Homeless Dogs Immortalized on Stamps!

The former homeless residences of Battersea poses to commemorate the shelter's 150 Anniversary. |  Daily Mail

Back in 2010 a set of hopefuls in the Pet World got their big break from the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, an animal shelter in London who's been reuniting their owners and finding homes for lost dogs and cats since 1860. To commemorate the shelter's 150th anniversary, the Royal Mail issued a set of stamps featuring ten of the shelter's residents whom were all abandoned by their owners but later rehomed, seven of whom are dogs with three being cats.

First Class stamps issued by the Royal Mail commemorating the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home 150th Anniversary.

According to the Daily Mail, Julietta  Edgar, Head of Special Stamps, Royal Mail said: “Stamps featuring animals have always been extremely popular with collectors and non-collectors alike, and I think these wonderfully charming and expressive images are a great way to mark the achievements of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.” Howard Bridges, Chief Executive of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, said: “Everyone at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is thrilled that the final images truly capture the character of the animals chosen.”
THE DOGS

Boris the bulldog arrived at Battersea in 2007 as a stray and now lives in London with with his new owners Paddy and Jenny

Pixie, a Mastiff, came to Battersea in 2007 as a stray pup. She now lives with her new owner Ali in East Sussex.
Herbie, a mongrel, competes in flyball. Tafka, a collie, arrived at Battersea after her owner's death. Tafka & Herbie now live in Berkshire with their new owner Tamara. Tia is a nine year old terrier, who lives in Berkshire with her  new owner Sam.


Casey, a Lurcher, came to Battersea after his owner became ill and could not look after him. He now lives in Surrey with his new owner Louise.
Leonard is a Terrier, found in Essex, underweight and wary of people. He now lives in Maidenhead with his new owners Claire and Pete.

Since their opening in 1860 in Holloway, North London, the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home originally began as a charity as a temporary home for lost and starving dogs. The organization moved to their current location at Battersea in 1871 and started taking in cats in 1883. 12,000 animals are taken in every year by the shelter. If you live in the London area and are interested in rehoming from Battersea shelter or you can find out other ways to help. Since its issue, the stamps are no longer available from the British Royal Mail but can still be found online on sites such as ebay. 
Watch the former dogs and cats of the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home immortalized:
Sources: Daily Mail | The British Postal Museum & Archive | The Guardian