Photos: Behind the Scenes at Puppy Bowl IX

Get ready to grab the chips and commandeer the remote because Puppy Bowl will return for its ninth year on Superbowl Sunday. This year viewers who prefer the cuddly canine version of football will witness a menagerie of cuteness, including hedgehog cheerleaders, a kitty halftime show, a hamster-piloted blimp, and 63 puppy stars recruited from shelters across the country. Petside was on the sidelines to catch a behind-the-scenes look during the filming of this year's special.

Puppy Bowl airs Sunday February 3 at 3pm on Animal Planet, with repeat showings throughout the day.