MUTTS Cartoonist Draws Attention to NYC Shelter Dogs

The creator of the award-winning MUTTS comic strip has helped to draw attention to dogs and cats who need forever homes through “Shelter Stories.”

Throughout the week, fans of our four-legged friends and the daily funnies can flip to the comics section in one of more than 700 newspapers to see heart-warming true tales of companion animals at Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) as depicted by the pen of Patrick McDonnell. Among the Fidos featured are:

Cindy, who is about to introduce an animal lover to the joys of fostering a dog:

Ralphy, a lost pup who wins the hearts of MUTTS fans when he finds his human:

Mesilla, who woofs the praises of volunteer shelter workers:

…and Sweetness, a shelter dog whose comic strip ends with the start of a happily ever after.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived at ACC of NYC, but what I found was dedicated, driven staff and volunteers, actively involved rescue groups, a supportive community, and adoptable, loving animals,” McDonnell stated. “ACC is rapidly becoming a role model for large-scale city shelters, and NYC should be proud of all that has been accomplished. It was an uplifting experience and led me to create a series of MUTTS strips based on my visit there. My hope is that by telling these stories, readers will be inspired to support their local shelters and to adopt a new best buddy.”

Along with a week’s worth of positive panels that promote the option of pet adoption, canine- and cat-loving comic strip readers will also get the opportunity to watch McDonnell’s visit to one of the largest open admissions shelters in the U.S. in an upcoming episode of Shelter Me. Shelter Me: Hearts and Paws will air on PBS stations nationwide starting in May.

Enjoy a sneak peek at the upcoming episode:

Photo Credit: MUTTS