HSUS: 'Mutts' Comic Strip Creator Honors Animal Shelters with Week-Long Series
October 30, 1998
WASHINGTON- Every day, the comic strip 'Mutts' celebrates the relationship between pets and people. From Nov. 1-7, 'Mutts' creator Patrick McDonnell will join forces with The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.
The comic strip creator has inked a special week-long series focusing on the role of animal shelters in the lives of families who can give good homes to dogs and cats.
"'Mutts' is about Earl and Mooch, two happy pets," said Patrick McDonnell, creator of the nationally-syndicated comic strip and an animal lover himself. "I wanted to do a story line about all the cats and dogs in shelters just waiting to be great pets for someone. I'm hoping people will visit their neighborhood shelters, open their hearts, and bring home a new best friend. If even one person adopts a pet because of this special National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week series of strips, I'd be pleased."
According to HSUS Vice President for Companion Animals Martha Armstrong, animal shelters provide valuable services for pet owners and other members of the community in addition to finding new homes for stray and abandoned animals. "The animal shelters are a resource, not only for those looking to adopt a pet, but for current pet owners. Many provide dog obedience classes and low cost spaying and neutering, solve pet behavior problems, hold pet bereavement programs, rescue animals from dangerous situations, and offer other services to help pet owners provide lifelong homes for dogs and cats. We want everyone to visit their local animal shelter to learn about what it does and how to support its programs."
It is estimated that more than 120 million dogs and cats live with American families. At one time or another they and their human caretakers have probably been assisted by a local animal shelter. National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week celebrates animal shelters and reminds residents of the important role they play in communities nationwide.
Note to Editors: The HSUS works with local animal shelters to provide training for personnel and to promote ongoing shelter awareness through a variety of public education activities. Visit The HSUS on the Internet or contact 301-258-8255 for more information about NASAW.
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