Since its release, Patrick's nationally bestselling book Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story has received a warm reception from the press and our incredible MUTTS community (and beyond). This special story has struck a chord with readers, and we’re so grateful to all of you for supporting it. Below, we’ve gathered a few press coverage and reader review highlights, including what some of you have been saying on Goodreads!
Highlights from the Press
Breaking the Chain made an immediate splash, even landing at #20 on USA Today's Best-selling Booklist during its first week in print!
The Daily Cartoonist celebrated the book as part of the MUTTS 30th anniversary, describing it as a meaningful extension of the MUTTS legacy. The writeup also displayed some early MUTTS imagery, including the first week of strips and a clipping from the strip's first day in the Detroit News.
Over at ComicBook.com, an exclusive preview gave readers a first look at Guard Dog’s story, describing it as a touching narrative that advocates for animal welfare. It also highlighted Patrick's skill in addressing real-world issues with warmth and humor.
People Magazine featured an interview with Rob and Marisol Thomas, who wrote the introduction for the book. They discussed how their Sidewalk Angels Foundation aligns with the book’s mission of animal advocacy, and how Guard Dog’s journey resonates with their own work for animals in need.
The team at Graphic Policy offered a heartfelt video review, emphasizing how the story tugs at the heartstrings while tackling serious themes like animal neglect. See the full review below!
Podcasts With Patrick: Conversations About Guard Dog
Patrick has appeared on multiple podcasts recently, joining hosts for great conversations about Guard Dog, the MUTTS comic strip, and advocating for animals through art.
On the "Comic Book Couples Counseling" podcast, Patrick explained why it took so long to unite Guard Dog and Doozy. He also discussed the power of long-form storytelling in comic strips and the spirituality the practice of daily creating awoke in him.
Over at the "Beyond the Cape" podcast, Patrick talked about some of his comic art heroes and about the process of putting together Breaking the Chain. He also discussed the realities faced by real-world guard dogs and about dogs' forgiving nature when they're given a chance at a better life.
What Readers Are Saying on Goodreads
In addition to these reviews, conversations, and news features, Breaking the Chain has inspired an outpouring of thoughtful responses from readers on Goodreads. Longtime MUTTS fans and newcomers alike have shared their reflections on the book’s emotional depth and powerful message, often citing the way Guard Dog’s journey resonates with themes of kindness, second chances, and freedom. Here are just a few highlights from the Goodreads community:
"OMG — this is SO GOOD! A short read, but oh, so impactful. Everyone should read this, then go out and DO SOMETHING for a homeless, neglected and/or abused animal." — Melissa W.
"The most wonderful story and so happy to have it in a book to read whenever I want to. Already read it twice since receiving my copy midday today. A great rescue story." — Cindy R.
"While this will give you a hard-bound copy of the comic strips that so many people were transfixed by, it is much more. There is information of how Guard Dog came to be, and commentary by other people. Patrick gives a narration of the layout of the story and factors that played into the timeline. At the end there are true stories of freed guard dogs. Having the strips all together takes me back to the time when so many of us were reading them on Facebook, sharing them with each other, and commenting — the community that this gave us. So many of us commenting that we were crying, calling out for the chain to be removed, or Doozy's mom to say they would keep him, and then the tears of joy. I bought the book to have the strips all in one place. It gave me much more." — Patty
Waiting on your copy? We recently learned that the second printing of the book is now on its way, and all backordered copies should be shipping to customers by the week of November 18. Signed copies will also be back in stock at the MUTTS Shop at that time. Given the high demand, we anticipate that the second printing may also sell out, so please be sure to reserve your copies while supplies last. (A third printing will arrive in early 2025.)
Thank you to all our readers for supporting Breaking the Chain and embracing its messages of empathy and hope. Every reader who picks up this book helps spread the word and inspire change for animals in need. We're excited for more readers to experience this special story.
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