Check Out The New Hedgehog Cheerleaders On Puppy Bowl IX While Watching Super Bowl 2013 (XLVII)

Alright all you dog lovers... While watching the biggest pigskin contest of the year, or even as an alternative, we are treated to other sights like the much anticipated line-up of hilarious (and not) commercials, but have you noticed a relative newcomer to Superbowl Sunday within the past decade? It's called the Puppy Bowl which airs on Animal Planet and they've upgraded their sideline cheering section this year with hedgehogs! Eat your heart out, Sonic!

For the un-initiated, the Puppy Bowl is basically a showcase of puppies from shelters playing with football-related items in order to tug at your heartstrings so you'll pick them up and spend the next Super Bowl with a new best friend by your side. A 'referee' and announcer translate the puppies' playtime in football terms. For example, if two contenders end up fighting over a toy they could be called for unnecessary 'rrrruffness' or they can be issued penalties for peeing on-field, etc. There's even hamsters in a blimp shooting the action from above the mock stadium! And for those of you who are more into the feline variety of pets, the Half-time Show features a whole slew of cats on-field, once again for the purpose of adoption. There have been all kinds of cheering squads since 2005 from bunnies to chickens and hens and pigs, but this year the hedgehogs have been awarded the honor.

So, if the commercials tank or if you're a sucker for animals, then this show should prove to be a welcome change to the typical festivities! Tune in to Animal Planet on Superbowl Sunday, February 3rd at 3pm to check out this spectacle.