In looking back on 25 years of MUTTS, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude for the newspapers who run MUTTS; my syndicate King Features (and Jay Kennedy, my friend and the editor who gave me my first MUTTS contract); my longtime MUTTS.com website partner Chintan Parikh; Andrews McMeel, who publishes the MUTTS collections; and Little, Brown, publisher for my MUTTS children’s books. And, of course, Abrams, who published my first monograph MUTTS: The Comic Art of Patrick McDonnell and will release The Art of Nothing: 25 Years of MUTTS and the Art of Patrick McDonnell on October 15.

A special note: Through the end of 2019, I will be signing and doing a small sketch in each copy of The Art of Nothing book ordered or pre-ordered through MUTTS.com. 

Directly through MUTTS, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with Eckhart Tolle (Guardians of Being), Daniel Ladinsky (Darling, I Love You), Jane Goodall (Me…Jane)  and the Kennedy Center which, through playwright Aaron Posner, produced on a play based on my MUTTS children’s book The Gift of Nothing.

I would be remiss not to mention the dogs and cats I’ve lived with who’ve inspired MUTTS: Earl, MeeMow, Not Ootie, Amelie, and Lebowski. And all the many great people at the animal welfare organizations that I’ve worked with over the years.

None of this would be possible if not for you. I’m glad we’ve shared this journey. It’s due to your support that MUTTS has lasted all these years. 

MUTTS has been good to me in so many ways.

It was on September 5, 1994 that Ozzie, with Earl in the passenger seat, parked his car on the newspaper page and exclaimed, “We’re home!” And we were home. And still are.

There are a lot of other exciting projects on the horizon and this year will be one of many celebrations. 

I always wanted to be a cartoonist. See you in the funny pages!

Patrick

Comments (50)

Congratulations Mutts and Patrick on your 25th Anniversary. It really is a perfect little comic strip! And is Guard Dog finally off his chain? That would be the best anniversary gift ever. OXO

Judy

I have loved Mutts from the beginning! I still have numerous clippings from over the years in my home office, not to mention here in my “office office!” Mooch, Earl ,Shtinky, Noodles, Lamar. Sour Puss, Bip & Bop, Chick Pea & Chick Pea’s Brother and all of the gang always manage to make my day better. Thank you, Patrick, for all that you do!

JoAnna Ventresca

It seems like only a few years ago I first encountered Mooch and Earl in the pages of the UK Sunday Times. Since then I have been a devotee! Since Bill Watterson retired, Mutts has filled the ‘Calvin & Hobbes’ void like no-one else could A truly worthy successor. Let’s hope that ‘The Art of Nothing’ is published here in the UK soon and here’s looking forward to the next 25 years (although, at 71 I’m not too likely to be around for all of them!)

Dave Tucker

Yesh! Congratulations for all you have done, and thank your for all the fun. Keep up the good work. :-)

jcnjr

Dear Patrick,
Thank you for MUTTS! It daily speaks to my heart and soul. I love your philosophy, your love of animals and their bond with all of us. Thank you for your generosity with organizations that help animals. I’ve been a comic strip fan since I learned to read. I’ve been an animal lover since before I could walk. You combine them both. I am forever in your debt. I have favorite strips throughout my home. Don’t ever quit! Your MUTTS is my favorite EVER!

Vivian Andary

Thank you for all you do for the animals that cannot talk for them selves.

Debra Shimkus

Congratulations as you zoom toward 25 more years of Mutts. Much love.

Jeff

Congratulations, Patrick, and thank you for 25 wonderful years. May we have many, many more !!! Earl, Mooch and all the gang are part of our family, along with all of our live family !!! It seems that each of Mooch’s and Earl’’s antics get duplicated by our guys or have already been done. Such a joy !!!!!!!!

Gerald Zumchak

All I have to say to you……. I love MUTTS!!! I look forward to it every day! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Janine

Congratulations Patrick on the 25th Anniversary of one of the most beloved comics… MUTTS has become a community. I am a long time follower- probably late 90’s… and from that very first meeting of the Mutts, well, it was magic! Every single morning I have to begin my day with the Mutts Gang. Hands down the best way to start any day! Cofffee in hand, kitty on my lap and a funny “ Funny” to giggle through…. you are amazing! Thank you ever so much for that simple pleasure of a chuckle and love of animals!
Sincerely, Valerie

Valerie Jenkins