A Special Announcement From Patrick

Dear friends,

I have a special announcement to share with all of you: I’m working on a literary graphic novel with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The tentative title is Heart to Heart and it will be published by HarperOne in the fall of 2022. The book is about the environment, animals, and (mostly) compassion. It has a strong, timely message and I’m honored and enthused to be part of this important project. As the book reveals itself, you will be the first to see its progress.

MUTTS has been my primary focus for over 26 years now and I have loved every minute — even the crazy pressure of the daily deadline. Like my hero Charles Schulz, I thought I’d never take a break from drawing my strip.

However, because of the time needed to focus on this book project, I’ll be taking my first sabbatical — starting July 5. Some of my favorite (handpicked) strips will run during this six-month period. On January 1, 2022, I’ll be back and excited to share new adventures with Earl, Mooch, and the gang. My short leave will be over before we know it.

Enjoy your summer and keep your pets cool. I will be staying in touch and will tell you how the book came to be, and more, in upcoming newsletters.

With gratitude,
Patrick

Comments (5)

I love your comic so much! There isn’t enough kindness to our animal friends in this world, I live in a very rural area, and my love for animals makes me a bit different, a bit of a black sheep, I love knowing there are others that love to see animals happy as much as I do. I hope your comic is in my Nova Scotian Newspaper forever…… Thank you so much for your work! I must go look for this book :)
Tarizer

your work warms my world. I love the glow from just reading the Sunday section. Glad you picked the reruns while you work on your book. They are all classic to me.
Ed pritchett

I love Mutts. I’m glad you were given this honor. I have no idea why my local newspaper chose not to run the “some of my favorite (handpicked) strips during this six-month period”. Instead, they removed the strip and everyday they just say Mutts is “on vacation” You are missed in a world that sadly doesn’t take care of their animals properly. Glad to see you’ll finally be back in about 4 more weeks! It’s been a long 5 months down so far!
James Ditzian

This is exciting news! As much as I enjoy this wonderful comic strip, I’m happy to hear that Patrick will be working on such an important project with one of our world’s greatest spiritual leaders. We certainly need more compassion in this world, especially when it comes to animals.
Dan Hanneman

I have been enjoying my daily Mutts online. I wish you the best on your journey and hope to be able to read your new book. Peace ☮️ and love ❤️.
Rebecca S Stilwell