"Adorable Adoptable Animal Amateurs On Animal Planet" is a mouthful. So, what's it all about? No, I'm not talking about the Groundhog seeing his shadow, or whether winter or spring comes sooner or later this year. And No, I'm not referring to the rat being appointed the mascot of this year's Chinese New Year. No, the amateur athletes I'm referring to are those worthy of entering this year's gridiron at Puppy Bowl XVI.
Go Big & Go Home
It's a "ruff" and "fluff" life for #TeamRuff or #Teem Fluff. The Slogan "Go Big And Go Home" kind of says it all. The match-up for 2020 not only seeks a win on the field, but it also presents hope that these footballers will hopefully score an adoption as well. In years past, 100% of the puppies and kittens that have participated in the PUPPY BOWL have been adopted and secured their 'furrever homes.' Animal Planet's annual showdown between adorable (and adoptable) puppies is quite paw-bably the cutest televised sporting event ever.
"Lombarky" Trophy
The showrunners for Puppy Bowl XVI will wrangle two teams that play on a mini-football stadium. While these fluffy fur babies perform, an announcer provides entertaining and witty banter. One of the highlights of the day is whether #TeamRuff or #TeamFluff will win the big game and take home the coveted "Lombarky" Trophy.
The Competition
This year's game features the highest number of pets to ever compete, making it the "biggest and most epic game in Puppy Bowl history," according to Animal Planet.
The Bowl includes 96 precious puppies from 61 animal shelters and rescue organizations across the United States.
Five of the puppy athletes have handicaps, including a three-legged Labrador Retriever mix, two hearing-impaired pups, a blind and hearing-impaired Shetland Sheepdog mix and an American Staffordshire Terrier and Bulldog mix with cleft palates.
#TeamRuff and #TeamFluff's colors are Tail Mary Tangerine and Bark Blue. You can take a look at this year's paws-bably the greatest line-up here.
Halftime show?
This year's halftime show is one for the history books!
Half-way through the game, legendary cat divas Jenni-Purr Lopez and Cat-ira will arrive in a "decked-out limousine." They will then take the stage for a special performance of "Catnips Don't Lie!" These two sassy sweethearts of course will also be available for adoption.
Don't miss . . .
Animal Planet continues its tradition with a new set of adorable dogs and cats that are primed to tumble and fumble on the field.
The two-hour event is known for its slow-motion replays, iconic water bowl cam and, of course, the Pedigree puppy kiss cam.
It's all cute fun, but don't forget that the goal is not only touchdowns and field goals. This event is to encourage adoptions.
How can you adopt?
If you see a pup or puss you're interested in adopting, go to AnimalPlanet.com and find the shelter or rescue where that pet currently resides.
Tune in . . .
You can watch Puppy Bowl XVI on Sunday [February 2] at 3 pm. ET on Animal Planet and the network's Go app.
As an FYI, Puppy Bowl XVI isn't a live event. It takes months to cut and edit in post-production before the TV broadcast. [However, that doesn't take away from the excitement you will be a witness to. when you turn your TV sets on at 3 pm]
Primary Source: Animal Planet
