The U.S. Postal Service has gone to the animals! In a tribute to our love affair with pets, the agency is debuting a brand, new collection of pet stamps. While the official day-of-issue dedication ceremony is taking place on Monday, August 1 at the SuperZoo pet convention in Las Vegas, Bark & Swagger got the scoop today!
The brand, new collection features photographs of 20 different domestic animals, including two dogs, two cats, two birds, two fish, four reptiles, five rodents, a crustacean, a rabbit and a horse. So, when you mail a letter, you can now choose a Forever stamp with your favorite pet.
“More than half of all U.S. homes have at least one pet, and that number increases every year. The most common are cats and dogs, but all types of pets provide love, happiness and companionship for their owners,” said Postal Service Chief Marketing and Sales Officer James Cochrane. “The bonds we create with animals improve our physical and emotional well-being and our pets truly become members of the family.”
The pet collection is a labor of love. Photographed by Eric Isselée, it was inspired by its art director and designer, Derry Noyes’, lifelong love of animals. And, because our pets come in all shapes and sizes, no matter what kind you have, you’re pretty much certain to be represented here. My faves are the puppy, the dog, the horse, the hamster, the kitty…wait, ok, it’s hard to choose!
Displaying a love for animals isn’t new for the U.S. Postal Service; their first pet-related offering actually dates back 37 years! Previous stamps featuring pets have included: Adopt a Shelter Pet, 2009; Spay and Neuter, 2002; Bright Eyes, 1998; American Dogs, 1984; American Cats, 1988; Puppy and Kitten, 1982 and Seeing For Me, 1979.
It’s not rocket science to figure out what stamps I’ll be choosing come Monday. Thank you, U.S.P.S.!
What’s your favorite? ♥
