My husband is rooting for the Steelers this Sunday. And that would be fine, except I'd really rather that Pittsburgh didn't win this year's Super Bowl. Plus he tends to get a little vocal and overexcited, shall we say, about his sports teams. So rather than spend the day listening to him pout—or gloat—depending on the score, I might have to spend some time in another room doing something a lot less stressful.

Animal Planet has an alternative for everyone who's team isn't playing or just can't stand the sport— Puppy Bowl V. For the fifth year in a row, you can tune in to watch 20 adorable and adoptable puppies play while announcers comment on their antics. Once you've seen the first half, watch the halftime show to see some very cute kittens frolic on the field.

All the pets, as well as more than 270,000 others, are available for adoption at Petfinder.com, so if you fall in love with one of these precious players—and how could you not—you can search the site to find a new best friend. I'm certainly tempted to bring one home.

Above: Schroder will be playing in the Puppy Bowl. He is from the PAW-fect Match Rescue in Holly Springs, NC.

My husband wants a new puppy. And of course I can't blame him. After all, my dog is pretty terrific and pretty spoiled. Of course, he more than gives back to us the love and affection we heap on him. But it didn't have to turn out like that for him or me. Like countless other dogs he started out in an animal shelter, where I found and rescued him.

I've had "pound puppies" for most of my life and have found them to be some of the very best pets. That's why I have to mention a cause that's near to my heart. Tomorrow, January 24, is Change a Pet's Life Day. Shelters across the country are offering free pet adoptions for both dogs and cats. And with shelters overflowing with animals that have been abandoned after their owners lost their home to foreclosure, there's no better time to pick out a new member of the family.

So visit a shelter. You may find that adopting a new pet will change both your lives for the better. My husband and I may even see you there.

Have you ever spent an evening watching Jeopardy with your cat? Do you think you’re cat is clearly the cleverest kitty out there? If so, here’s an opportunity that you won’t want to mix. Meow Mix is auditioning contestants for a new game show airing on GSN (Game Show Network) on November 15, 2008. The show is called “Think Like a Cat” and you and your pet could be chosen to fly to Los Angeles to compete with other cat owners to see over who knows their cat best. Auditions are being held in New York, Tampa, Dallas, Denver, Portland, OR, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Check out the Meow Mix website for dates and locations.

Need a warm up before the audition? Take our quiz to see how much you really know about cats.

Did you know that there are 71 million US households that have at least one pet. That’s up seven percent in the last five years, according to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association. As a pet owner myself, I can certainly understand the appeal. There’s nothing like curling up on the couch with my dog at the end of a long day. Unfortunately, I’m also perpetually covered in pet hair, since the fine hairs that he leaves behind on all my furniture always make their way onto my black pants.

If your pet has left you feeling frustrated as you carry out your spring cleaning, here are some helpful tips from the people at FURminator and veterinarian Dr. Jeff Werber to help you keep your home and pet clean.

• Healthy Diet. Diet plays a key role in your pet's overall health. Feeding your pet a quality pet food with protein, vitamins and Omega-Fatty Acids will promote a healthy weight and topcoat and help reduce shedding.
• Scratch the Itch. Pets can itch because of fleas, dry skin or even a skin allergy, which can spread dander throughout the house. Whatever the cause, make sure to speak with your veterinarian to help your pets feel and look their best.
• Lessen Allergies & Sneezing. Create allergy-free areas for family members with pet allergies by restricting animals to certain rooms of your home and consider using allergen-resistant covers on mattresses and pillows. Regular grooming will also decrease the amount of airborne allergens and dander around the house.
• Pet Hair Removal. Upholstery is a pet hair magnet and removing fur can be tedious. Eliminate newly shed hair with a lint roller before fur works its way into fabric. If pets are allowed on the furniture, consider investing in furniture throws that can be laundered. This will keep your home looking and smelling better.
• Pet Crates. Pets prefer a clean, dry space to sleep in. A crate acts like their bedroom and provides a positive solution to house-training. Be sure to keep their "room" clean by washing blankets kept in the crate.
• Avoid the Outside Coming In. Keep a washable rug near the door your pet uses. Wipe off your pet's paws so mud or dirt is not tracked onto floors.
• Pet Stain Removal. For pet stains on carpets, try sponging the area with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of clear dish detergent in a quart of warm water; let dry and repeat if the spot remains.
• Pet Dishes. Keep a mat or rug under your pets' food and water dish to catch spills. Also, spray a light mist of vegetable oil on the inside of their dishes for easier cleanup.
• Cleaner Pet, Cleaner Home. Keep pets clean by bathing them regularly with a specially formulated shampoo and conditioner.
• Love Your Pet, Hate the Shedding? Use a professional grooming tool to groom your pet regularly. This will eliminate the amount of fur left on floors, couches and clothes.

Check out some of the FURminator tools and shampoos to help keep your pet's shedding to a minimum.