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Please Mr. Postmaster!
"A good action is never lost; it is a treasure laid up and guarded for the doer's need."
-- Pedro Calderon de la Barca
Dear STAMP OUT Supporter:
It is my supreme pleasure to provide you with the U.S. Postal Service's official announcement on the unveiling of the Spay/Neuter Your Pet Stamps, which took place yesterday, October 16th, on "The Price is Right" television game show before a live studio audience. (Mark your calendars and preset your VCRs because the program will air this December 11th). Mr. Bob Barker, the program's host and executive producer, has for years closed his show with a plea to viewers to remember to spay and neuter their pets. He was also the very first national celebrity to sign on to STAMP OUT, and so we are thrilled to have the stamps' official introduction to the American public occur on his popular program.
Below is the USPS press release, with PaLC comments to follow.
USPS News: Philatelic Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2001
Stamp Release No. 01-070
Postal Service Unveils 'Neuter or Spay' Postage Stamps On The Price Is Right LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Kirby and Samantha, a photogenic puppy and kitten, will be featured on new First-Class Neuter or Spay commemorative postage stamps unveiled yesterday by the U.S. Postal Service.
The unveiling took place on the popular game show The Price Is Right with host and animal advocate Bob Barker. The segment of this show will air Tuesday, Dec. 11. The Neuter or Spay stamps will be issued in Sept. 2002.
"These stamps will serve as a reminder of the importance of neutering or spaying our pets," said Cathy Caggiano, executive director, Stamp Services for the Postal Service. "They will also serve as another way for the U.S. Postal Service to continue its tradition of raising the public's awareness of social issues."
"Millions of people from across the nation, who have been working to solve the tragic problem of animal overpopulation, will be delighted that the US Postal Service is issuing these all-important stamps," said Barker. "I am honored to have the opportunity to introduce these stamps to the nation on 'The Price Is Right.'"
The puppy, Kirby, and kitten, Samantha, featured on the stamp pane were adopted from animal shelters and, according to the shelters' policies, were respectively neutered and spayed. Both animals are enjoying life in Connecticut with their adopting families.
An estimated 70,000 cats and dogs are born each day in the United States. Animal shelters and veterinarians throughout the country urge pet owners to neuter or spay their dogs and cats in order to combat the problem of animal overpopulation. Neutering or spaying pets can lead to better health and longer lives.
Neutered male dogs and cats have a decreased chance of developing prostate disease. They are also less likely to stray from home. Among female cats and dogs, spaying decreases the rate of breast cancer. Spaying and neutering pets also helps to eliminate many of the behavioral problems that result in animals being turned into shelters.
Derry Noyes of Washington, D.C., was designer and art director for the stamps. Photographs by Sally Andersen-Bruce of a neutered puppy and a spayed kitten are featured on this pane of 20 Neuter or Spay stamps.
The stamps will be available in September 2002. All current stamps and other philatelic products, as well as a free comprehensive catalog, are available by calling toll free 1 800 STAMP-24. In addition, a selection of current stamps and gift items are available online at the Postal Store.
# # #
See folks, dreams really can--and do--come true. I hope you'll come and visit the absolutely adorable Kirby and Samantha at PaLC's website, www.palc.org.
And to add to the good news, VetCentric.com, an online publication targeted to veterinary medical professionals has posted a fabulous article on STAMP OUT. You can access it at www.vetcentric.com or link from our website, www.palc.org, by going to the section on STAMP OUT and then clicking on "Phase II in the Media."
Finally, even in the midst of the blitz of blessings, media attention, and all-around good news, please know that we at PaLC haven't forgotten our promise **not** to bombard you and your inboxes with email. To that end, we invite you to check in periodically to the STAMP OUT section of the website where in "Phase II in the Media" we will provide a running roster of all the major print and online publications that feature STAMP OUT over the coming months.
Very Best Wishes,
Hope Tarr, Project Director
Pet Overpopulation STAMP OUT
USPS October 17, 2001 Press Release
Prevent a Litter Coalition, Inc.
American Partnership for Pets
Post Office Box 9294, Reston, VA 20195