Join our email list to get 15% off your first MUTTS order — and a free comic in your inbox each morning!
Shelter Stories Gifts
The bond we share with our pets is at the very heart of MUTTS. This collection features cherished artwork, Patrick's Shelter Stories book, and adoption-inspired gifts — letting you share the spirit of hope and compassion wherever you go.
SHOP ADOPTION & SHELTER GIFTS
MUTTS Shelter Stories: A Tradition of Advocacy
Back in 1998, Patrick McDonnell created a special week of MUTTS comic strips for National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, featuring stories told through the eyes of shelter animals. Since then, this week-long "Shelter Stories" series has run in newspapers twice a year, shining a light on adoption and fostering, animal shelters, rescue groups, and the simple truth that every animal deserves love and safety.
Over the years, Patrick and Team MUTTS have extended this mission beyond the page through donations, fundraisers, and collaborative awareness campaigns to support animal welfare organizations and the people who make second chances possible.
Our Shelter Stories Collection brings that spirit together — featuring the MUTTS Shelter Stories book, classic comic strip prints, and meaningful gifts inspired by adoption, compassion, and the lifelong bond we share with our pets.
Shelter Stories Comic Strips
These heartwarming strips highlight the importance of “Adopt, Don’t Shop,” celebrate real adoption and fostering stories, and encourage compassion for animals of all kinds.
see more SHELTER STORIES STRIPS
MUTTS Shelter Stories:
Love. Guaranteed.
In this emotive collection, Patrick has paired more than 70 full-color, reader-submitted photographs of adopted animals with over 100 of his popular "Shelter Stories" comic strips.
The book also includes a reference section with an Adoption Guide, and a bookplate that has been hand-signed by Patrick (exclusive to MUTTS)!
Adoption & Animal Shelter Gifts
Making a Difference for Shelter Pets and Other Animals
Helping shelter animals has always been close to our hearts. From donation programs to adoption campaigns, MUTTS continues to support the people and organizations giving pets a second chance.
How does MUTTS support animal shelters?
Since the early days of MUTTS, Patrick has used the power of art and gentle storytelling to raise awareness about pet adoption. Beyond the twice-yearly Shelter Stories comic strips, we donate hundreds of prints each year to shelters and rescue groups for use in raffles, fundraisers, and adoption events. These efforts have collectively helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for animals in need!
Does MUTTS collaborate with shelters or rescue organizations?
Yes! We often partner with animal shelters and advocacy groups to put a spotlight on their work. Past collaborations include awareness or giving campaigns with Animal Care Centers of NYC, St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center, Sidewalk Angels, and Muddy Paws Rescue (among others). We also create helpful content for our website and social media to highlight adoptable pets or raise awareness about important pet welfare issues.
Does MUTTS donate to animal welfare organizations?
Yes! In addition to donating prints to assist with shelter fundraising, we're also a proud member of 1% for the Planet. This means at least 1% of all sales at the MUTTS Shop are donated to nonprofits that protect animals and the environment.
Explore More MUTTS
Love All Animals
Explore our "Love All Animals" collection, inspired by our love for all beings.
LEARN MORE
Gifts for Book Lovers
Discover more books by Patrick, and browse gifts inspired by the stories we love.
LEARN MORE