Owney the Railway Mail Service Mascot

[Werner Presber]

„Owney the Railway Mail Service Mascot

One of the most popular exhibits in the National Postal Museum is the  
story of Owney, the scruffy mutt who became the unofficial mascot of  
the Railway Mail Service in the late 19th century. Owney’s unusual  
life and wide-spread travels have inspired several children’s books.  
Elementary schools across the United States continue to use the story  
of Owney as a way to connect their students with those in other  
states by sending stuffed toy dogs from school to school through the  
mail accompanied by messages from students to one another.

Please note: Owney is off-exhibit undergoing conservation work from  
May 9th to July 27th, 2011. He will return to a new exhibit, a  
festival, and the first day of issue ceremony for his postage stamp  
(see below for details). “

http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/owney/index.html