Article posted: 2/2/2013 5:03 AM

Animal shelters the real winners of ‘Puppy Bowl’

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Dogs play on the field during "Puppy Bowl IX." The annual two-hour TV special mimics a football game with canine players, made its debut eight years ago on The Animal Planet.

Courtesy of Animal Planet

Michael Wright and his dog Toby, who was previously named Fumble and the MVP in last year's Animal Planets' "Puppy Bowl."

Associated Press

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There will be a winner and a loser every Super Bowl Sunday. But at the "Puppy Bowl," it's always a win for animal shelters. The show provides national exposure to the shelters across the country that provide the puppy athletes and the kittens that star in the halftime show, and introduces viewers to the different breeds and animals that need homes, animal workers say. Many shelters see bumps in visits from viewers who are inspired to adopt a pet.