2023 Love Forever Postage Stamps

A kitten and a puppy, one per design, front paws over a large heart, with LOVE in capitals behind each animal. Chris Buzelli painted them in oils on wood panel and the images were scanned and finished digitally; Ethel Kessler art-directed. The oil ground shows in the fur, which is why the animals read as painted rather than as stock illustration.

The Postal Service went to pets for the 2023 Love stamp because that is where a lot of the affection in American households actually goes. It suits Valentine's mail and everything adjacent - anniversary cards, notes to family, thank-you cards after someone looked after your animals. Veterinary practices, shelters and rescue organizations use them on client and donor mail, which is the least sentimental and most effective use of the design. Sheets of 20, with both animals in the pane, so you are not forced to choose between the cat and the dog when you buy.