# 2202 - 1986 22c Love Series: Puppy

U.S. #2202
1986 22¢ Puppy
Love Series

• 5^th US Love stamp
• First Day ceremony held at Jim Henson’s studio with Muppet Rowlfe the dog

Stamp Category:  Commemorative
Series:  Love
Value:  22¢, first-class rate
First Day of Issue:  January 30, 1986
First Day City:  New York, New York
Quantity Issued:  947,450,000
Printed by:  Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method:  Photogravure
Format:  Panes of 50 in sheets of 200
Perforations:  11

Why the stamp was issued:  For use on Valentines cards as well as other occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries. 

About the stamp design:  While Love stamps were popular with the general public, the Love stamps issued in the prior years were heavily criticized by collectors.  Those stamps picturing sculptures, flowers, hearts, and brushstrokes, were more on the artsy side.  The USPS hoped this cuddly puppy stamp might appeal to a wider audience – after all dogs are the most popular pets in the country.  This was the first stamp design created by commercial artist Saul Mendel, who’s known for his whimsical animal illustrations.  While the dog has ears resembling a basset, Mendel said the dog both represents all breeds and no breed.

First Day City:  The First Day ceremony for this stamp was held in the New York City brownstone studio of Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets.  Muppet dog Rowlf was part of the small ceremony.

About the Love Series:  Based on the popularity of Christmas stamps, the USPS issued its first Love stamp in 1973.  It wasn’t intended to be the start of a series, and, in fact, it wasn’t until 1982 that another Love stamp was issued.  Love-themed stamps were issued sporadically over the next few years.  The USPS stated that they weren’t intended just for Valentine’s Day mail, but also for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.  In 1987, the USPS officially declared it a series, and new Love stamps have been issued nearly every year since.  Love stamps are on sale longer than most commemorative stamps and are usually printed in greater quantities.  They have sometimes been known to go back to press for additional printings if demand is sufficient.

History the stamp represents:  Americans love their pets – in 2015 alone, over 60 billion dollars was spent to purchase and care for them.  In the United States, over 312 million dogs, cats, birds, horses, fish, reptiles and other small animals are kept as pets and companions.

Many people adopt pets for companionship, but there are many other benefits to owning an animal.  Research has shown pets help lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety.  Contrary to what many parents have believed, a growing number of studies suggest children growing up in a home with furred animals have less risk of developing allergies and asthma.  The same studies have found these children also had stronger immune systems. 

Alzheimer’s and dementia patients have fewer outbursts if there are pets in the home.  Children with autism or learning disorders usually interact better with animals, and this behavior can serve as a bridge to connecting with humans.  Dogs in particular are helpful in calming hyperactivity and aggression, as well as stimulating imagination.

Pet owners tend to suffer less from depression than those who do not own pets.  Most owners find caring for a pet rewarding, which helps bring meaning and joy to life.  By encouraging us to be playful, laugh, and exercise, pets help us increase our activity level and build stamina.  One study found people with dogs walked 30 minutes more each week than they did previously, and lost weight without dieting.  These activities benefit our pets as well by strengthening bonds, minimizing behavior problems, and keeping them fit and healthy.