Who needs the Super Bowl when you can enjoy the Puppy Bowl instead? Isn’t it a lot more fun to watch puppies than a bunch of men running around with a football? This year’s Puppy Bowl falls on Sunday, Feb. 13, on Animal Planet at 2 PM EST and it’s a great way to spend an afternoon.
Here are some fun facts about this program.
They Employ Unusual Cheerleaders
Just like the Super Bowl, this event also has an enthusiastic group of cheerleaders to keep the participants in high spirits. In 2010, the cheerleaders were rabbits. Since then, we’ve seen dwarf goats, penguins, chickens, guinea pigs, and other creatures performing this important job. Each year, viewers love to meet the latest Puppy Bowl cheer squad.
“Accidents” Happen
Puppies still have a lot to learn – including proper potty habits. They do their best, but accidents sometimes happen, which means the Puppy Bowl always has a cleanup crew on hand to help mop up little messes.
Many People Prefer This to the Super Bowl
The Puppy Bowl was intentionally created to cater to those who aren’t that interested in sports or in watching the over-the-top Super Bowl. And while they knew they’d be able to win an audience, they didn’t realize just how successful the event would be. It averages about 2 million dedicated viewers every year, making it a beloved tradition for many.
It’s All About the Peanut Butter
If you have dogs, then you know they love a sticky, thick dollop of peanut butter. The cameras for this event are hidden in toys and near bowls, where they’re sure to pick up a lot of adorable close-ups of the puppies – and just to ensure that the puppies remain near the cameras, producers smear peanut butter in strategic locations.
It’s Not a Live Event
Though part of the thrill of the Super Bowl is watching it unfold live with the rest of the country, the Puppy Bowl doesn’t have the luxury of filming live. The health and safety of the puppies is their No. 1 priority, which means they take time to create the safest filming environment possible. They also have to take into account the fact that puppies aren’t very predictable – which means producers need time to edit out footage that detracts from the excitement of the “game.”
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