Meet Earl & Mooch

Old Friends: Earl and Mooch

The MUTTS comic strip started with Earl, a sweet little dog based on Patrick McDonnell’s own Jack Russell terrier. In developing this “dog strip,” Patrick sketched some ideas about Earl meeting a cat next door. He had hoped this would be good fodder for a week-or-two’s worth of gags. But in the style of most felines, Mooch wandered into the strip and took over.

That was more than 30 years ago. Since then, Earl and Mooch have enjoyed countless adventures, discoveries, and quiet moments together. This dog-and-cat duo remind us not only to seek out joy and whimsy, but they also demonstrate the importance of friendship and understanding. 

It all started when Earl spotted a "snoopy" cat next door.

It wasn't exactly love at first sight ...

... but it wasn't long until they were best friends.

They found benefits in their differences. For instance, Mooch taught Earl how to purr.

And Earl taught Mooch all about "dog language" (among many other tricks). 

They've teamed up for important causes — like belly rubs and world peace,

and speaking up for shelter animals.

Every winter, they hibernate to prepare for the new year.

And in the summer, they vacation down by the shore with their families.

(But often, they sneak away on their own adventures.)   

They always look out for each other.

And they never stop learning from each other.

They might not always share the same perspective ...

... but that's okay, because they don't always need to agree.

The most important thing is their friendship — and they'll be best friends forever and ever.

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