In 'Toon with Pets
We first featured Patrick McDonnell in KIND News in 2000. Back then, his comic strip MUTTS appeared in 400 newspapers. Today, it’s in more than 700 newspapers worldwide—and also right here in KIND News! The cartoon’s cast of quirky critters help get the word out about important issues, from homeless pets and endangered species to helping the environment. McDonnell took a few minutes to fill us in on the latest in the world of MUTTS.

KIND News: What do you hope people learn from MUTTS?

Patrick McDonnell: Above all, I hope people come to appreciate all life on this planet. I try to help people understand that animals deserve consideration and respect.

KN: You’re a friend to the environment as well as animals. Why are these topics important to you?

PM: When I’m in my studio trying to think of MUTTS ideas, I spend a lot of time looking out the windows. I find peace and inspiration from all the trees and animals that inhabit my backyard. The world is a very beautiful place. It’s our responsibility to help keep it that way, and to help clean it up when it needs it. Wild animals need a natural environment, including a lot of open space with clean water, air, and trees.            

KN: What are some ways kids can help animals and the earth?

PM: Kids can help a lot! They can talk to their parents, teachers, and friends about making the world a better place. They can do projects at home, at school, and in the community to make people more aware. For example, you can collect pet food and supplies to donate to your local animal shelter.

KIND Star Patrick McDonnell

● gets ideas for Mutts from his own pets, a dog named Earl and a cat named MeeMow. When we talked with McDonnell eight years ago, the two weren’t quite best buddies yet. So how are they today? “Earl is getting very old these days—he’s 18,” McDonnell tells us. “He and MeeMow have grown very close. MeeMow looks out for him when she can. They both like to take naps in the sunbeam on the living room rug.”

● has used his cartoons to help The Humane Society of the United States celebrate events like National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, National Farm Animals Awareness Week, and Spay Day USA.

● has written three MUTTS children’s books. 

● likes to play drums and read in his spare time.

Favorite food: spaghetti. Secret talent: “It’s a secret!” Best advice for kids: Be kind. Web site: www.muttscomics.com. Click “Kids” for Mutts  stickers, coloring pages, games, puzzles and more!