That’s because the US Postal Service just launched their Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet commemorative postage stamps as part of their Stamps to the Rescue promotional campaign.

Animal advocate Ellen DeGeneres announced the program on her show April 30, when the stamps went on sale nationwide. The loving pets you see in on the stamps are actual shelter pets photographed by veteran stamp photographer Sally Andersen-Bruce. She chose five cats and five dogs, and I’m happy to announce all ten animals were adopted from a shelter in New Milford, CT.

Postmaster General John E. Potter said, “This campaign will increase public awareness about sheltered pets, and our hope is that it will encourage pet adoption and promote humane and responsible pet care.”

Amen. Every year 6 to 8 million cats and dogs end up in animal shelters and, of that number, nearly half are euthanized. If everyone who wants a furry, four-legged companion chooses to adopt a shelter pet and spays/neuters their pet, we’d move toward eliminating not only a horrible end for these poor, sweet, defenseless animals, but we’d also help put unconscionable puppy mills out of business.

You can order the stamps from the postal service at StampsToTheRescue.com or by calling 1-800-STAMP24 (1-800-782-6724.) If you’re like me, you believe there’s nothing as wonderful as a beloved pet licking your face. Well, here’s your chance to lick back–and give another sweet pet the chance to love and be loved.

Thank you, US Postal Service, for caring so much, and thanks to every one of you who adopts your pets from shelters and animal rescue organizations. We have two incredibly loving rescued pets at home, and we simply can’t imagine life without them.

Admit it! Sometimes you cringe when a dog (or any dog, for that matter) gives you those big, sloppy, wet kisses on your face, don’t you? It’s not that you don’t love us like crazy. You just might find it a little icky from time. My mom and dad call it “getting slimed.”  Well, the next time you get slimed, think about this…

FOX news reports researchers have found that the DNA on my tongue might be the key to new treatments for rare cancers in both humans and dogs.

According to FOX news, “The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and the Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), developed the Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium, to understand why people and their pets get sick. The study used saliva, blood and tumor samples of dogs volunteered by private pet owners for testing in hopes that by studying canine cancer, oncologists can determine the cause of human cancers.”

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Why Dogs Matter!

“Rare diseases in humans also show up in dogs. By studying the DNA of canines, we expect to more quickly discover the genomic causes of disease and more quickly find ways to better treat dogs, and people,” said Dr. Mark Neff, director of the new TGen-VARI Program for Canine Health and Performance.

The testing, approved by the American Kennel Club and Morris Animal Foundation, will be animal-safe, and funding will be supported by private donors, along with a $4.3 million dollar federal stimulus grant.

They said cancer is the cause of death for nearly 50 percent of all dogs older than 10-years-old. Pretty scary, but I think I speak for all my canine comrades when I say we’re glad we can help change that for the better. Since my mom and dad found out about this, they let me slime them to my heart’s content!

Customize Your Profile, and Then Buy Pets!
Are you a wolf, a cat, or a bird? Choose which animal you want to be and also pick a habitat. Then, check out all of the other human pets, and buy a few to take care of!

Search for Pets
You can find “human pets” near you, and become real life friends! Or, check out the random profile viewer and meet people from all over the world.

Besides online auctions, chats and blogs, games, discussion boards and classified ads, you can create similar interest groups known as “herds,” and discuss your hobbies with new friends. There’s an online market, so you can go shopping and find new items for your pets. You can even open up your own shop and earn virtual points from sales. We think they can take it even further!!

Let’s See How THEY Like It!

You know how much humans like to dress us up in ridiculous outfits they wouldn’t wear in public themselves? Well, Mittens and I think this Web site provides a great opportunity to turn the tables. After all, turn-about is fair play. You know how my Mom and Dad put me in dog sweaters every once in a while? I just suck it up and have fun with it, because it makes them happy. With this new site, you all have a chance to have your pet stroll the neighborhood streets au natural—naked, nude, like pets are supposed to be. Won’t that be fun!? America, get your cameras ready!

I love this site! Created for people who treat their pets like family (and that would definitely be me,) it features a health center and an encyclopedia of animals, where you can find out about hundreds of potential pets. There are also forums for all kinds of pets and some fun games.

Mostly, it’s about hooking up socially active pets and their people, encouraging inter-species connections, too. Just because you have a dog or a cat doesn’t mean you can’t “hang” with a fish or a rodent. You’re invited to create a free profile for your best friend, where you can share photos, videos  and information about favorite activities, favorite toys, even the energy level of your pet. The site covers dog breeds extensively, and you’ll be happy to know the many breeds of cats, horses, fish, birds, etc. are given equal time.

Especially touching is Rainbow Bridge–a place on the site where people can memorialize the pets they’ve loved and lost. The page includes the beautiful work of an unknown author who wrote comforting words about where our deceased pets go and the extraordinary moment when we’re reunited with them.

And, of course, there’s a blog–Cindy’s Blog. She’s a former surgical veterinarian technician and education specialist for the Humane Society. Covering everything from ear mites to raising chickens as pets to heartwarming orangutan/dog relationships, Cindy gives great tips for caretakers of precious pets.

Why not head over there and browse awhile? I think you’ll be amazed, not just at the variety of pets people share their homes with, but the deep, enduring love at the heart of those relationships.

I’m particularly fond of the video with the dog in the swing. She (or he—I really couldn’t tell) seemed to be enjoying it, so I’m thinking of pushing Mom toward the park playground the next time we’re out to see if she’ll push me in a swing. The two salsa-dancing puppies are so cute, I just want to take them home! (Sound familiar?) If you’re like me, when you see stuff like this, it’s hard to wipe the smile off your face for the rest of the day! There’s a lot of other heartwarming dogs vying for your attention on the site, too, so check it out!

Which Teams Have Cat Mascots?

The tournament starts with 64 teams, and 13 of those teams wear some kind of cat on their T-shirts and hats and stuff. That’s about 20% off all the teams in the tournament! Understandably, cats are pretty popular when you’re looking for a mascot that’s fierce, determined, persistent, competitive and, of course, lovable like me.  Here’s a list of the tournament teams that have combat-ready catalysts for team spirit:

University of Kentucky Wildcats

University of Missouri Tigers

Kansas State University Wildcats

University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions

Clemson University Tigers

University of  Houston Cougars

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University of Northern Iowa Panthers

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Villanova University Wildcats

University of Vermont Catamounts

University of Ohio Bobcats

University of Pittsburgh Panthers

North Texas State University Bobcats

Brigham Young University Cougars

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGO, CATS, GO!