A Note From Patrick: June 2020

“Cruelty cannot stand the spotlight.” That was the tagline for The Ark Trust, an organization which awarded the media for reporting on animal issues. I have been thinking about those words a lot lately. I am buoyed by recent events bringing so much injustice to light — while deeply saddened that these injustices exist. I feel optimistic that a powerful awakening is coming.

MUTTS readers have an abundance of empathy and a deep sense of justice. We are all in this together to make a stronger, more peaceful world for all.

***

MUTTS NEWS SPOILER ALERT: If you’d rather be surprised with a new twist in the world of MUTTS, please don’t read the following two paragraphs until after June 16.

Friends, I’ve made two longstanding promises with my MUTTS strip. The first: someday Guard Dog will be freed. (Yes, this will happen before too long.) The second: Butchie and his Fatty Snax Deli would go veggie. With a two-week storyline starting Sunday, Butchie will finally see the light.

As a vegetarian for over 30 years and a vegan since 2012, I’ve always felt a little strange drawing the cheeses and salamis that hang over Butchie’s head. I’m feeling better because they will now be plant-based and cruelty-free.

With the pandemic, and understanding the cruelties of raising and processing “meat,” it’s more important than ever to rethink how we treat the animals — and people — on this planet. Going plant-based is a win-win. It’s good for your own health, the health of the planet, and obviously the billions of suffering, factory farmed animals.

Going veggie gets easier and easier. (Millions have already discovered new, delicious meat substitutes.) I ask everyone to do what you can. Even observing Meatless Mondays can save a billion animals each year in the United States alone. If Butchie can do it, so can you.

***

Last month we posted two comic strips that I drew for the MUTTS blog, which were pandemic-themed and written by my friend, author Glen David Gold. Glen suggested that we auction off one of the strips for charity, and I am happy that we can, and will, make this happen. I’ve watercolored the original artwork for this purpose and Heritage Auctions has agreed to host the auction. We’ll keep you updated as this process unfolds.

Stay safe. Stay well. Stay kind.

— Patrick

— Patrick McDonnell
Tagged: News & Events, People

Comments (208)

Lisa, thanks.

Claudia

But some people don’t do well on a plant-based diet, however carefully managed it is. Moreover, everyone on a plant-based diet MUST supplement with B12. Soy consumption is also an issue as many people cannot consume soy (hormonal disruption). Human physiology is NOT that of a herbivore; our gut and our teeth are not designed to metabolize a diet of nothing but plants (excessive oxalates, for instance). One can choose whatever dietary path one wishes, but what ought to be stressed is humane care for livestock raised for food. If vegans were true to their ideology, they would not own carnivorous pets like cats or dogs. They would be better off with rabbits, goats, and guinea pigs as pets.
Love Patrick’s comic strip and artwork, but am tiring of the constant barrage of preachy overtones. Also, have to ask why vegan foods try so hard to resemble real meats and cheeses. That says a lot in itself.

Kimberly

Oops … should have read “might be reading.” Doubt people are being forced to read the strip—at least I hope not!

Cat D

But not for Mooch!

Susanpub

Guard dog makes my heart ache. His being free made my eyes tear. I wish all the guard dogs were free, cared for and loved.

Johna

Thank you, catvetcarrie. I’ve had a number of cats over the decades and have been preaching a lot of what you say for about as long. Cats do not have a choice (nor do dogs). Please, Mr. McDonnell, try not get too preachy on this via the strip.

Kate L. Wall

Humans also have big brains and creative thinking skills, so we are able to figure out ways to get our bodies’ nutritional needs met without meat and other animal products if that’s what we choose to do. We aren’t slaves to our animal nature. I’m pretty sure we learned THAT in biology class in school.

revsharkie

Humans not only don’t need animal protein, but it is harmful to our bodies, not to mention the planet and taking away from starving people. If you watch a video like Fork Over Knives, it will explain a lot. I encourage you to watch it. It’s on Netflix and maybe other places.The doctors who have done a lot of research and studies explain it well. There are many more movies, books, and articles that are great sources of information on this subject. There is no shaming going on here. I encourage you to seek out information on this subject.

Tammy

Cats do have to have protein though. But this is a human deli. Interesting dilemma for Patrick.

Tammy

Great reply, thanks!

Jeanne Kaiser