When he puts pen to paper, Mutts cartoonist Patrick McDonnell doesn't have to look far for inspiration. It's often right at his feet, or sometimes even sleeping on his drawing table. That's where he'll frequently find his beloved animal companion, Meemow the cat. His other animal companion, his dog Earl, passed away last year at the ripe old age of 18. But Earl continues to be a source of inspiration.

Launched in 1994 and syndicated by King Features to hundreds of newspapers worldwide, Mutts and its award-winning creator, McDonnell, do more than depict the animal kingdom; they take the time to help protect it.

Every year, beginning in 1998, the Mutts strip has devoted a week of "Shelter Stories" to mark The HSUS's National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. Each day, Mutts tells another tale—sometimes poignant, sometimes amusing—to focus public attention on animals in shelters and the people who care for them. "Shelter Stories" strips have been reprinted on posters available to shelters around the country.

McDonnell has also helped The HSUS celebrate National Farm Animals Awareness week, the Safe Cats campaign, Spay Day USA, and a number of important animal issues through his cartoons. He has donated reproductions of his strips and copies of his books to benefit The HSUS. 

A resident of New Jersey, McDonnell also volunteered his talent and services to design a new animal-friendly license plate for the state. Sales of the plate will help fund New Jersey's Animal Population Control Fund, a low-cost spay/neuter program.

McDonnell has served on The HSUS' Board of Directors since 2000. He has been the recipient of two Genesis Awards and two commendations, which are bestowed annually by The HSUS Hollywood Office, and is on the Advisory Board of Hollywood Office as well.