Hong Kong Post Sunday issued the "Year of the Dog" Special Stamps and the first day covers to mark the approaching lunar New Year on January 29, the most important traditional festival for Chinese people.

The set of "Year of the Dog" special stamps, which is the 7th stamp issue in the 3rd series of Lunar New Year special stamps released by Hong Kong Post, comprises four stamps, each depicting a vivid and lifelike image of a dog standing out from the richly colored background.

Postmaster General Allian Chiang said, "We are now bidding farewell to the Rooster and looking forward to the Dog of the Chinese zodiac. In the eyes of most people, dogs are honest and truthful. They are bright and possess very sharp sense. These are the qualities which are indispensable to success in a world of competition and social interaction. "

To tie in with the festive atmosphere, a group of children dancers performed a "Puppy Dance" at the ceremony in the General Post Office. Free "Lucky Pouches" were also distributed by the " God of Wealth" to customers, who were eager to buy the special stamps.

(Xinhua News Agency January 16, 2006)