While the football pools and wagers continue to ramp up in the workplace in anticipation of February 3rd’s pigskin showdown, today another topic of conversation has stirred up at the water cooler…. This one, a bit more pint-sized… Which cuddly and adorably adoptable canine will take home the coveted MVP (Most Valuable Puppy) prize at Puppy Bowl IX, powered by Animal Planet. Just a few hours ago, NBC’s TODAY Show released the roster of this year’s all-stars, all of whom are rambunctious and raring-to-go for this year’s titan turf war. But don’t let their precious puppy pics, seemingly docile names (i.e. Butterscotch and Daffodil) and cherubic contender stats (i.e. a loveable little terror) fool you, these little guys are still ruff and poised to battle it out in a match of wags and wiggles. Obviously, an athletic game day display expected to rival the most aggressive plays in the Super Bowl stadium… don’t believe me? Ask Winston, the fiery, nine-week old Miniature Pinscher who, though described deceivingly as the “cutest of the litter,” is also “the hungriest” and ready to chew up and spit out the competition.

If nothing else, this game is sure to delight the at-home audience – who’d rather watch some playful puppy wrestling than spend their time gorging on snacks and apps to offset the nail-biting game of NFL giants.

Catch the action on Animal Planet – February 3rd. Kick-off, 3pm! We can’t wait to see howl it goes!

Photo Credit: Animal Planet

The canine stars of Disney’s “Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups,” took time out of their busy schedules over the weekend to paw-ticipate in the taping of the”Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” TV special. Bringing their holiday spirit to the Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World in Florida, these precocious pups starred in the parade alongside some tail-ented two-legged performers including Lady Antebellum, Backstreet Boys, the cast of “Newsies” and many more!

You can catch all the fun on the “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” TV special on ABC when the airs on Christmas morning but for a sneak peak, check out the event photos below!

The VIPs (very important puppies) were given the star treatment, Disney style, for the event

Pawing through the Magic Kingdom

Can’t get enough of these adorable dogs? Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups is available on DVD and Blu-ray!

*Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World is a client of Coyne PR

This week’s edition of The Week Unleashed will make you laugh, cry, and it may just save your life.

Meet Zelda

Adam and Katie’s first date didn’t go too well, but thanks to Zelda, this could decided to try a second date. (Story credit to PetSugar)

Great Dane Welcomes Home His Military Dad

I thought a bear hug was really big, but just wait until you see what a Great Dane hug looks like. (Story credit to PEOPLEPets)

The Newest Way to Dectect Cancer? Let Fido Sniff It Out

Researchers in Germany have found evidence that dog’s and their amazing sense of smell may very well be able to help diagnose cancer in humans. Scientists believe canines are able to pick up on very subtle changes in certain organic compounds in the breath which commonly change when cancer is present. (Story credit to TIME.)

Today is Friday. That means the week is coming to an end and it is once again time for The Week Unleashed. We hope you enjoy this week’s edition.

Lonely Otter Adopts Orphaned Kittens

A lonely otter from Somerset, England got off to a rough start in life by losing his mother and siblings, but has rebounded nicely by bonding with four orphaned kittens.

Hero Dog Runs Around With Knife in Head After Foiling Criminals

A story that is close to being unbelievable came out of South Africa this week when a dog was able to hold off trespassers, but ended up with an 8-inch knife lodged in her head. Amazingly, Bella the dog was unfazed by the incident, and after surgery to remove the knife, is expected to have a full and complete recovery. (WARNING: The images that accompany the story are stunning and somewhat graphic.)

Bodega Cats

We have all heard stories about library cats but what about cats that live in cities or like to be involved in activities that don’t invovle reading?

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Week Unleashed. This week we have a new born elephant from the Indianapolis Zoo, an epic battle between puppies and ducks and an amazing video of a dog that has yet to master the doggy-paddle.

Baby Elephant Turns Heads at Zoo

A baby elephant was unveiled at the Indianapolis Zoo this week and has attracted large crowds. The elephant’s name is currently being voted on, and will be announced soon. (Story credit to MSNBC)

Puppies vs. Ducks – Epid Food Defense

It is a question that has stood the test of time: Who would win in a battle between puppies and ducks? I’m not sure if this video provides an answer, but it is definitely entertaining to watch!

Bulldog Can’t Swim

This bulldog obviously loves the water, but he is far from the most graceful swimmer.

Here are this week’s top animal stories. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Cat Comforts Lizard

Sometimes everyone can use a hug. Even a tough-looking lizard.

South Korean Scientists Create Glowing Dog

A research team from South Korea discovered that a genetically altered beagle would glow fluorescent green under ultraviolet light if given a specific antibiotic in their food. Researchers hope to be able to use this finding to help find symptoms of diseases in humans and work to find treatments.

Puppy Plays Dead

This puppy might very well have a future as an actor. Check out how convincingly he is able to play dead.

The end of the week brings forth the newest edition of The Week Unleashed. I hope you enjoy…

Smoke shop Chihuahua will cut you

Two robbers attempting to rob a convenience store encountered quite a surprise when a Chihuahua interrupted their plans.

