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

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