Mutts: An Interview with Patrick McDonnell

Teaching While Entertaining

Patrick McDonnell's Mutts comic strip addresses everything from shelter animals to endangered species.

by Katie Marsico

For more than 11 years, Patrick McDonnell has touched hearts and brought forth laughter with the help of Earl the dog, Mooch the cat, and many other lovable animal characters that play a role in his Mutts comic strip. Mutts appears in 20 countries and addresses numerous animal-rights issues, including the importance of adopting dogs and cats from shelters and the plight of endangered animals. Most importantly, Mutts celebrates the human-animal bond and reveals how creatures of every size, breed, and background have the potential to enrich our lives.

We chatted with McDonnell about what inspires him as an artist, his opinions on pertinent animal-welfare issues, and what messages he attempts to convey to his audience.

Tails: What inspired you to begin drawing Mutts?

Patrick McDonnell: It actually took me quite awhile to dive into Mutts. I had been sketching this little white dog with a spot around his eye for a long time. An art director I was working with informed me I was drawing a Jack Russell Terrier, so I went out and [adopted] Earl—a Jack Russell who has now been with us for 17 years. Having Earl around was what actually inspired me to move ahead on Mutts. And, of course, Earl the dog is now one of the primary characters in the strip.


Tails: So you bought Earl from a breeder? That’s interesting—especially since a lot of the Mutts strips advocate adopting from a shelter.

PM: I got Earl prior to my enlightenment. It was before I knew about the vast amount of animals in shelters that need homes. Nowadays, the best compliment I get is when someone writes in and tells me they read my strip and decided to adopt a dog or cat from a shelter.


Tails: Would you say that drawing Mutts has given you a new perspective on animalwelfare issues in general?

PM: Well, I’ve had a love of animals for a long time. I grew up with cats and remember wanting a dog from the time I was a little boy. So that affection was always there. But when I set out to draw Mutts, I wanted the characters to be as animal-like as possible, not just dogs and cats acting and talking like people. I wanted [people] to see the world through animals’ eyes. Working toward that goal, I came to realize that animals have it pretty tough.


Tails: While it’s clear that you use Mutts to advocate adopting animals from shelters, can you name a few other animal-welfare issues that are dear to your heart?

PM: I went to Africa a few years ago, and it’s incredible to me that so many of the animals there are just disappearing. Unfortunately, endangered species exist in a lot of places—I’ve also worked with people trying to save the tigers in India. Since I’m a member of the board of directors of the Humane Society of the United States, I even got the chance to visit Montana with the HSUS. Our trip was related to the issue of the countless buffalo that are being slaughtered there.


Tails: It’s incredible that you’re able to use these adorable, comedic characters to address such weighty issues. For example, Mooch has that trademark lisp. Where did you come up with that?
PM: I’m a big fan of the old-time comic strips, like Popeye, where
characters had a signature way of speaking. I wanted that for Mooch. Not everyone agrees with me, though. I once received a two-page complaint letter from a woman who wrote in and insisted that, were her cat to talk, he certainly wouldn’t talk like Mooch.


Tails: Do you have a cat at home, or is Earl on his own?

PM: We have a cat named MeeMow, who is eight. Earl is still getting adjusted to him, I think. Both animals sit near my drawing table when I work and are a constant source of inspiration to me. Animals have a unique love of life, and they’re very much about living in the here and now. That’s something you don’t always see in people.


Tails: Any ideas about what the future holds for Mutts?

PM: I have a contract for 10 more years, and I still love working
on the strip after more than 11 years. Also, I published my first
children’s book—The Gift of Nothing—in fall 2005. It’s fun to
branch out and experiment with different mediums.


Tails: If you had to choose one message you hope your audience
derives from the strip, what would it be?

PM: I simply hope that people become more aware of the unique bond we share with animals, especially dogs and cats. We live on this planet with countless other living creatures, and it’s important to treat them all with respect.