Posted: December 6, 2008, 5 a.m. EST
The “MUTTS” comic strip set to appear in newspapers Monday, Dec. 8, features the lead characters, Mooch the cat and Earl the dog, talking about the Obama family’s desire to adopt a puppy from an animal shelter.
Creator Patrick McDonnell’s unusually topical storyline, which runs through Saturday, Dec. 13, mirrors the nation’s excitement ever since President-elect Barack Obama promised daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, during his victory speech that they “have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House.”
McDonnell, an animal welfare advocate, has received national recognition for his work, including three Genesis Awards from The Humane Society of the United States. Twice a year during the past decade, he has created a special “MUTTS Shelter Series” storyline in honor of the staff and volunteers who care for the more than 6 million abandoned animals in shelters across the United States.
McDonnell’s comic strips are distributed by King Features Syndicate to more than 700 newspapers worldwide and appear online.
- Read more about the Obama family’s search for a dog -