Sloth Has a Case of the Sleepies

Have you ever seen a sloth yawn? If you watch this video of a sleepy sloth, you will.

Attack a shark? What was this dog thinking?!

This dog is either down-right insane or extremely brave. This video shows a dog attacking a shark in the shallow waters off the coast of Australia, and amazingly enough, it appears neither the dog nor shark were any worse for the wear. Why the dog’s owners let the dogs swim with the sharks is beyond me.

Koala Tickle

Koala’s, without a doubt, are the coolest animals to walk the planet. Besides having the most laid-back lifestyle (sleeping 18 hours a day and eating eucalyptus for the remaing hours of the day) and having a remarkable resemblance to Yoda, Koala’s are able to keep people entertained for hours by basically doing nothing. Just watch how excited this lady gets when a Koala decides to wiggle his ears for her.

The end of yet another week brings forth the lastest edition of The Week Unleashed.

Kitten Tossed from Moving Car on N.Y.C. Bridge

A 5-week-old kitten had a rather eventful trip over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge last week after being tossed out of a moving car. Fortunately an animal control officer witnessed the incident and was able to save the lucky kitty.

New York Pet Stores Ban Drunk Puppy Shoppers

Had a bit too much to drink and looking to buy a puppy? Well if you live in New York, you may be plum out of luck. Pet stores in New York City are putting a stop when it comes to an intoxicated person looking to adopt a dog. This comes on the heels of a nearly tragic story where a newly purchased pup was fed pills, nearly killing the animal.

Missing Arkansas Dog Found After 7 Years

A dog that went missing several years ago will be reunited with his family after living with a different family under a different name. Seven years ago, Mimi was let into her backyard, and somehow managed to disappear. It is not exactly clear what happened, but Mimi eventually ended up at a shelter and was adopted by a new family, who after learning of the situation, agreed to return the dog.

Russell Brand and Kristen Wiig Joins the List of PETA’s Sexiest Vegetarians

Comedian Kristen Wiig and the highly unique Russell Brand were awarded the honor of being named to PETA’s list of the Sexiest Vegetarians. Past winners have included Olivia Wilde, Carrie Underwood and Bob Harper. The funny duo beat other several other finalists including Natalie Portman, Bill Clinton, Steve-O and Anne Hathaway.

Good day animal lovers. I hope everyone is getting all geared up for a great 4th of July weekend, and to help kick off the festivities, here is a lineup of our favorite animal stories from this week…

Tom Hanks is a Lot of Animals

On last night’s episdoe of Conan, a great website featuring Tom Hanks was profiled. The site, called “Tom Hanks Is a Lot of Animals” is a unique undertaking, and appears to be monitored by someone with a lot of time on their hands.

10 Tips to Prevent Pet Fireworks Fears

Along with all of the fun that comes with the Fourth of July, the day can also be filled with terror for pets. The people at Pawnation posted a list of tips to help ensure that both you, and your pets, can both enjoy the day.

Baylor and Tupelo in the Pool

Ever wonder what it looks like when two elephants go swimming in a kiddie wading pool? Watch as Baylor and Tupelo, two residents of the Houston Zoo, take a dip.

Jennifer Aniston Tattoo Pays Homage to Norman

As any true Jennifer Aniston fan knows, the famous actress has a special place in her heart for her late dog, Norman. Now Aniston has made a heartfelt gesture to honor her pup by getting has name tattooed on her foot. Story credit goes to PeoplePets.

As the week comes to a close, it is time once again to look back on the pet-related stories that peaked our interest this week. We have stories ranging from a flabby Lab to a bionic puppy and an article about a growing trend in China. We hope you enjoy these stories, and have a great weekend!

At 187 lbs., flabby Lab can hardly fit in a doghouse

A Lab from Australia named Samson can really pack on the pounds! The hefty pooch was raised on a burger and pizza diet, and now can barely fit into his doghouse. Fortunately, Samson has switched to a healthier, doggie-food only diet, and will hopefully start shedding some weight, and be able to live a much more enriching life.

Bionic Pup

The Bionic Man may have a new best friend! Thanks to the hard work by the people of OrthoPets, a lucky Nebraska dog, named Nakio, is being given a second chance to run and play. Nakio, during a horrible snowstorm, had his legs frozen in water, and had to have them amputated. But now, after a remarkable technological advancement, and some hard rehab work by the pup, Nakio can go back to being the fun-loving pup that he used to be.

10 Reasons to Take Your Dog to Work Today

The biggest story this week had to be Take Your Dog to Work Day, which took place on Friday, June 24. Dogster.com lists 10 reasons why all dog owners should take up any opportunity to bring their furry friend into the office with them.

China’s Latest Craze: Dyeing Pets to Look Like Other Wild Animals

The newest trend coming from China is the attempt to try and make ordinary pets look like wild animals. Let’s hope this is one trend that does not catch on.