Mutts on animals in need

The comic strip Mutts, written and drawn by Patrick McDonnell, is breaking my heart this week.

McDonnell is doing a series of shelter stories, so far focusing on pets left behind in foreclosures.

I've been blogging about the mortgage crisis affect on pets for over a year now.

Like I said, it breaks my heart.

Putting pressure on the pres-elect

All this week "Mutts" creator Patrick McDonnell is talking about President-elect Barack Obama and his desire to get a shelter dog.

Here's what I've had to blog about the matter.

You can't read "Mutts" in the Poughkeepsie Journal, unfortunately, but you can read it online at the Washington Post here. That's where I get my daily Earl and Mooch fix.

Michael Cavna, who writes the "Comic Riffs" blog for the Post, interviewed McDonnell about his first foray into the political arena.

Read the interview here.

Halloween comics from 'Mutts'

Patrick McDonnell is doing a week of spooky comics in his daily strip "Mutts."

Here's a link to the Washington Post Web site. Be sure and see the Monday's and all the rest throughout the week.

Goodbye, Earl

My favorite comic strip, which I read on washingtonpost.com, is Mutts by Patrick McDonnell. It is at times poignant, clever, thought-provoking and amusing.

It stars Earl and Mooch, a dog and cat, respectively, whose owners are doting and loving, as well as loved by Earl and Mooch.

Well, sad news tonight that the real-life Earl has died. He was Patrick's companion for more than 18 years. He is survived by Patrick and his wife, Karen, their cat MeeMow, and the entire Mutts family.

At times like these, I give Kate an extra kiss and hug.