???Even though the Lingerie Bowl was canceled this year, those interested in something different on Super Bowl Sunday will still have their appetites filled.
???Animal lovers unite-the fifth annual Puppy Bowl is on.
???On Sunday, Animal Planet will be broadcasting Puppy Bowl V, a display of puppies, kittens and a singing parrot clashing together for hours of entertainment.
???The starting lineup this year consists of puppies such as Madeline, the nine-week old beagle or Griffey, the 10-week old white Labrador retriever. The catch is that every puppy that plays with the pigskin was recruited from shelters such as Furry Friends Network, Paw-fect Match Rescue and the SPCA of Anne Arundel County in Maryland.
???Puppies like Madeline or Griffey will run around the field of Animal Planet Stadium, playing with each other as they hope to be the winning canine. Like any normal game of football, the pigskin will be sought as these rambunctious puppies deke and dodge each other for the coveted end zone.
???Marjorie Kaplan, president and general manager of Animal Planet Media, says while the NFL might have the Super Bowl and Bruce Springsteen, the Puppy Bowl will offer much more to viewers.
???"Super Bowl fans are used to cable cams and slow motion instant replays, but only Animal Planet viewers can get up-close and personal with our adorable puppy players through our innovative water bowl cam," Kaplan said. "[The NFL] may have The Boss, but we have Pepper the Parrot and the Kitten Halftime Show."
???Pepper, in its first Puppy Bowl experience, will sing a special rendition of the national anthem, while kittens will try to steal the halftime aura that Springsteen is sure to give off in Tampa.
???The animal stars will show off their moves on a glittery stage and dance at halftime. Expect sheer enjoyment as the tabbies and calicos bat around toy mice throughout the performance.
???Throughout Puppy Bowl V, viewers can expect exhilarating plays from each puppy on the field. In case one of the furry players gets out of hand, veteran referee Andrew Schechter will assess puppy penalties for any infractions.
???"I think we all have a calling," Schechter said. "Some of us are firemen, some are policemen. I am a ref. I referee little, cute, adorable puppies pretending to play football for people's enjoyment. It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it."
???Being the referee at the Puppy Bowl is a hard job; Schechter will be watching for penalties in addition to keeping the players hydrated. He will also keep an eye out for the canine that shows true athleticism-this game's Most Valuable Puppy.
???While Schechter is a seasoned veteran at officiating the canine world's biggest game, both Schechter and fans will be treated with a special unannounced guest that has never graced the field at Animal Planet Stadium-a streaker.
???Returning as the play-by-play commentator is world-renowned announcer Harry Kalas, voice of NFL Films and the Philadelphia Phillies.
???Pregame festivities-including Pepper's performance-begin at 1 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
