a blimp. American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representative™ Sandi Buck was the authority on set to make sure the action was safe for all animals involved. She has been monitoring “Puppy Bowl” for American Humane’s Film & TV Unit since the show’s premiere season. The main action essentially consists of puppies just being themselves — roaming around on a miniature indoor football field and having fun with toys and each other.
“Because of six years experience and planning, this year’s Puppy Bowl ran the smoothest,” Buck said. “I think it says a lot about American Humane’s involvement and the valued partnership we have created with Animal Planet that American Humane has been part of all six filmings of this popular and fun program.”
The on-screen action takes place on a scaled-down gridiron about 10 feet wide by 20 feet long. There is even a referee to call penalties, such as “unnecessary ruffness.” The adorable lineup was carefully monitored to achieve a good mix of cheerful and playful puppies on the field at one time. All of the puppies, kittens, bunnies and hamsters came from shelters and rescue groups that can be found on the national PetFinder.com website. The majority of the animals are of mixed breed.
“Puppy Bowl VI” premieres Sunday, Feb. 7, from 3-5 p.m. (ET/PT) on Animal Planet with five consecutive repeats.
Of course, we’ll make our annual Puppy Bowl predictions on Pet Show this coming week.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
House cat takes on bear
I wish I knew more about this video. If you trust the explanation on Youtube, this happened in Quebec. I’m a bit disturbed by the laughing from the woman apparently shooting the video and the child. If this were my cat, I’d be in a panic. Still, good for the kitty.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Readers pictures of animals and ice
Readers sent in these pictures of animals and the ice storm …
You can check out photos from NewsOK readers here and from The Oklahoman’s staff photographers here.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – some feel-good stories
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Fire crew rescues stranded kitten. (Midwest City)
- Zoo seeks volunteers. (Oklahoma City)
- Davey’s a snake charmer. (Washington, Okla.)
- Dogs drifts 75 miles on ice. (Poland)
Those two rescue stories are a great pick-me-up for a dreary day like this.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – alpacas, red pandas and jumping cats
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Alpacas shine at group’s festivities. (Shawnee)
- Zoo strives to keep animals warm. (Oklahoma City)
- Pet Tales: Cat jumps over fence and into heart of cancer survivor. (Edmond)
- Columnist traumatized by creepy-crawly bugs. (Bartlesville)
- Scientists discover dinosaur was red. (Washington, D.C.)
- Target salmon goes wild. (nationwide)
- Set examples as responsible pet owner. (nationwide)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pet Show – keeping safe during the storm
Listen to Pet Show! Our guest is Dr. Louise Murray, medical director of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Impressed? We are, too. Dr. Murray talked to us about how to keep your pets safe during the impending ice storm, otherwise known as Ice Storm of Doom 2010.
In other news, police in Mexico City saved 150 ferrets, and the Brits have taught crocodiles to recognize their own names. Maybe that’s not as important right now as winter weather safety, but it’s still interesting. Kind of.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
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Pets in the paper – a pack of alpacas!
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman since Saturday -
- Alpaca owners gather for wild, woolly show. (Shawnee)
- See the zoo for free. (Oklahoma City)
- Plane returns after hitting bird. (Virginia)
- Police rescue ferrets. (Mexico)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Best. Idea. Ever.
Ladies and gentlemen, the puppy cam:
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Squirrel Appreciation Day
In honor of National Squirrel Appreciation Day (yes, that’s really a thing), I offer some cute photos of squirrels from the archives of The Oklahoman. My personal favorite is the last of the bunch, a baby squirrel being hand-fed. Enjoy.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Rescue group robbed, dogs stolen
A dog rescue group is looking for help after someone robbed their Doggie Care Center in Johnson City, Tenn.
The group, led by Tammara Josselyn, keeps all its rescue animals in the center while they are nursed back to health so they can be adopted. Josselyn’s niece, who lives in an apartment above the center, came down to check on the dogs when they wouldn’t top barking in the middle of the night.
She was confronted by the robbers, one of whom pulled a knife and cut her. The woman was treated at a nearby hospital. The robbers made of with 14 dogs. Twelve were dobermans, one was a labrador retriever and one was a miniature pinscher. Some of the dogs have special medical needs.
Animal advocates in the area fear the robbery could be the work of a local dogfighting ring. There has been a strong of break-ins at shelters recently, with thieves taking large breeds known to be used by dogfighters, along with declawed cats, puppies and small dogs.
The small animals are used as bait to test the larger dogs’ fighting instincts. They are often mauled and killed. As the owner of a miniature pinscher mix, this story is particularly disturbing to me.
Supporters have set up a Web site with the full story along with photos and contact information for anyone who might be able to help bring these dogs home.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
