A Note From Patrick: June 2019

Hi folks,

Last month I spoke at and attended the National Cartoonists Society’s NCS Fest in Huntington Beach, where I had a great time meeting MUTTS readers, animal lovers, and fellow comics enthusiasts. I was also part of a panel discussing my favorite classic comic strip, Krazy Kat. Thank you to everyone who made the trip out to attend the festival, which looks like it may became an annual event.

Like Mooch, I’ve been dreaming of Africa, and will be spending some time there this summer (where it will be winter). I’ll be bringing my sketchbook as I’m sure this adventure will inspire many MUTTS strips. I’m looking forward to sharing artwork and photos upon return.

Lastly, I’d like to give you another sneak peek from my forthcoming MUTTS anniversary book The Art of Nothing, which will be published this fall. In addition to looking back on MUTTS’ 25-year history in newspapers, the book also features a lot of artwork I’ve created for other media, such as books and magazines.

Sweden was one of the first countries to embrace MUTTS, and Serieparaden magazine published the MUTTS strip almost right from the start. Shown below is an exclusive poster and part of a comic book insert created for the publication. In The Art of Nothing these images will be reprinted with an English translation for the first time.

MUTTS insert for Serieparaden comic magazine — *Serieparaden poster. Pen, ink, and watercolor, circa 1995*

MUTTS comic pages for Serieparaden comic magazine — *Comic book insert for Serieparaden. Original art. Pen, ink, watercolor, and white paint, 1996*

Do you have any animal-related activities or vacations planned for the coming months? I’d love to hear how you’ll be spending the season.

Patrick

Comments (43)

Patrick, thank you so much for sharing your gift! Mutts is my favorite comic strip. Many years ago I bought a Yesh! mug, but it broke. Any idea where I can buy another one? Please let us know if you will ever be in Sacramento, CA. Would you love to come out and meet you!
Kindra

Hi Patrick Thank you for all the efforts to promote adoption. I wonder when or if Guard Dog might have a better life. I know he is an object lesson in how not to treat a dog, but it would sure be nice to see him in a loving home the rest of his life.

As is true of your many other fans Mutts is my absolute favorite and your awareness of how we need to care for our earth and all her beings is another reason I love the strip.

Thanks again,

Sue
Sue Minahan

I can’t wait to add the Art of Nothing to my Mutts collection. Earl and Mooch (and friends) really brighten up my day. This summer I plan to hang out on the deck before and after work with my pup Edward while he protects us from squirrels and bunnies. Edward is part West Highland/part Polar Bear/part T-Rex (or so he thinks) so does not like people (or dogs) which limits his interactions. We rescued him last August when he was 9 yrs old, so we will be having having a Gotcha-versary celebration.
Linda M

I am ordering medication for my cat Teddy as he is terrible afraid of fireworks. They go off around my house for a week or more. Maybe you can help spread the word that fireworks are a danger to animals. Many disappear during that time. Encourage communities to ban individual fireworks and offer a one time community event instead.
Thanks.
Ann Brandt

I just want to say THANK YOU!!! Mutts is my must have every morning to face the world. I always laugh at the adventures in the strip and learn from the Daily Quote. WE have 3 dogs, 4 horses, 2 goats and one gigantic rabbit, that being said, I guess you can see how I can relate to the humor and humanity of MUTTS on a daily basis. Your characters bring hope and laughter in a world that is increasingly crazy, keep up the great work…we need you!
JD

Almost every Saturday, I walk dogs for the local Humane Society. I love walking these dogs, though it kind of makes me wish I could take another (couple) of them home with me.
Sharon

What a great way to start the day with Mutts. Thank you for the smiles
Gene Hendrzak

I am the “Cupcake Lady” at our local Farmers’ Market, as well as the Chair of its volunteer Board. Our first resolution was to rescind the previous ban on dogs attending the market, so I will be spending my summer Sundays dispensing cupcakes and patting dogs. Since well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome, we have even seen several cats, including our own dear (departed) therapy pet, Harry the Wonder Cat. Now our Market is a family again.
Beth Tilbury

Your Africa adventure will surely help raise awareness of the need to stop trophy hunting. Wishing you a wonderful time on that fascinating continent. Every Mutts strip has a message of love you express so beautifully, I love Mutts so much. Thank you Patrick.
Jeanne Antos

My daughter and I went to Africa last August for my 55th birthday. We spent our time at the Mahali Mzuri safari camp. It was an amazing, unforgettable experience. Hope your trip is just as amazing. Safe travels!
Diane

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