A Letter From Patrick: The Guard Dog Story

The time was now.

On November 1st, the Guard Dog story began running in newspapers and on MUTTS.com. And, today, this part of Guard Dog’s journey comes to a happy ending and new beginning.

I've been promising you (and myself) for too many years that someday he would be free, and while a few animal advocates have continued to lobby that Guard Dog still has a job to do, many more agreed it was time. Freeing Guard Dog became the longest MUTTS story ever.

Telling a tale like this in a daily comic strip is a different reading experience. Media today trains us for immediate satisfaction for our dwindling attention spans. Telling a longer story with only three panels every 24 hours for seven weeks adds a lot of tension and, I’ve learned, anxiousness. I appreciated your patience and faith.

It was emotional for me, too, in writing and drawing the story — but when I think of all the horrors poor chained dogs have to endure in real life, I knew his story must be told. Guard Dog is made of pen and ink. There are far too many real dogs living chained with far worse stories to tell.

Gretchen Wyler, actress, animal activist and founder of The Ark Trust, famously said: “We must not refuse to see with our eyes what they must endure with their bodies.”

I've been touched by all the comments on the MUTTS social media posts. I've always hoped readers would care about and relate to the MUTTS characters as they do their own furry loved ones. It is heartening that so many of you have written to say that Guard Dog (now Sparky) and Doozy inspired you to help a chained dog, or that one of your own dogs lived their life at the end of a chain until you gave them a loving, forever home. May this comic strip story open more hearts to help chained dogs.

For those who have wondered about Guard Dog’s new name — I wasn't sure what Doozy would call him. Initially I thought to just keep "Guard Dog" as now he would be Doozy’s guardian. But then I thought of “Sparky." Sparky was the nickname for Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts. There would never have been a MUTTS comic strip nor Guard Dog if not for his inspiration. So Guard Dog’s new name is my tribute to a great man, cartoonist, and friend.

Thank you for all your support, kind words, and love. And thank you to all the rescuers and shelter workers — the real unsung heroes.

Patrick

P.S. I’ve been getting a lot of requests to turn the Guard Dog story into a book. More on that, soon.

***

If you know of a real-life Guard Dog or want to help with legislation, visit MUTTS.com/GuardDog for more information.

— Alison Datko

Comments (53)

Thanks for sharing your kind perspectives and, indeed, that cartoonists do have stresses as well. I join with every sane and realistic person that this has been an excellent, charming story. Here is an added perspective. We recently rescued an older dog who was not chained, but confined to a small area. We’d all like to think that the dog would instantly show intense gratitude, sweetness, and light … but adapting with such dogs is not always like flipping a light switch. Our dog still has some unknown mental challenges, somewhere, that may (or may not) relate to her past. Adjustments often take considerable time and tolerance (even people need these, as PTSD sufferers will attest). We are experienced dog owners and this situation has surprised and challenged us. We need to use tremendous patience and we thought we’d have to return her several times. Our local behavior rescue service agrees this is not too unusual. I might suggest that in future strips, the process of reasonably re-educating a dog with some “baggage” might be discussed. This would also let future owners know they can rely on resources to help with their rescue, they may need to be realistic in their expectations, and they may need to develop skills in patient loving along with plenty of scratches and treats. They may also need the assistance of local rescue and training groups and how to evaluate the “good” ones. Anyway, keep up the good work. We think Mutts is great and we look forward to its kind wisdom.

Vick Bradford

So many times over the years I have cried for what Guard Dog was going through, day after day on that awful chain. Thank you so much Patrick, for finally giving him his freedom, as well as a loving and comfortable home to live in….and a brand new name!! It was wonderful, and I am thankful for the tears I cry now. They are finally tears of joy. Welcome to your new life with Doozy, Sparky!!

joella costigan

The Guard Dog story touched my heart. You’re email was the first I opened every morning to see how he was doing and cheering Doozy on to rescue him. I’ve always rescued my pups but seeing Guard Dog suffer tore at my heartstrings and I shed many tears over this story. I thank you for making this a special Christmas with his rescue. You’re an awesome artist and storyteller. Merry Christmas from my rescued Bo and me.

