This daily newspaper comic strip, created by Patrick McDonnell in 1994, is centered on the day-to-day adventures of two companion animals: a dog named Earl and a cat named Mooch. Earl and Mooch interact with each other, their human guardians and a large cast of neighborhood animals.
Mutts explores the special bond between animals and their guardians, and the endearing friendship of Earl, the dog, and Mooch, the cat. It strikes a delicate balance between joy, fun and responsible social commentary. Mutts has been recognized for its distinctive style, heartwarming humor and compassionate advocacy for animal issues.
Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, was a fan of this strip, saying that it’s “one of best comic strips of all time.”
Awards and Distinctions:
Comic Strip Excellence Awards
The National Cartoonists Societyrsquos highest honor, The Reuben, for Cartoonist of the Year (1999)
Six (6) Harvey Awards for Best Comic Strip
Germanyrsquos Max and Moritz Award for Best International Comic Strip
Swedish Academy of Comic Artrsquos Adamson Statuette
Recipient of The National Cartoonists Society Award for “Best Newspaper Comic Strip”
Environmental and Animal Advocacy Awards
Two (2) Genesis Awards from The Ark Trust
The HSUS Hollywood Genesis Award for Ongoing Commitment
PETArsquos Humanitarian Award
Sierra Club Award
Some Honors for Patrick and MUTTS in 2015
Helen Hayes Award for The Gift of Nothing play (at The Kennedy Center) ndash Best Adaptation
Andrew Carnegie Award for excellence in childrenrsquos video
Best Illustrated Books Lists: New York Times; Publishers Weekly
The Skunk: A New York Times Notable Book for 2015
Wanda Gag Honor for best read-aloud picture book
International Literacy Associationrsquos 2015 Childrenrsquos Choice Award
Harvey Awards nomination for best comic strip
Recognized in Dog Fancy Magazine as one of the top 25 ldquoDog World Changersrdquo
His art graced the cover of School Library Journal for their Best Books 2015 issue