Jeffrey Welch's Blog: “MUTTS” Comic Strips Focus on Shelter Animals This Week

For the “Hearts and Paws,” episode of PBS’ inspiring Shelter Me series, filmmaker Steven Latham profiled an icon in the dog world, at least to those who enjoy the Sunday funnies: animal advocate Patrick McDonnell, creator of the MUTTS comic strip.

He didn’t focus entirely on the artist behind his desk, but also on him at New York City’s only public, open-admissions animal shelter, Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC). McDonnell went there because he wanted to feature shelter dogs and cats in his work, and he took a hands-on role with staff, volunteers, and the hundreds of animals in ACC’s care; the experience impacted him greatly.

“I realized that Mooch and Earl have such great homes and loving guardians, and I thought about all the dog and cats who don’t and are just sitting in shelters waiting,” he said in the Shelter Me episode, debuting in May.

Reissued online by special permission of King Features Syndicate.

McDonnell soaked in what he experienced and then turned it into art: a series of MUTTS strips, featuring the actual dogs, cats, and other animals he met. Every day this week, a new strip debuts in more than 700 newspapers.

Here’s the high-fiving cat in real life.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived at the ACC of NYC, but what I found was dedicated, driven staff and volunteers; actively involved rescue groups; a supportive community; and adoptable, loving animals,” said McDonnell. “ACC is rapidly becoming a role model for large-scale city shelters, and NYC should be proud of all that has been accomplished.”

Reissued online by special permission of King Features Syndicate.

We’re not too familiar with the funny pages, but we’re pretty sure there have not been a lot of shelters featured throughout the years, despite the untold numbers of dogs and cats who make up the cast of characters. Kudos to McDonnell for shinning a light on those who need it so much.

“It was an uplifting experience,” he said. “My hope is that by telling these stories, readers will be inspired to support their local shelters and to adopt a new best buddy.”