Cindi Wetzel

Guard Dog…and his plight always, always tugged at my heart and soul. As an animal advocate, rescuer and feral colony caregiver, I knew the story must be told. Your choice to prolong his story was a very good choice, although we all suffered through it as well- I don’t think I ever saw so many responses in the comments ever. It is indeed a horror for all too many doggo’s and their plight has to be echoed and put an end to it! I now find a pleasant feeling in my belly when I see our beloved Guard Dog- Sparky, sleeping with his Doozy or walking with her…their hugs are stuff made in Heaven…may every animal feel this one day♥️♥️♥️🐾❣️💔♥️🙏🏼✨🕊️

Valerie

The Guard Dog story moved me and horrified me. Like many others, I checked Mutts first to ensure that he survived. Bravo on a beautiful story.

A request: For the January wallpaper, have Sparky and Doozy hugging each other and saying “A New Beginning…”

Charles Adornetto

I too waited in anticipation for Guard dog to be freed. My sweet Benji was not chained but in a cage all day long abused and mistreated. He was rescued at age 5 and received much medical attention. I adopted a scared fearful pup with numerous medical issues. Today he is loved and the best companion a person could have. We have rescued numerous cats and dogs
through the years. Some do not stay with us as long as desired but are loved with all our hearts till the end. Thank you Patrick for telling Guard dogs story. May we continue to rescue and strive for a better kinder world. Much love and care. Peace. Kathy

Kathleen Mary Talis

You are the finest storyteller of our time, Patrick McDonnell, and you work in cartoons. But there’s no other writer for whom I’ve gotten up early each morning and turned on my computer just to touch base with that mind at work. I love Shakespeare and Dickens and Tolstoy…….and McDonnell!!! Please take care of yourself and your family. You’re a treasure!

Eileen Davis

Thank you, Patrick. I had been entering a #UnchainGuardDog in the comments of most every comic featuring Sparky (love the name and where it came from). I’ve been an animal rights advocate for years, and appreciate how the message of awareness was shared. However, I am so happy that Sparky is with Doozy, and look forward to their adventures. Peace, C

Christopher Pfeiffer

I too would love the Guard Dog saga in a book. I’d buy it, and several for my friends. I’ve been getting the Mutts comic strip emailed for a long time and it’s the first email I’d read when I turned on my computer in the morning. I have emailed Patrick a few times asking him to free Guard Dog. Now I feel better, knowing he’s got a loving home with Doozy, where he will be cared for properly, and loved, like every dog should be loved.

I have a good friend in Australia who adopted a senior dog over a year ago. Not only was she a senior dog, but she had been chained at least half the day, every day, by her previous owners. My friend adopted her and is giving her a good life. No chains, just good food, love, attention, and vet care. She’s finally got a good life.

Thank you for freeing Guard Dog, now Sparky, and letting Doozy’s family adopt him since she’s loved him for a long time.

And yes, please make it into a book so I can buy it.

Susan Urang

Thank you for bringing attention to the plight of chained dogs everywhere.
Our dog Dan was not chained outside but he spent the first 7 years of his life in a cage in deplorable conditions in a filthy basement. He was used for breeding and was deprived of food and water and was never allowed to see the light of day. He and 7 of his housemates were rescued when police were called to the home for another matter and heard dogs barking in the basement. All were emaciated and infested with fleas. Animal control had to enter wearing hazmat suits – that’s how bad the conditions were for the dogs. They discovered crates on top of crates filled with excrement. Sadly one of the dogs did not make it. The rest were taken to the pound. His owners were charged with eight counts of animal cruelty and sad to say received only a slap on the wrist. Once rescued, Dan watched as the other six of his housemates were adopted while he was left behind at the pound for four months. I met him at an event and knew right away he was meant to be ours. He fit in perfectly with us and our two other dogs and despite the horrors inflicted on him by humans he loved all people unconditionally. He visited schools with me to teach children about the humane treatment of animals. Sadly due to his rough start in life he developed kidney disease and passed away less than than 4 years after he came into our lives. As every dog lover knows the time we have with our dogs is never enough and this was especially true for Dan. He deserved better in the first seven years of his life. I hope we were able to make up for some of that. He will always be remembered for his resilience and forgiving heart. Dan we will love you forever!

Sue Torres