NORTH RIDGEVILLE -- A local resident will be featured on television during the upcoming Super Bowl 50, wearing his black-and-white uniform like all the other referees.

Only Stanley won't be on the main Super Bowl stage. He'll be in the Super Bowl alternative television show, "Puppy Bowl XII." And no, Stanley isn't a puppy either. He's a domestic skunk. And he belongs to Deborah Cipriani, founder and president of Skunk Haven in North Ridgeville.

His real name is "Tank" and he plays "Stanley," an assistant referee -- actually called a "rufferee" -- in the Super Bowl alternative television show, "Puppy Bowl XII" on Animal Planet. The show features hours of puppies chasing toy footballs around a field as cheerleading kittens cavort on the sidelines.

Tank is something of a local celebrity in North Ridgeville. Skunk Haven is the group that puts on the annual Skunk Fest in the city every September.

Cipriani and Tank recently returned from New York where they taped "Puppy Bowl XII," which will air 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, on the Animal Planet network, opposite that other athletic event (the Super Bowl).

"Tank will be seen, whistle in tow, overseeing the plays on the field of the cutest Bowl Game on television," said the news release. "Animal Planet and Geico have teamed up to bring Puppy Bowl XII to fans in virtual reality via four practice scrimmages. A pregame tailgate show begins at 2:30 pm ET/PT, featuring analysis and commentary from a team of sports correspondents."

The network also is partnering with the Pro Football Hall of Fame to introduce the "Puppy Bowl Hall of Fame" to honor legacy players from previous Puppy Bowls. The aim of the show is to promote adoption of older animals as well as puppies.

Take a look at clips from previous Puppy Bowls at Animal Planet's YouTube page.

Skunk Haven is a rescue, shelter and education center that takes in unwanted pet skunks. The skunks either live at the shelter or are adopted out. The group also makes itself available around the clock to veterinarians around the world who may need advice dealing with the friendly creatures.

The Skunk Fest, held the second Saturday of September in North Ridgeville, draws skunks and their owners from all over the United States and from foreign countries. They compete in contests including "Best Detective," "Best Tail," "Most Talented" and the "King and Queen of the festival."

Tank is a familiar figure about the festival, always scoring top marks with visitors.