MUTTS Creator Kicks off Petco Foundation’s “Love Changes Everything” Campaign

MUTTS creator Patrick McDonnell has always been quick on the draw to help a paws cause. Now the cartoonist who has entertained fans of the daily funnies for over two decades with the comedic capers of Earl the dog and Mooch the cat is drawing attention to adoptable companion animals. On March 4 McDonnell is kicking off the start of the Petco Foundation’s “Love Changes Everything” campaign to help animal welfare organizations from coast to coast.

New York City MUTTS Events

Fans (and their four-legged friends!) in New York City are getting the chance to meet cartoonist Patrick McDonnell at two New York City Petco locations on March 4th:

• The Union Square Petco at 860 Broadway, from 10 a.m. – noon
• The Turtle Bay Petco at 991 2nd Avenue, from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

The events will include the chance for attendees to receive a MUTTS-themed reusable shopping bag autographed by McDonnell for a donation of $10 or more at the Petco location checkout, and for potential pet parents to meet their new furry family member among adoptables from the following New York City shelters and rescue organizations:

• Animal Care Centers of NYC
• City Critters
• Kitty Kind
• Muddy Paws Rescue
• Rabbit Rescue and Rehab

“Nothing makes me happier than when people are inspired to adopt after reading MUTTS,” McDonnell stated. ” I knew that Petco had adoption events in their stores, but I had no idea that they are so connected with all the wonderful companion animal groups — and that the Petco Foundation does so much for them. Their work is truly impressive.”

“Love Changes Everything”– A Nationwide Campaign

Beyond the two big events in the Big Apple, throughout the “Love Changes Everything” campaign (which runs through April 2, 2017), contributions of $10 or more donated at a Petco or Unleashed by Petco store checkout will receive a reusable MUTTS-themed shopping bag.

Donations made will help the Petco Foundation reach its goal of more than 3.1 million dollars to support the efforts of lifesaving animal welfare organizations across the country.

Hosted by actress Kristen Bell, Shelter Me: Hearts & Paws— which aired on PBS stations in 2016– highlighted Patrick McDonnell’s visit to Animal Care Centers of NYC, where he illustrated the need to choose shelter adoption while drawing the faces of dogs and cats who were waiting for the day when they could be part of a family portrait. The episode can be viewed for free online at www.shelterme.tv.

Photo credit of MUTTS creator Patrick McDonnell: Kim Levin; Photo courtesy Shelter Me