Animal Planet Rushes the Field During Super Bowl(TM) Weekend in Spectacular PUPPY BOWL IV

Animal Planet Rushes the Field During Super Bowl(TM) Weekend in Spectacular PUPPY BOWL IV

-- For the First Time, See Puppy Tackles, Tumbles and Fumbles in HD on February 3 --

SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Tired of the same old Super Bowl(TM) pre-game show? Looking for some excitement before the opening coin- toss? Before the big men in pads take the field for their gridiron battle, watch some players that are ready to rumble and "ruff" their way to victory. We've traded in linebackers for Labradors and quarterbacks for corgis. Animal Planet releases the hounds for PUPPY BOWL IV on Sunday, February 3, from 3-6 PM (ET/PT). Get in the game with tackles, fumbles and fouls from playful pups that just can't get enough of the action. And what's a bowl game without the halftime show? Frisky kittens return for an all-new edition of the BISSELL KITTY HALF-TIME SHOW. And this year, viewers are able to see all of the frolicking like never before. For the first time, PUPPY BOWL IV will be broadcast in high-definition, capturing all of the thrilling action of our cute and cuddly pups in stunning clarity.

From baby beagles to mini dachshunds to mixed breeds -- viewers are in for a fantastic lineup that's itching to play in a winning combination of tackles, puppy penalties and fido first downs. The renowned Harry Kalas, voice of NFL Films, returns to call the play-by-plays of this year's game. The third annual BISSELL KITTY HALF-TIME SHOW features more than a dozen of the cutest kittens at their energetic best.

"Puppy Bowl has become an annual viewer favorite, and in fact, we receive notes from viewers about how they try to incorporate Puppy Bowl into their Super Bowl activities," said Marjorie Kaplan, president and general manager of Animal Planet Media. "By luring in viewers with adorable puppies and cuddly kittens, our goal is not only to entertain them but to raise awareness about all of the wonderful animals in need of loving homes and to encourage them to look into pet adoption if they are looking to add a furry friend to their family."

PUPPY BOWL IV cameras catch all of the exhilarating action of the puppies as they pounce and play with one another. With instant replays, the popular water bowl cam and "puppy penalties," viewers can decide which pup is their favorite. Viewers have the chance to choose their pick for MVP (Most Valuable Puppy) by logging on to www.animalplanet.com, and this year, they can read the "players'" scouting reports and try and predict who will come out on top. Animal Planet will tally the vote and announce the winner Monday following the game.

Many of the charming canines featured in PUPPY BOWL IV come from the SPCA of Anne Arundel County (Maryland), Homeward Tails Rescue and other Washington, D.C. area shelters where countless animals await good homes. While on the website and during the show, Animal Planet will direct viewers to PETFINDER.COM, the best resource for finding adoptable pets. Here, interested viewers can obtain more information about adopting a pet in their own community.

For all the feline fans, the BISSELL KITTY HALF-TIME SHOW is back! The lively kittens show off their moves on a glittery stage and chase each other around the field. Tom Petty's performance has nothing on these tiny tabbies and cuddly calicos which prove that watching curious kittens batting around a toy mouse is all the entertainment you need. It's the pick of the litter for halftime shows! Viewers also can relive fun from Puppy Bowl past with the debut of the PUPPY BOWL III DVD on January 15.

PUPPY BOWL IV and the BISSELL KITTY HALF-TIME SHOW are productions of the Discovery Studios. For Discovery Studios, Rob Burk is the executive producer. For Animal Planet, Melinda Toporoff is the executive producer. Puppy Bowl IV is brought to you by animal-friendly companies such as BISSELL(R) and "Pedigree(R) - Dog Rules."

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Animal Planet

CONTACT: Melissa Berry of Animal Planet, +1-240-662-2946,
Melissa_Berry@discovery.com

Web site:

http://www.animalplanet.com/
http://www.discovery.com/

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