2016 Pets Forever Stamp – Celebrating Animal Companions

2016 Pets Forever Stamp
Honoring the Animal Companions We Love

The 2016 Pets Forever Stamp celebrates the diverse range of animals we cherish as pets. Featuring a series of vibrant photographs, this stamp highlights the many beloved creatures that share our homes, from puppies and kittens to reptiles and fish. It also serves as a tribute to the unique bonds between humans and their animal companions.

Stamp Details and Features

• Stamp Category: Commemorative
• Face Value: 73¢ (First-Class Mail Rate, Forever)
• First Day of Issue: August 2, 2016
• First Day City: Las Vegas, Nevada
• Quantity Issued: 400,000,000
• Printed By: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd.
• Printing Method: Offset
• Format: Double-sided Booklet of 20
• Tagging: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag

About the Stamp Designs

Each of the 20 designs in this collection features a photograph by Eric Isselée, showcasing a variety of domesticated animals that we cherish as pets. These animals include puppies, betta fish, iguanas, hamsters, goldfish, parrots, guinea pigs, tortoises, rabbits, kittens, corn snakes, mice, hermit crabs, chinchillas, gerbils, dogs, parakeets, horses, cats, and geckos. These photographs beautifully capture the wide range of pets that bring joy to our lives.

First Day of Issue in Las Vegas, Nevada

The First Day of Issue Ceremony took place at the SuperZoo National Show for Pet Retailers at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Although the event was part of a major pet trade show, it also served as the perfect setting to honor the joy and companionship pets bring to people’s lives.

Why the Stamps Were Issued

The USPS issued these stamps to honor the animals that play an important role in our lives. Not only do pets provide companionship, but they also help improve our health and well-being. By featuring these animals on a postage stamp, the USPS highlights the deep bond between humans and their beloved pets.

The History Behind Pets and Their Role in Our Lives

Americans have always had a special connection with pets. For example, in 2015 alone, Americans spent more than $60 billion on pet care, reflecting the growing importance of pets in our households. Today, over 312 million dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, and small animals are part of American homes.

Research continues to show the many benefits of having pets. For instance, studies suggest that pets lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental health. Moreover, children who grow up in homes with pets tend to have stronger immune systems and a lower risk of developing allergies or asthma. Pets also help individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia experience fewer outbursts and provide emotional support to children with autism or learning disorders.

Pet owners tend to suffer less from depression than those who do not own pets. Indeed, caring for an animal brings joy, meaning, and a sense of purpose to its owner. Furthermore, pets encourage more physical activity, as pet owners frequently engage in activities like walking their dogs. These activities strengthen bonds, minimize behavior problems, and promote better health for both pets and owners.

Conclusion

The 2016 Pets Forever stamp pays tribute to the animals that bring joy, comfort, and companionship into our lives. Whether you’re sending a note or paying tribute to your own pet, this stamp adds a meaningful touch to your correspondence. In conclusion, it celebrates the strong connection between people and the animals they love.