Mutts’ comic creator a devoted friend to animals

By Darcie Borden
June 29, 2005
THE SENTINEL
Earl, the Jack Russell terrier who is the star of the “Mutts” comic strip, returned to his hometown of Metuchen Saturday to meet with his adoring fans at the Raconteur book shop.

He accompanied his owner, Patrick McDonnell, who writes and illustrates the strip.The atmosphere was casual and friendly, and while about 50 fans sipped free lemonade, Earl wandered freely around the store, and McDonnell drew characters from the strip and then gave them away to children. While drawing, he regaled the audience with anecdotes about his life and the characters.