SUPER BOWL XLVII / PUPPY BOWL IX

The biggest event on all fours was back!

Puppy Bowl returned for its ninth consecutive year with an all-star, all-adorable cast that was ready to mix it up on the grand gridiron of Animal Planet Stadium.

Puppy Bowl IX brought viewers a loveable lineup that was itching to play in a winning combination of terrier tackles, touchdowns, puppy penalties, fumbles and Fido first downs.

This year also featured fan favorites like the Water Bowl Cam, tail-gating fans, and the hamster-steered blimp, this year’s big game did not disappoint AND was a tail-wagger.

For the first time ever, viewers got to see not only the hedgehog cheerleaders, but Baltimore’s secret weapon – Leo the Line Backer…

This doodle, gentle by nature, is a force to be reckoned with on the field. Look at his blocking stance - he’s so bad he doesn’t need a number on his uniform…

To show support for his brother, Harley decided to invite a few friends over and host a little “pre-victory” tail gate party before the game. With his beads on – he asked Leo if he would be able to hang out a little bit before kick-off…

Leo was honored and said “no problem”, took off his jersey and joined Harley outside…

Harley had a nice spread…

Harely was getting hungry waiting for his guests to arrive…

Finally he heard Cooper and Lil’ Leo coming….

The boys were speechless when they saw Cooper coming down the street, Leo wasn’t sure why, and Harley definitely had questions about that red bow around his neck. Lil Leo said he didn’t care who won the game, he came for the grub…

Music filled the trunk area and the beat was “bumping.” Harley knotted up his Mardi Gras beads and was ready to party…

Cooper got pushed around during the line dancing and his mom jumped in like head referee calling unnecessary “ruff-ness” (like there are rules in tailgating)…

Thirsty after the song ended, Cooper decided to go grab a cold one from the cooler…

It was getting close to game time and Leo had to get dressed and “huddle-up” with the rest of the team, so the party came to an end. But I heard them chanting as they jumped out the back – “Ain’t no party like a doodle tail gate party”