The puppies are back on the gridiron, and this time they have feline cheerleaders.
Puppy Bowl II, Animal Planets alternative to the Super Bowl, will send 21 cuddly puppies into a special stadium to have some rough-and-tumble playtime. All of the dogs are 2 to 3 months old, and include a variety of breeds such as Beagles and Labrador Retriever mixes.
New to the show this year will be a halftime performance by tabby and calico kittens as they play on their own stage.
We received such a great response from our first Puppy Bowl that we are now making it an annual event, said Animal Planet General Manager Maureen Smith. Over 2 million people watched the puppy action last year.
Many of the performers were brought in from animal shelters, including three puppies who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina. To promote rescue adoptions and pet sterilization, the Animal Planet website will provide information for viewers to adopt a puppy in their area.
Internet users can also vote for an MVP, Most Valuable Puppy, with the winner to be announced after the game.
Puppy Bowl II will air on Animal Planet from 3 to 6 p.m. EST on Feb. 5. To vote, or for adoption information visit the Animal Planet website.
Posted: Feb. 3, 2006, 2 p.m. PST