A Note From Patrick: June 2020

“Cruelty cannot stand the spotlight.” That was the tagline for The Ark Trust, an organization which awarded the media for reporting on animal issues. I have been thinking about those words a lot lately. I am buoyed by recent events bringing so much injustice to light — while deeply saddened that these injustices exist. I feel optimistic that a powerful awakening is coming.

MUTTS readers have an abundance of empathy and a deep sense of justice. We are all in this together to make a stronger, more peaceful world for all.

***

MUTTS NEWS SPOILER ALERT: If you’d rather be surprised with a new twist in the world of MUTTS, please don’t read the following two paragraphs until after June 16.

Friends, I’ve made two longstanding promises with my MUTTS strip. The first: someday Guard Dog will be freed. (Yes, this will happen before too long.) The second: Butchie and his Fatty Snax Deli would go veggie. With a two-week storyline starting Sunday, Butchie will finally see the light.

As a vegetarian for over 30 years and a vegan since 2012, I’ve always felt a little strange drawing the cheeses and salamis that hang over Butchie’s head. I’m feeling better because they will now be plant-based and cruelty-free.

With the pandemic, and understanding the cruelties of raising and processing “meat,” it’s more important than ever to rethink how we treat the animals — and people — on this planet. Going plant-based is a win-win. It’s good for your own health, the health of the planet, and obviously the billions of suffering, factory farmed animals.

Going veggie gets easier and easier. (Millions have already discovered new, delicious meat substitutes.) I ask everyone to do what you can. Even observing Meatless Mondays can save a billion animals each year in the United States alone. If Butchie can do it, so can you.

***

Last month we posted two comic strips that I drew for the MUTTS blog, which were pandemic-themed and written by my friend, author Glen David Gold. Glen suggested that we auction off one of the strips for charity, and I am happy that we can, and will, make this happen. I’ve watercolored the original artwork for this purpose and Heritage Auctions has agreed to host the auction. We’ll keep you updated as this process unfolds.

Stay safe. Stay well. Stay kind.

— Patrick

— Patrick McDonnell
Tagged: News & Events, People

Comments (210)

Keep promoting cruelty free
Plant based is the best

Deborah Weaver

Wuv! Wuv! Wuv!…like Woofie would have said! I love this idea of “Mutts” evolving. I became a devoted fan of Mutts and Patrick on May 20th 1995. That day’s strip immediately resonated with me. I sit with my fur-kids watching sunrises and sunsets (at the beach or at the house’s porch)…seeing Ozzy and Earl sitting at the steps of their porch on a sunset brought a beautiful emotion that I still feel the same to this day. One of the characters that appeal most to me is Guard Dog and by default his relationship with Dozzy. Even thought I have always understood the reason, the message behind the chained Guard Dog, I have always been sad to see him so. It’s awesome that he will freed sometime soon. And I do hope Guard Dog gets adopted by Dozzy and get a real proper name that means freedom (for example, Brady, Carl, Eljin or Yerik). But please, with him freed, you still need to keep sending the message not to chain/cage animals. Although many people try to justify or ignore this real life horror, cruelty needs to stop. However, please do not substitute him with another chained/caged animal. How about instead have him and Dozzy become “Ambassadors” of the message. Humans need to be sensible, responsible, loving caregivers. So their mission is to tell everyone about “The Chained Years”…this way, his story (their story) can go on, still touching the readers and “paying-it-forward” cause another animal to be freed and so on. I love the idea of “Mutts” going vegan. However, people still need to be made aware that our human dietary and/or ethical decisions do not translate easily to some animals dietary needs. Dogs and cats are by their very nature carnivores and require species-specific diets. Dr Woo would be awesome advising any pet guardian/parent moving into the vegan-pet direction to consult first with their veterinarian which appropriate dietary choices will fit best their pets well being. She does a tremendous work already consulting health topics like yearly appointments, cleaning teeth, etc. Thank you for being the envoy that brings hope and awareness about all animals (pets, shelter and wildlife) to light. Wuv you! Yesh!

frankpr

I approve!

Bee Smith

You are a very special human being. I believe you could walk on a cloud alongside cats! Thank you for years of smiles and for all you will do in the future.

Terry Morgan

so if everyone became a vegetarian Patrick, I imagine you have an answer for the thousands and thousands of individuals who would be out of work as a result.
meat is delicious.

michael edwards

Awesome news! Good for Butchie (and the animals). Look forward to the day Gurad Dog is off that tight leash. I’ve ben a vegetarian for over 20 years and never looked back. Maybe you can draw more into all of the animals being used as test subjects and get them out of the labs.
Thank you for spreading the word :)

Diane Tortorella

Thank you! My heart is full and I am so excited to see this change. I knew you must be vegan from some of your strips I’ve saved. It’s a wonderful way to live and so easy now. Can’t wait to see Guard Dog be freed. Love your Mutts family! Signed, A vegan for more than 30 years.

Jeanne Kaiser

Thanks for being a voice for the voiceless.

henrysalt

Please stay on the funny side – not too serious. We need humor to make it through dark times and provides relief for our eyes that constantly see so much suffering! I know the need to make statements is human. I enjoy Mutts because it is carefree mostly like Peanuts I remember as a child. No statements there. Just good clean uncomplicated comedy. Mutts please don’t get too complicated. Saying that I am glad for the news the doggie will be freed soon. That was always disturbing and not what I would call Funny Comix. Snoopy would approve!

Kristy

Living near a yard dog—one I have tried to help—and a novelist writing about the Declaration of Independence, I am thrilled to know Guard Dog will gain his freedom.

kachase