Mutts (comic strip)
MUTTS has received numerous awards internationally, both for comic strip excellence and for its themes of animal protection.
Peanuts creator Charles Schulz praised MUTTS, calling it "one of the best comic strips of all time.
Earl is an innocent black and white Jack Russell terrier who lives with his human companion Ozzie, a bachelor.
Earl spends much of his free time with Mooch, either inside or wandering around town visiting other animals.
[4] Mooch is a curious tuxedo cat with a large nose who lives next door to Earl with his human companions Millie (who often calls him "Moochie," "Moo Moo Cakes," or "Shmoochums," and he calls her "Shmillie") and Frank, a goldfish named Sid, and a snail named Little Earl.
He has a speech impediment that causes him to insert an sh into words, such as yesh (yes), shmilk (milk) and shmousie (mousie).
Each summer, Earl, Mooch, and their families visit the Jersey Shore, where they are joined by Crabby, Mussels Marinara, and McGarry.
Around holidays such as Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas and during the change from one season to the next, the characters are often featured alongside a famous and poignant quote.
In other strips, Mooch dons a wizard's hat and performs magic, often including seeing the future or time traveling.
[13] McDonnell also created artwork for the second generation New Jersey Animal Friendly specialty license plate, first issued in 2001.
[15] In November 2023, McDonnell wrote a storyline where Guard Dog's owners move away without him, forcing the other characters to free him so can receive medical treatment.
[16] Many strips over the years have been devoted to Dr. Jane Goodall and her numerous contributions to animal conservancy throughout her lifetime.
[21] In 2009, the book Guardians of Being: Spiritual Teachings From Our Dogs and Cats was released, written by Eckhart Tolle and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell.
The book aims to teach readers to find inner peace by living in the now, just as our companion animals do, to transform our consciousness and arise as more enlightened versions of ourselves.
It highlights that while we humans are lost in our thoughts and the busy nature of everyday life, our pets become the key to the present moment — our guardians of being.
[22] The book Darling, I Love You: Poems from the Hearts of Our Glorious Mutts and All Our Animal Friends is a collection of poetry from Daniel Ladinsky paired with illustrations from Patrick McDonnell.
